By Tim Gorman 

Tanning beds are no longer the exclusive domain of the salons. People, anxious for convenience, cleanliness and privacy, are bringing them home. Tanning bed manufacturers are marketing beds for every kind of home use -- from the very portable to the solid and professional style you could previously only see at a salon. There are many tanning bed options and you should be able to find one that suits your needs and your wallet if you look around.

Horizontal tanning beds are one home option. These tanning beds, also called capsules or clamshells, are relaxing and soothing. Comfortable benches and room to "flip over" are critical features to look for in a horizontal tanning bed because to get a nice, even tan, you will be spending time on both your belly and your back.

Vertical tanning beds are another very popular option. Sometimes referred to as "stand-ups" or tanning booths, these tanning beds have the advantage of tanning you all over at once, which cuts down the time you will spend in the booth.

In a different category altogether are the portable tanning beds. Solariums, which are small units that will tan only one part of your body at a time, are cheap and convenient. The disadvantage is obvious -- a solarium only tans one part of your body at a time. Larger portable tanning beds usually have wheels; they can be fairly easily moved from area to area and have better tanning coverage. Portable tanning beds are easy to store and great for small spaces. Depending on your tanning needs, space and finances, a portable tanning bed might be the perfect type of tanning bed for you.

With either the horizontal or vertical tanning bed, it is important that you evaluate the placement of the ultraviolet lights and the reflectors. This system is what actually tans you, so it’s important that they cast an even reflection so that you get an even tan!

The most important part of any tanning system is the lighting and reflecting. You should make sure that the tanning bed you purchase uses a low UVA to UVB ratio in the lamps. They should also be high pressure lamps as well. This is important for your health safety. Proper UV ratios will help (not prevent) reduce skin damage, which brings us to the last point -- safety. No one under 18 should use a tanning bed.

Tans are damaged skin and those under 18 are at an especially high risk of excess damage. Do not get carried away by the convenience of having a tanning bed at home. It is too easy to become overexposed and harm your skin. Follow guidelines carefully and stop tanning when you’ve got some color. Light-skinned people and people with freckles have skin that damages easily. People with moles and lesions should never get into a tanning bed. Always check with your doctor if you see something unfamiliar on your skin.