Summary: Planet Fitness is a popular gym chain known for its affordable pricing and tanning services. Tanning is a great way to get that perfect summer glow, but it’s important to know how often you should tan to avoid damaging your skin. In this article, we’ll explore how often you can tan at Planet Fitness, what factors to consider, and how to protect your skin while tanning.
1. Understanding Tanning
Tanning is the process of darkening your skin by exposing it to UV radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. When exposed to UV rays, your skin produces melanin, a pigment that gives your skin its color. This can range anywhere from a light tan to a deep bronze. While some people prefer to have a year-round tan, it’s important to remember that exposure to UV radiation can be harmful to your skin.
UV radiation can damage the DNA in your skin cells, leading to premature aging, wrinkles, and even skin cancer in extreme cases. That’s why it’s important to tan responsibly and limit your exposure to UV radiation. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends avoiding tanning entirely and using self-tanning products instead. However, if you do choose to tan, there are certain precautions you can take to protect your skin.
One of the best ways to prevent skin damage when tanning is to limit the amount of time you spend in the sun or tanning bed. It’s also important to use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and to wear protective clothing like hats and sunglasses. Additionally, you should avoid tanning if you have any skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis or if you’re taking any medication that increases your sensitivity to UV radiation.
2. How Often Can You Tan at Planet Fitness?
Planet Fitness offers tanning services to its members as part of its Black Card membership. The tanning booths use special bulbs that emit UV rays similar to those of the sun, allowing you to achieve a natural-looking tan indoors. However, it’s important to limit your tanning sessions to avoid damaging your skin.
According to Planet Fitness, members with the Black Card membership can use the tanning facilities for up to 10 minutes per session. It’s recommended that you wait at least 48 hours between tanning sessions to allow your skin time to recover. This will help prevent overexposure to UV radiation and reduce the risk of skin damage.
Your tanning schedule will depend on your individual skin type and needs. If you have fair skin, sensitive skin, or a history of skin cancer, you should be especially cautious when tanning and may want to limit your exposure to UV radiation even further. It’s also important to pay attention to how your skin reacts to tanning and adjust your schedule accordingly. If you notice any signs of sunburn or skin irritation, you should stop tanning immediately and wait until your skin has fully healed before tanning again.
3. Tips for Safe Tanning at Planet Fitness
Here are some additional tips for safe tanning at Planet Fitness:
1. Always wear eye protection. The UV rays emitted by tanning booths can damage your eyes, so it’s important to wear goggles or sunglasses during your session.
2. Start with shorter sessions. If you’re new to tanning or haven’t tanned in a while, start with shorter sessions to give your skin time to adjust to UV radiation.
3. Monitor your skin for changes. Pay attention to any changes in your skin, including moles, freckles, or new spots. If you notice any changes, consult with a dermatologist to determine if they’re benign or require further testing.
4. Alternatives to Tanning
If you’re concerned about the risks of tanning, there are several alternatives you can try:
1. Self-tanners: Self-tanning products like lotions, sprays, and mousses can give you a natural-looking tan without the need for UV radiation. Look for products that contain DHA, a safe and effective ingredient that reacts with the amino acids in the outer layer of your skin to produce a temporary tan.
2. Bronzing powders and creams: Bronzing powders and creams can also give you a temporary tan without exposing you to UV radiation. These products can be easily applied to your face or body for a natural-looking glow.
3. Body makeup: Body makeup like bronzers, highlighters, and body shimmers can be used to enhance your natural skin tone and give you a subtle glow without the need for UV radiation. These products can be especially useful for special occasions like weddings or photoshoots.
Conclusion:
Tanning can be a great way to get that perfect summer glow, but it’s important to know how often you can tan to avoid damaging your skin. At Planet Fitness, members with the Black Card membership can use the tanning facilities for up to 10 minutes per session. However, it’s recommended that you wait at least 48 hours between tanning sessions to allow your skin time to recover. Remember to always wear protective eyewear and to limit your exposure to UV radiation to protect your skin. Consider using alternative methods like self-tanners, bronzing powders, or body makeup if you’re concerned about the risks of tanning.