How to Tan Faster on a Sunbed

Hello, gorgeous tanners! Jessie-Lee King here, your friendly Salon Manager and Tanning Expert at MEGATAN. We all love that sun-kissed glow, and sometimes, we want to achieve it a little quicker, don't we? If you're looking to maximise your sunbed sessions and get a deeper, faster tan, you've come to the right place. I'm going to share all my insider tips, product secrets, and essential safety advice to help you achieve your tanning goals effectively and responsibly.

Understanding How Sunbeds Work

Before we dive into speeding things up, it's good to understand the basics. Sunbeds emit UV light, primarily UVA and a controlled amount of UVB, which stimulates your skin's melanin production. Melanin is the pigment that gives your skin its colour. The more melanin produced, the darker your tan. The key to a good tan isn't just about blasting your skin; it's about stimulating melanin safely and effectively over time, and then enhancing that process.

The Golden Rule: Preparation is Key

You wouldn't paint a wall without prepping it first, right? The same goes for your skin! Proper preparation is crucial for an even, long-lasting, and faster tan.

• Exfoliate: Gently exfoliate your entire body 24-48 hours before your sunbed session. This removes dead skin cells, creating a smooth canvas for an even tan. Think of it as polishing your skin!
• Moisturise: Hydrated skin tans better and holds a tan for longer. Start moisturising daily a few days before your session. Healthy skin reflects light differently and responds better to UV exposure.
• Shower: Always shower before your session to remove any perfumes, deodorants, or make-up. These can create a barrier or react with the UV light, leading to uneven tanning or skin irritation.

Supercharge Your Tan with Accelerators and Bronzers

This is where the real magic happens, my friends! Tanning lotions specifically designed for sunbeds are NOT just moisturisers. They are packed with ingredients that accelerate melanin production, nourish your skin, and often provide an instant bronzing boost. NEVER use outdoor tanning lotions (the ones with SPF) on a sunbed – they can damage the acrylic and won't help you tan faster indoors.

Accelerators (No Bronzer)

These lotions focus purely on boosting your skin's natural tanning process without adding cosmetic colour. They're fantastic for building a base tan and for those who prefer a purely natural result. They often contain tyrosine, an amino acid that helps stimulate melanin.

For example, the Power Tan Outer Dark Face Maximiser, priced at £12.49, is a fantastic bronzer-free facial accelerator. It's beginner-friendly and helps develop a natural facial colour while soothing and hydrating delicate skin with a refreshing watermelon crush scent. It's vegan too!

Natural Bronzers (DHA-Free)

These lotions contain natural extracts and ingredients that provide an immediate cosmetic bronzing effect, giving you a hint of colour straight away, but without DHA (Dihydroxyacetone). This means no self-tanner smell or potential for streaks. They work by enhancing your skin's natural tone. They're great for a quick boost or if you're sensitive to DHA.

Take the Power Tan Non-Stop Black Bronzing Butter (DHA Free) Hybrid UV Sunbed Tanning Accelerator, for £20. This bronzing butter blends exclusive bronzing agents and emollients for a streak-free, natural-looking tan. It even features Algotan P to support the skin's tanning process.

DHA Bronzers / Hybrid Bronzers

These are your go-to for a really deep, dark tan. They combine melanin-stimulating ingredients with DHA, a sugar derivative that reacts with the amino acids in your skin to create a darker, cosmetic tan. This means you'll see instant colour from the bronzer, which then develops further over a few hours, giving you a much darker result than a pure accelerator. Always apply these evenly and wash your hands thoroughly after use!

The Seven Suns Tan Thrill White Bronzer, priced at £25.20, uses DHA for a deeper tan over time, alongside instant cosmetic colour and skincare actives. Another fantastic option is the Soleo Sexy Carrot Bronzer for just £10, which combines bronzing agents with carrot-derived ingredients for a deep, golden tan. And for a truly luxurious experience, the Seven Suns Bronze Delight Tanning Pudding at £25.20 offers instant bronzers in a creamy pudding texture for an immediate chocolate-toned glow, plus deep hydration.

Tingle Lotions

For the adventurous tanner who wants maximum results! Tingle lotions contain ingredients that increase microcirculation and oxygenation to the skin's surface, enhancing the tanning process. You'll feel a warming, tingling, or even slightly itching sensation – this is normal! They are not for beginners and should always be patch-tested first. Avoid using them on your face unless specifically formulated for it.

If you're ready for a sizzle, try ProTan Beaches & Créme Sizzling Butter for £15.97. It's a tingling accelerator for a deep, red-hot tan with an ultra-rich body butter texture. Or, for a fruity kick, the Synergy Tan Cherry Me Black Bronzing Accelerator at £22 is a hot bronzing accelerator with a tingling sensation, infused with cherry, grapes, and fig.

