Technically, it is healthier to tan indoors than outdoors. There are UVA rays and UVB rays. UVB are the bad rays, and the bulbs in indoor tanning beds can regulate the amount of B rays you are exposed to. With the sun you can not. Indoor tanning will be less likely to produce skin cancer, but will, however, make it worse if you have already contracted it. Make sure you ask questions about the bulbs that your tanning salon has. Make sure they are browning/bronzing bulbs, make sure they have very little UVB, and make sure they are changed within half of their lifespan. Example: if they are good for 1,000 hours they should be changed every 500-600. Also make sure you use lotion. Dry skin will not tan, the UV rays will bounce off of it. Moist skin tans much better and much healthier. It is also better to take a shower before you tan because your body produces natural oils that will keep your skin from turning brown. Hope this helps!