Tanning beds can provide a quick and convenient way to achieve a tan, especially during the colder months when it is more difficult to get a natural tan from the sun.
While the intensity of UV radiation from tanning beds can be higher than that of the sun, the duration of exposure is generally shorter.
One minute in a high-pressure tanning bed is equivalent to 2-4 minutes of sun exposure, while 10–20 minutes in a low-pressure tanning bed is equivalent to 2 hours of sun exposure.
You can also use tanning beds to treat certain skin conditions, such as psoriasis, by exposing the skin to UV light.
Some people may feel that they look better with a tan, and tanning in a tanning bed can help them achieve the desired look.
On the other hand, tanning in tanning beds can increase the risk of skin cancer.
Aside from that, tanning beds can cause premature skin aging, like wrinkles, age spots, and loss of skin elasticity.
Tanning beds can cause eye damage, including cataracts and corneal burns.
Tanning beds can be addictive, and people may become dependent on them when they want to achieve an attractive look.
Tanning bed time depends on a number of factors, including your skin type, the intensity of the tanning bed, and your individual tolerance for UV radiation.
Always follow the instructions provided by the tanning bed manufacturer and consult with a healthcare professional before using a tanning bed.
If you do choose to use a tanning bed, the following chart can provide some general guidance on tanning bed times based on skin type.
If you have very fair skin that always burns and almost never tans, avoid tanning beds at all costs.
For instance, fair skin burns easily, and tans minimally, so spend 3-5 minutes in the tanning bed.
Medium skin type, burns moderately, and tans gradually. You can spend 5-8 minutes in the tanning bed.
On the other hand, olive skin burns minimally and tans well. You can spend 8–10 minutes in the tanning bed.
Brown skin rarely burns and tans very well. You can spend 10–12 minutes in the tanning bed.
Dark brown or black skin never burns and tans well. According to this, you can spend 12–15 minutes in the tanning bed.
For instance, it is possible to see a noticeable difference in skin color after using a tanning bed for just two days.
As we already mentioned, it depends on your skin type, the intensity of the bulbs, and the duration and frequency of your tanning sessions.
People with fair skin may see a color difference more quickly than those with darker skin.
Remember that any visible changes in skin color after just a few tanning sessions are likely due to increased blood flow to the skin rather than a lasting tan.
If you’re looking for an ultimate guideline on a tanning bedtime chart, we introduce estimates based on skin type and tanning weeks.
Very fair skin (ivory skin tone)
First week: 2-3 minutes per session
Second and third week: 3-5 minutes per session
Fourth and fifth weeks: 5-7 minutes per session
A sixth week and beyond 7-10 minutes per session
Fair skin (beige skin type)
First week: 3-5 minutes per session
Second and third week: 5-7 minutes per session
Fourth and fifth weeks: 7–10 minutes per session
A sixth week and beyond 10–12 minutes per session
Medium skin type
First week: 5-7 minutes per session
Second and third week: 7–10 minutes per session
Fourth and fifth week: 10–12 minutes per session
A sixth week and beyond 12–15 minutes per session
Olive skin type
First week: 7–10 minutes per session
Second and third week: 10–12 minutes per session
Fourth and fifth week: 12–15 minutes per session
A sixth week and beyond 15-20 minutes per session
People with darker skin tones (brown and dark brown skin types) naturally have more melanin, which provides some protection against UV damage from the sun and tanning beds.
Still, they can experience skin damage, including sunburns, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer.
Using sunscreen is the safest option for maintaining healthy skin when exposed to the sun or the UV rays in the tanning bed.
Remember, body heat tanning hours can vary depending on your skin type and skin’s health conditions.
Always consult a dermatologist before getting a tan in the tanning bed, especially if you have fair or sensitive skin.
The tanning rules in a different tanning beds
The time it takes for a tanning bed to get dark depends on several factors, including the kind of tanning bed, the intensity of the bulbs, and the individual’s skin type.
Most tanning beds have a timer that can be set for different durations, typically ranging from 8 to 20 minutes.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and do not exceed the recommended time for your skin type to avoid overexposure to UV radiation, which can increase the risk of skin damage and skin cancer.
Exfoliate your skin before tanning to remove dead skin cells that may block the UV rays from reaching your skin.
Avoid using oil-based products, moisturizers, and perfumes, as they may cause skin irritation and affect your tan’s effectiveness.
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to all exposed skin before using a tanning bed. It can help reduce the risk of sunburn and skin damage.
Wear protective goggles or eyewear designed for tanning beds to protect your eyes from UV radiation.
Use a moisturizer before and after tanning to keep your skin hydrated and reduce the risk of skin damage.
Different tanning beds may have various instructions, so read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Gradually build up your exposure time to avoid burning or damaging your skin. Start with a short session (5–10 minutes) and gradually increase the time over several sessions.
Limit your tanning sessions to no more than once every 48 hours, and avoid tanning too frequently or for too long in a single session.
Regularly examine your skin for any unusual moles or spots, and consult a dermatologist if you notice any changes or have concerns about your skin’s health.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that people avoid using tanning beds altogether and instead opt for sunless tanning products.
If you’re a beginner to tanning beds, start slowly and build up gradually to avoid overexposure to harmful UV rays.
First week:
Start with a session of 4-5 minutes in a low-intensity tanning bed.
Wait at least 48 hours before your next session.
Second week:
Increase your session time by 1-2 minutes, but still use a low-intensity bed.
Wait at least 48 hours before your next session.
Third week:
Increase your session time by another 1-2 minutes, or switch to a slightly higher intensity bed if you feel comfortable.
Wait at least 48 hours before your next session.
