If you're like most people, you love having that summer, sun-kissed glow. To keep it all year round, try tanning beds, which you can find at many salons and spas. These beds tan your skin using UV rays generated by fluorescent bulbs. Tanning beds are not exactly the same as tanning in natural sunlight, though, so you need to learn special steps to protect yourself. Here are 6 easy ways to start:

* Know your limits. You need to know what the maximum amount of exposure you can tolerate is. Every tanning bed varies in shape, size, and intensity, but they are required by law to display their maximum exposure limit, so you should be able to determine your limits. Usually, you won't want to tan for longer than 20 minutes per session, and never more often than 2 days consecutively.

* Protect yourself. This is especially important in terms of your eyes, which are particularly susceptible to UV radiation. Don't just close your eyes - wear goggles! If your tanning salon doesn't provide them, bring your own. You should also wear lip balm to protect your lips, and nose plugs to protect the delicate mucous membranes of your nostrils.

* Start slow. Gradually work up how much time you spend in the tanning bed. Start by spending 4-5 minutes in your first sessions, and build up your exposure over a few weeks. In 3-4 weeks, you can probably safely handle the amount of exposure for the specific bed you use.

* Use lotion. Just like sunlight, tanning beds expose your skin to potentially dangerous UV rays. To protect your skin from skin cancer and UV radiation, use protective lotions, which are probably available at your salon. To get a natural-looking tan, choose lotions that contain vitamin A and beta-carotene.

* Clean up. If you're using your personal bed, always disinfect your bed with an antibacterial cleanser before and after each use. This will reduce the risk of transmitting certain diseases and lice. If you're using a bed in a public salon, make sure the management cleans them between uses, and don't be afraid to ask for a free hygienic wipe.

* Keep a breeze going. Overheating is a common problem in tanning beds, but it is too often overlooked. You can help prevent this problem simply by using a fan. If your bed is not equipped with an internal fan, just position one outside the bed that will circulate air on it as you're tanning.

It's important to do your research and know the risks and dangers. If you're easily susceptible to sunburns or have sensitive skin, a self-tanning product or spray tanning booth might be a better choice. But if you use them responsibly, tanning beds will keep you looking fresh from the beach all year long!