Many people who enjoy achieving a sun kissed glow through indoor tanning consider purchasing their own bed. Although the initial outlay is a lot of money, in the long term you will be saving considerably on trips to the tanning salon, not to mention how much more convenient it is to have a tanning bed in your home. If you are lucky enough to have the space for a home tanning bed, here is what you need to know if considering investing in one.

One worry many tanning enthusiasts have about buying a home tanning bed is what level of maintenance they require. Modern tanning beds are well designed and require very little care. The surfaces need a quick wipe after every use as a build up of dust over the tanning bulbs can reduce the bed's efficiency. Once a year you should give the bed a thorough clean which will take around an hour if done properly. Lastly, you should change the bulbs every three to five years, depending on frequency of use.

The second consideration for people is generally the cost, as although buying your own tanning bed will save you money in the long run if you are a frequent visitor to a tanning salon, the initial outlay can be quite high. It is prudent to remember that money should not be your first consideration - the safety and reliability of the tanning bed should be. Spend time reading online reviews of home tanning beds, speak to salon owners to see what models they rate highly, find other people that have already purchased one, speak to retailers - anything you can think of that will help you find the perfect bed for you. Once you have identified one or more great makes and models then start shopping around for a good price. If you already have a specific tanning bed in mind, comparing prices on the internet will be easy. Don't forget to check out local retailers too though just in case you are missing a bargain. If the manufacturer has just brought out a new bed you may find you can get a significant saving on older models as retailers make way for the new stock.

If you are on a strict budget, consider buying a used tanning bed. You can sometimes get a good bargain from a private sale, where you buy direct from the owner, and this may be your cheapest option. But in many instances it is best to buy from a dealer who specialises in selling on used tanning beds. This is because the dealer will check the bed is in good working order and will replace the bulbs and acrylic shield. Most reputable dealers will also supply you with a warranty so you are covered if your second hand tanning bed breaks down shortly after purchase.

When choosing a tanning bed you will need to consider size as it must be long enough for you to lie comfortably in, but space may be an issue if your room is not very big. Most beds either come in lengths of around 6ft or 7ft. UVA versus UVB levels should be another consideration. UVB rays are considered a bigger contributing factor to skin cancer, although UVA is also a carcinogen. Also think about ease of use when selecting a bed, such as the accessibility of the controls and inbuilt safety features.

Finally, when you have purchased a home tanning bed remember to stick to the manufacturer's recommendation. The novelty of owning a home tanning bed should not tempt you to exceed the recommended tanning time, nor should you use the tanning bed daily, otherwise you may end up risking the physical condition of your skin and your health.