Fourth week and beyond:
Gradually increase your session time by 1-2 minutes, or switch to a higher intensity bed if you feel comfortable.
Wait at least 48 hours before your next session.
Choose a tanning bed with the appropriate strength for your skin type. The higher the intensity, the shorter the time you should spend in the tanning bed.
If you get tanned in the stand-up tanning bed, stand in the center of the bed and rotate your body every few minutes to ensure even tanning.
Although stand-up tanning beds can provide a quick and even tan, they come with risks and may not be suitable for everyone.
Stand-up tanning beds may not be suitable for people with certain medical conditions, such as skin sensitivity, or those taking certain medications, so consult a dermatologist or a healthcare professional before using them.
Stand-up tanning beds emit more UV rays, which can increase the risk of skin damage, premature aging, and skin cancer.
Also, stand-up tanning beds are stronger than traditional ones, and it’s easy to overexpose your skin, which can cause painful sunburns.
However, stand-up tanning beds allow you to get quick and efficient tanning because they have higher-intensity lamps and bulbs that emit more UV rays than traditional tanning beds.
Also, stand-up tanning beds allow you to rotate your body, ensuring even tanning on all parts of your body.
Since you stand upright in a stand-up tanning bed, there is less pressure on your body compared to lying down, reducing the risk of developing pressure points.
Aside from that, some people find standing more comfortable than lying down for extended periods.
On the other hand, the UV rays emitted by tanning beds can damage your eyes, so wear protective goggles while tanning.
Finally, stand-up tanning beds can be more expensive than traditional ones, and the bulbs need to be replaced more frequently, adding to the overall cost.
Remember that tanning beds in salons are categorized into different levels based on the intensity of the UV radiation they emit.
Level 1: These tanning beds have the lowest intensity and lowest wattage bulbs. They’re ideal for people with fair skin who are new to tanning or want a more subtle tan.
Level 2: These beds have slightly higher intensity bulbs than level 1 beds and may have a longer maximum session time.
They are a good choice for people who have built up a base tan and want to see more significant results.
Level 3: These beds have even higher intensity bulbs than level 2 beds and may have additional features like facial tanners.
They are a good option for people with a solid base tan who want to achieve a deeper, longer-lasting tan.
Level 4 and higher: These are the highest-intensity tanning beds, with the strongest wattage bulbs and the longest session times.
They are not recommended for beginners or people with fair skin, as they can increase the risk of overexposure and skin damage.
Although higher-level tanning beds may provide faster results, they also carry a greater risk of skin damage and cancer.
We recommend using lower level tanning beds and building up gradually to avoid overexposure to UV radiation.
Remember, UV radiation for tanning can increase your risk of skin cancer and premature aging.
Note that UV index is the strength of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or UV rays in the tanning beds. It ranges from low – 0 to extreme – 11+.
The higher the UV index, the greater the risk of skin damage from exposure to the UVA and UVB rays.
Also, UV radiation from tanning beds can damage the eyes, causing cataracts and other eye problems.
Tanning beds can weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to beat the infections.
How to improve tanning results in the tanning beds?
First, choosing the appropriate tanning lotion and tanning accelerator for tanning beds can make a difference in the results you achieve and how quickly you see them.
Remember, different skin types require different products, so it’s essential to know yours before selecting a tanning lotion or accelerator.
Fair-skinned individuals may need a sunscreen lotion with a lower level of DHA, while darker skin types may benefit from a higher level of DHA.
Do you want a gradual tan or a more significant, immediate color change? Knowing your goals will help you select the right product.
A gradual tanner may prefer a lotion with a lower level of DHA, while someone looking for a deeper tan may opt for a higher level.
Also, always choose a tanning lotion or accelerator that contains quality ingredients to nourish and moisturize your skin, like aloe vera, vitamin E, and natural oils.
Tanning lotions and accelerators can have different scents, from fruity to floral to earthy. Choose a scent that you like, and you will enjoy the tanning experience.
Look for consumers reviews online to get an idea of how well a product works and if it’s ideal for your skin type and tanning goals.
Aside from that, choose a tanning lotion or accelerator from a reputable brand that has been around for a while and has a good reputation for quality products.
Some tanning lotions and accelerators contain bronzers that can leave streaks or stains on your skin or clothing.
Avoid these types of sunscreens and tanning accelerators or wear loose-weight clothes when you apply these products.
If available, use a higher-level tanning bed since it will emit more UV radiation, allowing you to achieve a darker tan faster.
Also, tanning more frequently, but not too much, can help you build and maintain your tan.
Still, avoid tanning too much because it can damage your skin.
To ensure an even tan, rotate your body every 1-2 minutes while tanning so that all areas receive equal exposure to UV radiation.
Drink plenty of water, teas, and fruit juices before and after tanning to keep your skin hydrated and healthy.
The time it takes to get a tan in a tanning bed can vary depending on several factors, including the skin type, the intensity of the tanning bed, and the duration of the tanning session.
Optimally, it takes 10 to 20 minutes of exposure to the tanning bed’s UV rays for a noticeable tan to develop, especially for those with fair skin.
Unlike the sun, tanning beds offer a controlled environment with predictable exposure time and intensity. It can allow people to avoid overexposure and sunburn.
Aside from that, tanning beds can help the body produce Vitamin D that is essential for strong bones, teeth, and a healthy immune system.
Tanning beds can also be good option for people with skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema, as UV radiation can help to reduce inflammation and itching.
Still, tanning beds can cause skin damage, including premature aging, wrinkles, and brown spots. Remember, repeated exposure can also increase the risk of skin cancer.
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