Tanning salons will also often offer discounted tans if you purchase a monthly membership. If this is your first time using a tanning bed, only schedule an appointment for a single use. This way, if you do not like the results or if you decide tanning beds are not right for you, you are not committed to paying for a membership.
Since the lamps in low and medium pressure tanning slowly emit the UVB rays, there is a risk of getting a sunburn. If you burn easily, consider using an alternative method.
If this is your first time tanning, refrain from using the high pressure tanning bed until you have become more experienced with the process. High pressure tanning builds a tan quickly, and if you are not readily familiar with the process you can easily wind up with tan lines.
If you are worried about having to flip and rotate your body inside of a tanning bed, book an appointment for a vertical tanning booth. You will get a 360 degree coverage just by standing with your arms and legs spread.
Ask what kind of cleaner the staff uses on the beds. Traditional glass cleaner will not remove or kill bacteria. A good way to determine the reputation of a tanning salon is by checking the customer reviews online. Read how customers like the tanning service and cleanliness of the place. If there are a significant amount of negative reviews, or even a few negative reviews that unsettle you, look for a different tanning salon.
Note any medication you are currently taking to avoid any side effects from getting the tan. [4] X Research source While there are no laws against tanning if you are pregnant, tanning salons do reserve the right to turn you away. Tanning while pregnant can cause you to overheat, become dehydrated, feel ill, or even throw you into preterm labor. If you are pregnant, speak with your doctor and review the policies at the salon before booking an appointment. [5] X Research source
You don’t necessarily have to tan outside to accomplish this. Simply take a few walks in the park, or partake in another outdoor activity. Still apply ample amounts of sunscreen to avoid burning or over exposing your skin.
Avoid using harsh soaps that will dry out or coat your skin with a residue. Soaps with shea butter or cocoa have natural moisturizing properties. Don’t forget to moisturize your lips as well. Your lips can easily dry out and burn while tanning, so make sure to apply a thick coat of your favorite SPF lip balm before laying in the tanning bed. [7] X Research source
After receiving your tan, wait at least 24 hours to resume your normal beauty and skin care routine. Makeup and fragrant lotions can still cause irritation to your skin while the tan is settling.
Do not use any outdoor tanning lotions or oils. Not only will these outdoor products not be effective, but the compounds might actually damage the tanning equipment.
If you opt for tanning nude, make sure to apply ample amounts of moisturizer to any areas that you believe will become irritated from the UV rays. Use a washcloth, hand towel, or tanning stickers provided by the salon to cover your nipples and genitals for most of your tanning session. Once you have experienced multiple tanning sessions, covering yourself will become less necessary. [9] X Research source Some tanning salons do not permit nude tanning, so find out what the policies are before you strip down. [10] X Research source
The UV rays will also yellow acrylic nails, so ask a staff member if they have coverings you can use to protect them.
You can avoid getting pale circles, or “raccoon eyes,” from the goggles by sliding the goggles periodically throughout your tan. Just do not remove or lift the goggles completely. Never wear contact lenses while tanning as they can dry out or damage your eyes.
Depending on the salon, you may also have to close the lid to the tanning bed and turn the machine on when you are ready to start. Make sure you know how all of these functions work before laying down in the bed.
The timer is set by a staff member beforehand with a time determined by the skin analysis form you filled out. If you have fair or sensitive skin, your first tanning time will most likely not exceed 6 or 7 minutes. If you have a base tan or darker skin, your tanning time can be as long as 20 minutes. [13] X Research source
If you want to particularly tan the skin underneath your arms, lift your arms over your head for a few minutes to tan.
If there is not enough room inside the tanning bed for you to bend both of your knees at the same time, bend one knee for a few minutes and then switch to the other.
If you are getting your tan in a vertical booth, you do not have to worry about rotating your body to receive an even tan.
If your skin feels particularly dry, rehydrate it by generously applying moisturizer.
Safely expose your skin to the sunlight to keep the bronze pigment in your tan. If you constantly conceal your skin after receiving your tan, it will quickly fade.
