• Find out your skin type as this is the basis for the calculation of your exposure time

• If you are taking medicines, ask your doctors advice

• Use only sun cosmetics specially adapted for sun bed use

• Always wear eye protection (i.e. UV goggles)

• Take a break from tanning for 4 weeks once a year

• Only use a sun bed once daily and do not tan in the natural sun on the same day

The advantages of indoor tanning, at a glance
- Why the sun can brighten your day -

Sunlight is an important source of vitamin D which is essential for the body's absorption of calcium, vital for healthy teeth and nails. Calcium also regulates the growth and repair of bones and strengthens the immune system.

The antibacterial qualities of the sun's rays and their exfoliating effect on the skin work to alleviate the effects of skin disorders such as acne, eczema and psoriasis.

Sunlight is a well-documented mood-enhancer, and is believed to alleviate 'seasonal affective disorder' related depression (which affects more than one million people in the UK annually).

The sun's rays have been found to have an effect similar to insulin on the body, lowering the concentration of glucose in the blood, and so are thought to play a role in preventing diabetes.

Skin contains squalene, a chemical that is converted to cholesterol if it receives insufficient sunlight.

Studies have shown a correlation between lack of sunshine and increased blood pressure.

Sunlight passing through the eye stimulates the part of the brain that regulates mood, body temperature and sex drive. If insufficient light passes through, these functions can slow down.

There is evidence that sunlight can help prevent cancers of the breast, colon, prostate and ovaries, heart disease and multiple sclerosis.