Consistency and Smart Tanning

• Gradual Sessions: Don't rush it! Shorter, more frequent sessions are generally more effective and safer than long, infrequent ones. Build your tan gradually over a few days or weeks.
• Listen to Your Skin: Pay attention to how your skin reacts. Redness means you've had too much UV. A tan should be a golden glow, not a burn.
• Rotate Positions: If you use a lay-down sunbed, subtly shift your position during your session to ensure all areas get even exposure. Lift your arms, shift your hips, etc.
• Eye Protection: ALWAYS wear proper eye protection. Your eyelids are not enough to block UV rays, and repeated exposure can cause damage to your eyes. This is non-negotiable!
• Hydrate Internally: Drink plenty of water before and after your session. Well-hydrated skin looks healthier and retains its tan better.

Post-Tanning Care for Longevity

Once you've achieved your desired shade, the work isn't over! Maintaining your tan is key to making it last, which means you'll need fewer sessions in the long run.

• Moisturise, Moisturise, Moisturise: This is the golden rule for tan longevity. Use a rich, hydrating moisturiser daily to keep your skin supple and prevent it from flaking. Look for ingredients like shea butter, hyaluronic acid, or aloe vera.
• Avoid Hot Showers and Harsh Soaps: Extremely hot water and strong soaps can strip your skin of its natural oils, causing your tan to fade faster. Opt for lukewarm showers and gentle, pH-balanced cleansers.
• Pat Dry: Don't rub your skin vigorously with a towel after showering; gently pat it dry.
• Extend Your Glow: Consider using a tan extender lotion, which often contains a small amount of DHA to gradually deepen and prolong your tan between sunbed sessions.

To give your tan an extra pop and make it look even more radiant, you could try something like the 2bTanned Glow Drip - VIP Bronze. For £15, this shimmering body lotion delivers a radiant, wet-look glow for face and body with light-reflecting particles and a hydrating base, perfect for enhancing your existing tan.

Safety First, Always!

While we all want a beautiful tan, your skin health is paramount. Here at MEGATAN, we advocate for responsible tanning.

• Know Your Skin Type: Understand your skin's phototype. If you burn easily, you'll need to be extra cautious and limit your exposure.
• Never Burn: A tan is your skin's protective response to UV. A burn is damage. Never, ever aim to burn to get a tan.
• Follow Session Guidelines: Adhere to the recommended session times provided by the salon and the sunbed manufacturer. These are based on lamp strength and safety guidelines.
• Patch Test: Always patch test new tanning lotions on a small area of skin 24 hours before full application, especially tingle lotions, to check for any adverse reactions.

Remember, sunbeds are for responsible, controlled tanning. If you're going outdoors after a sunbed session, always protect your skin from natural UV. A product like Malibu Clear All Day Protection Spray SPF 20 (250ml) for £8.99 is a great option for broad-spectrum sun protection, formulated with Vitamin E and Shea Butter for a hydrating feel.

By following these expert tips and incorporating high-quality sunbed lotions into your routine, you'll be well on your way to achieving a faster, deeper, and more beautiful tan, all while keeping your skin healthy and happy. Happy tanning, everyone!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I use a sunbed to get a faster tan? A: To build a base tan quickly, you might start with 3-4 sessions per week for the first 1-2 weeks, ensuring there's at least 24-48 hours between sessions. Once you've achieved your desired colour, you can reduce this to 1-2 sessions per week to maintain it. Always listen to your skin and never overdo it.

Q: Can I use outdoor tanning oil on a sunbed? A: Absolutely not! Outdoor tanning oils and lotions containing SPF are not suitable for sunbeds. They can damage the acrylic surface of the sunbed and often don't contain the specific ingredients needed to accelerate melanin production indoors. Always use lotions specifically formulated for indoor tanning.

Q: What's the difference between an accelerator and a bronzer lotion? A: An accelerator primarily boosts your skin's natural melanin production, helping you tan faster and deeper without adding cosmetic colour. A bronzer lotion contains ingredients that provide instant cosmetic colour (like a temporary stain) along with the tanning accelerators, giving you an immediate darker look that then develops further.

Q: Will a tingle lotion make my tan much darker? A: Tingle lotions are designed to increase microcirculation to the skin, which can enhance the tanning process and lead to a deeper, more intense tan. However, they cause a warming, tingling, or reddening sensation and are not suitable for everyone, especially those with sensitive skin or beginners. Always patch test first.

Q: How long does it take to see results when trying to tan faster on a sunbed? A: With proper preparation and a good accelerator or bronzer lotion, you can often start to see a difference in your skin tone after just 2-3 sessions. A noticeable, deeper tan usually develops over 1-2 weeks of consistent, responsible tanning.

Q: Why is moisturising so important for a faster and longer-lasting tan? A: Hydrated skin is healthy skin, and healthy skin tans more efficiently and holds onto its tan for much longer. Dry, flaky skin will shed its tan quickly. Regular moisturising helps keep your skin supple, preventing premature fading and ensuring an even, radiant glow.