How to Build a Tanning Routine: 5-Step Regimen

Hello gorgeous tanners! Jessie-Lee King here, your Salon Manager and Tanning Expert at MEGATAN. I'm absolutely thrilled to share my ultimate 5-step tanning routine with you. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your journey to a beautiful glow, this guide is designed to help you achieve and maintain a stunning, natural-looking tan safely and effectively. We're all about that radiant skin here, and that means looking after it every step of the way!

Tanning isn't just about applying a product; it's a ritual, a self-care moment that, when done right, leaves you feeling confident and glowing from the inside out. This regimen covers everything from preparing your skin to prolonging your tan, ensuring you get the very best results from your MEGATAN products. So, let's dive in and unlock the secrets to your best tan yet!

Step 1: Prep Your Skin – The Foundation of a Flawless Tan

Before any tanning session, proper skin preparation is non-negotiable. Think of it like painting a wall – you wouldn't skip sanding, would you? Exfoliating removes dead skin cells, creating a smooth canvas for even tan application. This prevents streaks, patches, and ensures your tan fades gracefully. Pay extra attention to drier areas like elbows, knees, ankles, and hands.

• Exfoliate: Use a gentle, oil-free exfoliator 24 hours before your tanning session. This allows your skin's pH to rebalance.
• Hair Removal: Any waxing or shaving should also be done at least 24 hours prior to tanning to avoid irritation and ensure follicles are closed.
• Moisturise Strategically: On the day of your tan, apply a light, oil-free moisturiser to very dry areas like elbows and knees. This acts as a barrier, preventing these areas from absorbing too much product and turning darker than the rest of your body. Avoid moisturising everywhere else, as it can hinder tan development.

Remember, a well-prepped skin is half the battle won for a beautiful, streak-free tan!

Step 2: Choose Your Tanning Method & Product Wisely

This is where the fun really begins! At MEGATAN, we offer a fantastic range of products to suit every tanning preference. Whether you're hitting the sunbeds, enjoying the great outdoors (responsibly!), or opting for a gorgeous cosmetic glow, we've got you covered.

• For Indoor Tanning (Sunbeds): Accelerators and bronzers are your best friends. Products like Power Tan Non-Stop Black Bronzing Butter are fantastic. This DHA-Free Hybrid UV Sunbed Tanning Accelerator, sold in a 250 ml bottle for £20, uses exclusive bronzing agents and emollients for a streak-free, natural-looking tan and features Algotan P to support the tanning process. For those who love a bit of heat, ProTan Beaches & Créme Sizzling Butter at £15.97 delivers a deep, red-hot tan with a tingling sensation and intense skin nourishment. If you're looking for a white bronzer, Seven Suns Tan Thrill White Bronzer for £25.2 gives instant cosmetic colour and deeper tan over time with DHA-based boosters. And for your face, don't forget Power Tan Outer Dark Face Maximiser, a bronzer-free facial accelerator at £12.49 with a refreshing watermelon crush scent, perfect for delicate skin.

• For Outdoor Tanning (with Sun Protection!): Safety first, always! While our indoor tanning lotions don't contain SPF, you absolutely need sun protection when outdoors. Malibu Clear All Day Protection Spray SPF 20 (250ml) for £8.99 is a brilliant choice. It's a clear, chemical sunscreen spray with Vitamin E and Shea Butter for hydration, water-resistant, and provides broad-spectrum protection. Remember, a tan is your body's response to damage, so always protect your skin from harmful UV rays to prevent sunburn and long-term damage.

• For a Cosmetic Glow (No UV Required): If you want an instant radiance boost without UV exposure, our shimmering body lotions are perfect. 2bTanned Glow Drip - VIP Bronze (100ml) for £15 is a shimmering body lotion that delivers a radiant, wet-look glow for face and body. It has light-reflecting particles, a hydrating base, and a lovely coconut fragrance. It's fantastic for enhancing an existing tan or faking it 'til you make it!

Always patch-test any new product 24 hours before full application to check for allergies or sensitivities. Your skin will thank you!

Step 3: Application & Tanning – The Art of the Glow

This is where you bring your chosen product to life! For indoor tanning lotions, apply evenly all over your body right before your session. For cosmetic bronzers, apply with a mitt or your hands, blending well.

