Tanning Bed
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A tanning bed may seem like a harmless device, but in reality it is a very complex and potentially dangerous piece of medical equipment. The UV rays that are emitted inside a tanning bed should be taken as seriously as the rays of the sun. In fact, they should be taken even more seriously since the skin is closer to the source. Knowing the proper techniques for reclining in a tanning bed can not only ensure a more even tan, but protect your skin and eyes.

How to Lay Down in a Tanning Bed

Place the goggles on your eyes when you get into the tanning bed. Closing your eyelids is simply not enough protection and can potentially result in severe eye damage.

Stretch out on your back with your arms outstretched by your sides so that your palms are up. This will ensure full tanning on the front side of your body. Be aware that resting your arms or fingers against your body will result in uneven tanning, so leave room between your arms and torso. Flip over onto your stomach and place your arms by your side, this time with palms down. Place your arms above your head when you are laying on your back, instead of down by your sides, if you wish to avoid the problem of having noticeably white, untanned skin beneath your arms. Some people even prefer to place their arms above their heads both while on their back or their stomach in order to avoid this problem.

Lay on one side, then turn and lay on the other side. This will ensure that you don't wind up with white stripes down your sides. Just make sure you lay on each side for the same amount of time.

Bend your knees up slightly to avoid a problem commonly known as "butt moons." Butt moons are simply a thin patch of skin that does not get tanned because the buttocks and the top of the legs squeeze together to prevent UV rays from getting to them. They are usually only noticeable when you bend over, but they can be particularly noticeable on a person with a dark tan. Bending the legs usually takes care of this.