Never tanned before looking for where to begin.

[bethmeira]

This seems a bit overwhelming. I have been to two different salons for prices, etc. One only has those wolff beds, the other has so many different tanning beds, it made my head spin. How do I decide where to go? Do you use suntan lotion like a spf 8 before you start the bed or does lotion defeat the purpose of tanning? I burn really easily in the sun so I want to be careful. One salon has one of those "expert salon 2003" stickers. Does this make a difference. Thanks for the help.

Beth

[Anya1976]

you use a lotion yes but not an spf. you should not start out long enough in any bed to burn. NEVER let yourself burn either. i personally don't think the "expert salon" sticker makes a difference since some salons will have that and the employees will still know nothing.well if u dont know where to tan maybe start at one and if u end up not liking it move to the next. make sure they skin type you and if they are going to put u in for the full time personally i'd leave since if they are going to do that then they will burn you and it's not worth tanning there. maybe peruse the site and see what lotions we talk about since we have alot of info on different lotions to use especially for beginners.

[StarryEyes]

Ask the employees about the beds. If one knows nothing about thebeds, but the other is knowledgable, that should tell you something. Other factors to consider, how clean is the facility, do many people tan there (places are usually popular for a reason), and how often they change their lamps. Do not use SPF in a bed, unless you are trying to protect a certain area from the UV. Use a indoor tanning lotion (check out love it or shove it for ideas). I would reccomend Emerald Bay Dark 'n Dazed, Designer Skin Drama Queen, Swedish Beauty Swedish Hemp Creme, or Synergy Brown Envy. For your face definetly use Saving Face by Designer Skin. it's hypoallergenic and is wonderful for sensitive skin. You will also need a moisturizer, such as Fully Loaded by Fiesta Sun. Check out other thread such as FAQ for newbies, etc to learn more about the basics of tanning.
As for the sticker, sometimes they are reliable as to the professionalism of a salon, but other times it can mean nothing. It's best to go by what you are seeing in person than just a sticker. Welcome to the board!

[Anya1976]

oh yea and always ALWAYS use eye protection

[camarolynn73]

I am a very fair skinned person. I started out using Australian Gold Dark Tanning Accelarator with Hemp. It's a basic lotion. I started at 5 minutes but you might want to go for 4 minutes. Whatever you do you don't use a tingle or hot action lotion to start out on. try a basic lotion with no tingle or bronzer.