Essential Tanning Bed Tips for Beginners: Get It Right the First Time

Pre-Tanning Preparation

Determine Your Skin Type

Before tanning, determine your skin type (Type 1-6) to know how to tan safely and effectively. You can use the Fitzpatrick Scale to understand your skin type and how it reacts to UV exposure.

If you have Type 1 or Type 2 skin, you can check out tanning bed tips to help you achieve a tan quickly and safely.

Understand how your skin type affects your tanning journey and desired goals.

Prepare Your Skin

Prepare your skin before tanning to achieve the best results efficiently:

• Exfoliate your skin the day before tanning to remove dead skin cells.

• Remove hair from your skin using waxing or hair-removing creams at least 48 hours before tanning sessions to allow the skin to calm down and reduce any irritation.

• Moisturise your skin before tanning to keep it healthy and hydrated.

• Apply a light moisturiser over your entire body after exfoliating or scrubbing.

Pre-Tanning Preparation Steps

This table highlights essential steps to prepare your skin before tanning, ensuring safe and effective results.

Step	Details
Determine Your Skin Type	Use the Fitzpatrick Scale to assess your skin's reaction to UV exposure and determine how to tan safely.
Exfoliate	Exfoliate your skin the day before tanning to remove dead skin cells for an even tan.
Remove Hair	Shave or use hair-removal creams 48 hours before tanning to reduce irritation.
Moisturise	Apply a light moisturiser to keep your skin hydrated before tanning.

Choosing the Right Tanning Bed and Lotion

This table explains the types of tanning beds and lotions, helping you select what’s best for your tanning journey.

Option	Details	Best For
Low-Pressure Bed	Mimics natural sunlight, with UVB rays for quick results.	Building a base tan.
High-Pressure Bed	Emits more UVA rays for a deeper tan.	Achieving a darker, longer-lasting tan.
Bronzer Lotion	Adds instant colour to the skin while tanning.	Quickly achieving a darker look.
Tingle Lotion	Stimulates blood flow for a deeper tan; causes a tingling sensation.	Advanced tanners looking for intense results.
Hypoallergenic Lotion	Designed for sensitive skin, reducing irritation.	People prone to skin sensitivity.

Select Your Perfect Bed

Consult your tanning consultants in the salon to decide which bed will work best for you and what you would feel most comfortable using. Some people opt for a stand-up tanning bed over a lay-down bed as they feel lay-downs can feel too enclosed and claustrophobic.

Consider your tanning preferences and your skin type when choosing a tanning bed.

Look for factors such as the bulb count, type of bed, size, and the features they contain to suit your tanning experience.

Choose A Tanning Lotion

Consider your skin type and Select a tanning bed lotion designed for indoor tanning.

Accelerators - Formulated to speed up natural melanin production. They are suitable for all skin types and tones and are used to build a base tan.

Bronzers - Similar to Accelerators, bronzers add instant colour to the skin to help you appear darker quickly. There are different formations of bronzers, ranging from natural bronzers to dark DHA bronzers for a darker colour.

Tingles - These lotions are recommended for advanced tanners who do not burn. They stimulate blood flow to the surface of the skin to allow UV rays to penetrate deeper. They cause a hot, burning, tingling sensation to the skin that can last for a few hours.

Depending on your preferences and tanning goals, once you have achieved a base tan, consider incorporating Bronzing or Tingle lotions into your tanning routine.

If you are prone to sensitive skin, opt for a hypoallergenic tanning lotion.

Tanning Bed Safety and Etiquette

Protect Yourself During a Tanning Session

• Always use protective eyewear to protect your eyes from UV rays.

• Complimentary protective goggles are available for use on each tanning bed.

• Only go on a sunbed with proper eye protection.

Tanning Bed Tips for Beginners

How to Use Tanning Beds

• Start with a shorter tanning bed session and gradually increase the time.

• Choose a stand-up or lay-down tanning bed, depending on your preference.

• Consult with the tanning consultants in your salon to help you decide, especially if it is your first tanning session.

• Select a tanning bed that suits your skin type and desired tan.

Post-Tanning Care

This table provides essential aftercare steps to ensure your tan lasts longer and your skin remains healthy.

Step	Details
Hydrate	Drink water before and after tanning to replenish moisture.
Avoid Showering Immediately	Wait 4 hours after tanning for lotions to fully absorb.
Moisturise	Use a moisturising tan extender to hydrate skin and maintain your tan.
Avoid Hot Water	Use lukewarm water to avoid drying out your skin.
Exfoliate Gently	Exfoliate weekly to remove dead skin and ensure an even tan.

After Tanning Skin Care

• Drink plenty of water before and after your tanning sessions to replenish the skin's hydration and moisture.

• Allow up to 4 hours before showering after a sunbed session to allow the tanning lotions to absorb fully into the skin.

• Use a moisturiser after showering to soothe and hydrate your skin.

• Opt for a moisturising tan extender to prolong your tan and keep it looking healthy.

• Apply a moisturiser daily to avoid skin dryness caused by UV rays and heat.

Maintaining Your Tan

How to Make Your Tan Last Longer

• Regularly moisturise your skin after tanning.

• Choose a tan extender to hydrate and maintain your result for a longer-lasting tan.

• Avoid using hot water or harsh products on your skin.

• Exfoliate your skin gently to remove dead skin cells and promote even tanning.

Additional Tips

Maximise Your Tanning Experience

• Feel free to ask for help from tanning salon staff.

• Start with a shorter tanning session and gradually increase time to what you feel comfortable with.

• Choose a lotion that suits your skin type and desired tan.

• Experiment with different lotions and techniques to find what works best for you

• Consider your tanning preferences and skin type when determining how often to tan.