Who doesn't get excited when they get something for free? Salons and manufactures give out free samples of their tanning bed lotions all the time, and we usually just can't wait to try them out. But wait! Using the wrong tanning lotion can be very dangerous!

Here is what you need to know to protect yourself while still enjoying free samples of great products.

First, if you are new to tanning, you're probably confused about which lotion you should use. While some salons offer wonderful advise, others take your money and let you figure it out on your own. But don't worry - differences in tanning bed lotions are easy to understand once you get the hang of it.

While building your base tan, use the lotion labeled, "accelerator." This is the first step in the process, and will speed up your tanning at first, but eventually you will stop getting darker. When that happens it is time to go to a "Step 2" lotion. The steps are usually labeled 3, 4, 5, and so on after that, and you will always know it's time to move up a step whenever you stop getting darker.

BUT, it is important that you never skip steps. Skipping steps causes burning that can lead to permanent skin damage, and it does not speed up your tan. This is where you must be careful when it comes to using free samples. Check the labels as carefully as you would if you were purchasing the product. If the right "step" is not available, don't go up a step OR down a step - reversing will reverse your tan.

Remember, just because it is free doesn't mean it's the right product for you.