Tanning is very common in our society because people want to look their very best. The added glow of a golden tan certainly is more appealing than being too pale. For many people, indoor tanning fits their schedule and gives them the results they are looking for. However, indoor tanning isn't a good option for everyone and you need to make that determination for yourself.

The most dangerous part of indoor tanning stems from the UV rays in the bulbs. They will allow you to get the same results as you do from the sun but in less time. If you burn in the sun after 30 minutes then you don't want to tan indoors for more than 10 minutes per session. Allowing yourself to get sunburned will increase your risk of being diagnosed with skin cancer later on.

You need to limit your exposure to UV rays based on the sensitivity of your skin. Getting burned during those indoor tanning sessions is every bit as dangerous to your health as the sunlight outdoors. Start out by tanning for just a few minutes at a time. You can slowly increase that amount of time if you aren't turning red.

While there is no research to indicate that tanning while pregnant is harmful to the fetus, you need to be very careful. Most doctors will tell you to avoid indoor tanning for the duration of your pregnancy. This is just to make sure you aren't going to end up harming yourself or the unborn baby in any way.

Indoor tanning can reduce the effectiveness of various prescription medications though. Make sure you discuss this with your doctor. If your medications aren't as effective as they should be, you could end up very ill. This is a health risk that simply isn't worth taking in order to get a tan.

All indoor tanning facilities should be wiping down the tanning areas with a cleaning solution after each person has used it. If you don't think this has been done prior to entering the tanning area, ask to speak to the manager. Since many people tan indoors naked, you don't want to compromise your own hygiene.

You should be concerned about the cleanliness of the tanning salon you visit as well. It is standard practice for each tanning area to be cleaned with a solution designed for this and a clean towel. If you don't see this process taking place then you need to say something immediately.

Pay close attention to the changes in the temperature as well. Your body may not be able to adjust. I became extremely ill once due to tanning on a cold rainy day. The changes from the outdoor temperature, to the tanning bed, and then back into the cold was too much in such a short span of time. I ended up with the chills and feeling like I was going to pass out.