Buying a Sunbed
If sunbeds are a regular part of your beauty regime you may find that you are spending a large portion of your disposable income on regular trips to the tanning salon. As well as being considerably more convenient, a home sunbed can be a cost effective solution and the tan you achieve will be just as good as you would get from a commercial sunbed. But what do you need to know before purchasing one?
The first thing you need to consider is whether you have the space to install a home sunbed. sunbeds generally come in lengths of between 6 and 7 foot. If you are lucky enough to have the room for one then it is time to start researching what make and model is most suited to your needs, for instance look at how user friendly the controls are and what inbuilt safety features are included. Visit retail outlets and ask for advice from sales assistants about which models have the most to offer or, for less biased advice, search online for consumer reports. If the staff at your tanning salon are approachable, ask them for their recommendations.
Having thoroughly researched the best sunbeds, your next step is to find a great deal. Sunbeds do not come cheap, but there are discount sunbeds available if you know where to look. Compare deals online and look at auction sites that may well have a selection of sunbeds at much less than the recommended retail price.
If your budget is very tight, consider a second hand sunbed. Private sales can be a high risk option as there is no guarantee as to the reliability of the bed. There are, however, small businesses that specialise in cleaning up and reconditioning second hand sunbeds before selling them on. With this option, you can be reasonably sure you are getting a good deal and most second hand dealers offer a three month warranty
When considering whether to purchase a home sunbed it is important to bear in mind that there are some inconveniences which you do not experience when using commercial sunbeds. For instance, you will be solely responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of your new purchase. The good news is, sunbeds are low maintenance. They require cleaning with a damp cloth after every use to keep the bed working efficiently, as a build up of dust or tanning lotion can reduce the effectiveness of the UV bulbs. Once a year the bed should be given a thorough clean with a product specially formulated for use on acrylic. The sunbed bulbs need to be changed every 4 to 5 years, depending on frequency of use.
Without the luxury of salon attendants you are responsible for your own safety. Be aware of what tanning supplies you must buy, such as protective goggles and a good tanning lotion. Your sunbed should come with a manual which includes the recommended time limits for your tanning sessions. Although having a sunbed in your own home may be a novelty, do not be tempted to exceed the recommendations as this can compromise your health.