• Even Coverage: For lotions, use a tanning mitt to ensure smooth, even application. Start from your legs and work your way up, using sweeping motions. For sunbed lotions, apply a generous layer and rub it in thoroughly.
• Hands and Feet: Use residual product on your mitt or hands for these areas. Lightly buff over knuckles and ankles to avoid dark patches.
• Indoors: Follow the recommended session times for your skin type and the sunbed type. Never over-expose! Listen to your skin.
• Outdoors: Apply SPF liberally 20 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours, or more frequently after swimming or sweating. Seek shade during peak sun hours (11 am - 3 pm).

A beautifully applied tan looks natural and radiant, not patchy or orange. Take your time with this step, it makes all the difference!

Step 4: Aftercare – Nurturing Your New Tan

Once your tanning session is complete, or your cosmetic bronzer is applied, the aftercare begins. This step is crucial for developing a deeper tan, preventing fading, and keeping your skin healthy and hydrated.

• Post-Tanning Shower: For DHA-based products (whether sunless or some bronzers like Seven Suns Tan Thrill White Bronzer or Soleo Sexy Carrot Bronzer at £10), allow the product to develop for the recommended time (usually 4-8 hours) before showering. When you do shower, use lukewarm water and a gentle, pH-balanced wash. Pat your skin dry, don't rub.
• Hydration, Hydration, Hydration: This is key! Moisturise daily, ideally twice a day, to keep your skin supple and prevent your tan from flaking. Hydrated skin retains its tan for longer. Look for rich body butters or lotions. Seven Suns Bronze Delight Tanning Pudding for £25.2 is a double-action accelerator with instant bronzers in a creamy pudding texture that deeply hydrates and nourishes. It's fantastic for extending your glow.
• Avoid Harsh Products: Steer clear of products containing harsh chemicals, sulphates, or alcohol, as these can strip your tan and dry out your skin.

Moisturising is your secret weapon for a long-lasting, even tan. Don't skip it!

Step 5: Maintain & Extend – Keep That Glow Going!

You've put in the effort, now let's make that beautiful tan last as long as possible! Maintenance is all about consistency and smart choices.

• Gradual Tanners: To top up your colour between sessions, consider a gradual tanning lotion. These contain a small amount of DHA, allowing you to build and maintain your tan subtly.
• Regular Moisturising: As mentioned, this is paramount. The more hydrated your skin, the slower your tan will fade.
• Gentle Exfoliation: Once your tan starts to fade unevenly, a light exfoliation can help remove any patchy areas, preparing your skin for your next full tanning session. Don't overdo it, though!
• Boosters and Maximisers: For sunbed users doing follow-up sessions, continue using your accelerators or bronzers like Synergy Tan Cherry Me Black Bronzing Accelerator at £22, which is a hot bronzing accelerator with a tingling sensation, infused with cherry, grapes, fig, and Kakadu Plum.

By following these steps, you'll not only achieve a stunning tan but also ensure your skin remains healthy, happy, and radiant. Remember, tanning is a journey, not a destination, and with the right routine and products from MEGATAN, you'll be glowing confidently all year round!

If you have any questions or need personalised advice, don't hesitate to pop into MEGATAN or reach out to our team. We're always here to help you shine!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does a sunbed tan usually last? A: The longevity of a sunbed tan varies depending on your skin type, how well you prepare your skin, and your aftercare routine. Generally, a sunbed tan can last anywhere from 5 to 10 days. Regular moisturising and using tan-extending products can help prolong it.

Q: Can I use outdoor tanning lotions on a sunbed? A: No, it's not recommended. Outdoor tanning lotions often contain SPF, which isn't needed or effective in a sunbed and can block the UV rays. Sunbed lotions are formulated specifically to work with UV lamps, maximising your tan while providing skin conditioning. Always use lotions designed for indoor tanning, like Power Tan Non-Stop Black Bronzing Butter.

Q: What's the difference between a bronzer and an accelerator? A: An accelerator helps speed up your natural tanning process by stimulating melanin production. A bronzer, like Soleo Sexy Carrot Bronzer, contains cosmetic colourants (instant bronzers) or DHA (delayed bronzers) to give you immediate colour or a deeper, longer-lasting tan over time. Many lotions combine both for the best results.

Q: How often should I exfoliate if I'm tanning regularly? A: Exfoliate 24 hours before each tanning session to ensure an even application and prevent patchiness. However, avoid over-exfoliating between sessions as this can strip away your tan. Gentle daily moisturising is more beneficial for tan maintenance.

Q: Is it safe to tan every day? A: Tanning every day is generally not recommended as it can lead to overexposure and skin damage. For sunbeds, it's advised to leave at least 48 hours between sessions to allow your tan to develop fully and to protect your skin. Always follow salon guidelines and listen to your skin's needs.