Even though there are spray tans and other sunless tanning options, you prefer the classic tanning bed to give your skin the lasting golden hue you desire. A major benefit of indoor tanning is that you achieve an even, golden tan that can last up to a month.

That being said, indoor and outdoor tanning exposes your skin to UV rays, which can be damaging and drying, causing premature aging. Here are ways you can keep your skin youthful looking for longer, even if you prefer to use traditional methods of keeping your skin summer-ready.

Your tanning salon specialist will give you a recommended schedule for tanning based on your current skin tone, the color you wish to achieve, and how long you want to keep your tan. Use an alternating tanning method schedule year-round to best manage your tan.

There are two ways you can actually over-tan your skin, potentially exposing it to dryness, premature aging, and other unwanted side effects. The first way is to stay in the tanning bed too long in a single session. The second way is to tan too often in a single week.

Many tanning salons require their customers to wait up to 48 hours before returning to a tanning bed, or at least make a strong recommendation against daily visits. This rule is to protect you and your skin, not to prevent you from being able to tan. Talk to your tanning salon specialist about tanning times so that when you do visit the booth, you aren't abusing your skin by staying in the bed too long.

Remember this: The more you visit a tanning bed, the darker and possibly more unnatural your tan can become. Take your natural skin and hair color into consideration as you tan so you gain a noticeable glow that is beautiful and not over-done. If you are too tan, reduce your tanning bed visits until your skin fades to a lighter tone (this can take up to a month).

It may sound ridiculous to wear sunscreen when you are outdoors if you are attempting to maintain your tan, but reducing your skin's exposure to harmful UV rays can actually prevent damage from tanning, thus allowing you to have a more successful indoor tanning experience.

If you are worried about fading your tan, especially if you don't plan on regular visits to the tanning salon, then invest in a sunless tanning lotion with UV protection. Your tanning salon specialist will assist you in choosing a lotion that contains both a sunscreen and moisturizing agents, such as vitamin E, Shea butter, and aloe.

Exfoliation is key to keeping your skin staying soft and sleek and preventing it from drying out when you use an indoor tanning bed. Gently exfoliate your skin with a loofah or body wash when you bathe or shower, paying close attention to your knees, elbows, ankles, and wrists.

After exfoliating, apply lotion that is moisture-rich with ingredients like coconut, cocoa, and flaxseed oils to your skin. The more moisturized your skin is, the better able it is to remain tight and be able to rejuvenate itself, allowing your skin to remain younger looking for longer.

You can still take care of your skin while chasing a beautiful summer glow, even if you want to be yearround tan. Ask our tanning salon experts at Golden State Tanning Studio what type of tanning solution is best for your needs.