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Having worked in a tanning salon for 2 and a half years I would like to say I know a thing or two about tanning.

Humans were meant to tan. This is why we produce melanin. It is a defense that our skin uses to protect us against the sun. This is a totally natural defense. Whether you are 3 or 30 your skin is designed to produce this.

I am not advocating the teenager to go tanning on a daily basis but occasionally with the proper supervision and precautions is perfectly safe. Do not rush yourself to get that gorgeous tan. It will and should take time. You should always start out slow with just a few minutes. Five tops for the first exposure. However, this also depends on the bed you are using. If using a very high powered bed this may need to be reduced to just 2 or 3 minutes. You must then gradually work your way up to full time. This could take a few weeks if not a month or more.

Always keep yourself well moisturized. The tanning salon does not sell you lotion just to waste your money. It really does have a purpose. Healthy skin is well moistened skin. If you skin is not healthy it will not tan. You should always apply a tanning lotion before exposure to the lights. Immediately following your exposure you should then apply a well moisturizing lotion. It is also recommended that you apply lotion after your shower to help restore the moisture that you have lost in the water.

You should also be sure to apply lotion at least once a day on the days that you do not tan as well. This will make your skin look and feel healthy. It will also help on the lifespan of your tan. What is the sense in spending the cost of your tanning package and lotions if you will not help to protect your tan.

The next thing you must do is, each and every time you tan you must use protective eye wear. I know we do not like to have the awful raccoon eyes of white with our gorgeous tanned bodies, but it is a necessity. Tanning with exposed eyes or just our eyelids for protection will damage you eyes. It can lead to spots in your vision or blindness.

Protective eye ware has come a long way. Ask your salon for alternatives that they may have to the clunky plastic goggles that most salons provide for free. They do make a sticker type goggle that fits better and will stay in place without leaving tan lines.

There are also times when minors should tan. If you are from a region that does not get a lot of sun exposure, and you are planning to travel to a area that does, you should always tan first. If you do not, you will most likely burn. A sunburn on vacation will not only cause lifetime damage your skin but will ruin your trip. If we condition our skin before we go we are less likely to burn and have a bad vacation.

They key to minors being able to tan is they should always be supervised in this activity. They must be educated so they will know all of the risks. With this help they will be better capable of making the proper decisions.

Learn more about this author, Cee Peterson.
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