Dear TanningBeds.org,

How is the best way to maintain a tan? I just got back from the beach and, as in years past, have a good dark tan. Every year I’m unsuccessful in keeping that deep color and it fades. I lay out when possible but sometimes have to resort to a tanning bed when the weather isn’t cooperating. I’ve heard about High-Pressure tanning beds but, honestly, get lost in all the jargin. And the tanning packages on those are expensive. When it comes to tanning beds, frequency of usage, and type of lotion what do you recommend to keep my beachy color?

Angie
———————————-

Dear Angie,

I don’t mean to sound like a sales pitch, but it sounds like you want to stay really dark all year round, and the only way to do that is with a tanning bed. There really isn’t any cheats on this one. Your choices are either the salon or a home tanning bed. If you tan all year round, almost every day, then a home system is definately cheaper. Our sponsor sells a 24 lamp bed starting at about $2000 including shipping, and it is commercial grade.

If a salon is more to your choosing, you can find packages in the $30 per month range or cheaper if you sign up for a whole year. High pressure beds are another alternative, because you typically only go once or twice per month after you have the tan, but they are pure UVA and a big more intense than some people would like. They also cost a lot more.

Be syre to use a good moisturizer, find a good tanning lotion to use, and never let yourself burn (burns actually reduce tanning ability). Remember: Each of us has a limited potential to tan. If you are Irish and freckled, you are not going to get as dark as someone of Brazilian decent, no matter what you do. Be careful not to expect too much, or fall into the “tanning addiction” end of the spectrum. UV can be very healthy, but too much isn’t good either.

Dennis