Instructions

1

Start off short if you are new to or just learning how to use a tanning bed. By this I mean to limit your first session or two, do not stay in the tanning bed for a complete session instead cut it down to half the time or even less for very fair or easily burned skin.
2

Apply a good tanning lotion before climbing into the tanning bed. This will help prevent your skin from drying out but will also help you to achieve a beautiful golden tan. (This is one of the best tips passed on to me when I was first learning how to use a tanning bed)
3

Avoid putting on any perfume, deodorant or using strong soaps before using a tanning bed. These irritants added to the sweat and heat provided by the tanning bulbs can cause unsightly rashes and other uncomfortable effects.
4

Cover your goodies. Keep your genitals and nipple areas covered. If left exposed you may find wearing clothes or simply walking to be unbearable tasks. These areas of your body are not generally exposed to the sun so the skin is more sensitive and vulnerable to burning.

If you are just getting into or learning how to use a tanning bed this can be one of the best tips you received. Learning this the hard way (first hand) is a painful experience!!
5

Minimize exposure or perhaps add a dab of sunscreen to your armpit area. As with your other sensitive areas the armpit is not accustomed to good amounts of sun exposure and a tanning bed will provide the same obstacle for this sensitive area.
6

Keep your eyes closed and covered when tanning. If you are not sure how to use a tanning bed safely then chances are you don't own the little eye protectors that long time users already own, luckily though most salons will provide you with some mini eye protectors. So make sure you take advantage of these as you can and will very likely burn your eyes causing serious issues if not protected.
7

Make sure using a tanning bed is allowed if you are taking any prescription medication. Sometimes tanning can cause certain side effects or reactions with some medications.
8

Place a small easily identifiable sticker (playboy bunny or flower) in a desired location (abdomen, breast or shoulder) before getting into the tanning bed to give yourself a cute little temporary tattoo. The sticker will prevent the UV bulbs from tanning the area beneath the sticker leaving the skin lighter than the rest of your body.

(I learned this cute trick from a very close friend who taught me how to use a tanning bed and blessed me with her hands on knowledge when I first started!)