First time, using a sunbed

So, you’ve decided that you want to use a sunbed to get yourself a gorgeous tan. Maybe you’re looking to add a bit of colour to your skin for the winter months or perhaps you want to want to have a healthy glow before you hit the beach. Whatever your reason, you’re all set to look amazing. But how does the process of using a sunbed work? Here’s a guide to tell you all you need to know before you hit the tanning salon.

First of all, you need to make sure you properly prepare for your session. At least an hour before you go off to use sunbeds, have a shower so your skin will be clean as clean skin tans better than dirty. Also take extra care to make sure your remove all your make up and any perfume you might be wearing. This is because it can react with the UV lights – and you definitely want to avoid that.

When you’re getting ready to get on the tanning bed, you need to apply some tanning lotion to your skin. Choose one with tyrosine as this helps with the production of melanin – which is what helps your skin appear darker, the more of it you have. The lotion will also keep your skin hydrated while its tanning, which is important as the process can be drying. Also make sure you’ve got a pair of good eye goggles that you can wear while you’re lying on the sunbed.

By now you should be pretty much prepared to start your tanning process. How long you use sunbeds for will depend on your skin tone. As a general rule, the paler your skin, the less time you should use the bed for. This is because you have less melanin in your skin and, therefore, less natural protection against UV lights. No matter what your skin colour, though, you should never spend too long on a sunbed and never go over the recommended time as spending too much time on one can restrict your ability to produce melanin – so you’ll find it harder to tan in the long run.

While you’re lying on the sunbed, pay close attention to how your body is feeling so you can be certain you won’t burn: sunburn should be avoided at all costs as it can be damaging to your skin. Also shift your body occasionally so you make sure you get an even tan and that those bits of your body that you’re resting your weight on (particularly your lower back and shoulders) will tan properly.

Once you’ve finished your tanning session, you might be tempted to immediately wash off the lotion you put on earlier. However, it’s a good idea to leave it for a few hours as this will help your tan develop. Also don’t expect to see results straight away as tans take a while to develop – don’t just jump back on the bed because you didn’t come out looking fantastically bronze! That will come with time.

Moisturising your skin is important at all times, but it is especially important when you’re using sunbeds. Use a good moisturiser every day and leave at least 48 hours between tanning sessions so your skin has time to recover after each one. You’ll probably find that you can reduce the frequency of your sessions before long, as once you’ve achieved your perfect tan, you’ll just need to top it up occasionally to keep it looking lovely.

And that’s pretty much how sunbeds work. Keep an eye on your skin to make sure it stays healthy and above all, enjoy your gorgeous tan.