Has your tan faded after a long break from the sunbed? Whether it’s been a few months due to winter, a busy schedule, or even personal reasons like pregnancy or health recovery – getting back into indoor tanning requires a smart, gradual approach.
t Best Sunbeds Ltd, we specialise in professional sunbeds and tanning equipment across the UK, and we understand how important it is to tan safely, effectively, and confidently. That’s why we’ve created this guide: 10 Smart Tips to Return to Sunbed Tanning the Right Way. These tips will help your skin adapt again, boost melanin production, and give you that healthy, golden glow your clients (or you!) will love.
Let’s get started!
Tan Tip 1
Don’t Underestimate the Importance of Tanning Lamps
One of the most common mistakes in indoor tanning is overlooking the condition and quality of tanning lamps. Whether you’re a salon owner or a regular sunbed user, you should know that the intensity and effectiveness of your tan largely depend on the number of UV lamps, their type, and how many hours they’ve already worked.
In professional sunbeds, tanning lamps typically maintain their optimal output for around 600–800 hours. After that point, the intensity drops significantly – meaning your skin receives less UV exposure, and results are visibly weaker.
If you own a tanning salon, it’s crucial to track the lamp usage and re-tube your sunbeds regularly to ensure consistent performance. At Best Sunbeds Ltd, we offer advanced salon management systems that monitor tube usage and notify you when replacements are due. We also stock a full range of premium tanning tubes, including Fanatic Tanning – one of the top-rated lamp brands in the UK market.
- If you’re a client, always ask the salon:
- When the sunbed was last re-tubed
- Which sunbed offers the highest lamp count and latest technology
A well-maintained sunbed equals a better tan, shorter session times, and happier customers
Tan Tip 2
Always use tanning lotion, that is right for your skin type! We know this step feels like ‘never ending story’. However, using the right tanning lotion will massively speed up your tanning process. It will also keep you skin smooth, and in great condition. Remember to moisturise regularly (minimum twice a day). To get a darker natural glow quicker, you can use tanning accelerators that contain bronzer. To find out more about Tanning cosmetics importance you can head to our previous blog – Why it’s crucial to use the right lotion when indoor tanning.
Tan Tip 3
Do not shower for at least two hours after your tanning session. Sounds weird? Well… let me explain! Most of tanning cosmetics (including Tan Desire, Soleo, SuperTan, Magical Sun) contain ingredients that will help you enhance a beautiful natural glow. Do not be afraid of using accelerators or bronzers. Those cosmetics will boost your melanin production, they do NOT contain fake tan, therefore you do not have to worry about any streaks. The cosmetics are still working a couple of hours after your session. Therefore, you should avoid tanning straight after.
Tan Tip 4
Keep on moving your position on the sunbed. There is nothing worse than getting uneven tan. It takes a lot of work to fix untanned patched, therefore your position on the sunbed is very important. The most popular way to tan is by laying on your back. If you do that, then make sure you put your hands up once in a while, this will help you get even tan on the sides.
Ensure you are not touching your body. Bending your knees and putting the legs weight on your heels will help your feet have better exposure to UV rays. Having uneven tan on New Year’s Eve in your favourite heels is not very ideal!
To get even tan very easily, try lying on your stomach instead if it’s comfortable for you. You can use your hands as a pillow. This position will ensure you can get even tan on your wrists, elbows and your sides. You can switch to that position in the middle of you tanning session.
Tan Tip 5
Choosing food that accelerate tanning or/and using tanning supplements will definitely help you achieve your ideal tan result much more quicker. This, combined with a good tanning lotion will maximise your results, as you will be helping your body from both – the inside and the outside. Some of the foods that will accelerate tanning are: carrots, broccoli, sweet potatoes, eggs, lemons, melons and whole grains foods.
Tan Tip 6, 7 and 8
Exfoliating, removing hair and ANY kind of makeup. This tan tips may sound simple, but sometimes gets overlooked too! Make sure you always exfoliate and remove your hair at least 12-24 hours before you tanning session. This is because your skin is still very sensitive. Getting red rashes is definitely not what we want. Removing all makeup (including any deodorants, perfumes, face makeup) will help you get even tan. The UV light will also penetrate your skin quicker, as there will be no extra layers to go through. Therefore, you can achieve your tan much quicker. For more information about this you can head to our previous blog – Tanning benefits and how to prepare for indoor tanning session.
Tan Tip 9
Some sunbeds tubes are different to others, therefore can give you different benefits. Occasionally use of vertical stand up sunbed can be a good option too. The intensity of the lamps in most stand up sunbeds is greater. Therefore generally a stand up bed will tan you faster. Swapping your tanning beds will provide you with your desired natural glow in a very quick time!
Tan tip 10
As simple as it is – frequent tanning sessions. Just after your first tanning sessions you will definitely see the results, however, it takes about 3 to 4 weeks of frequent sessions (3-4 times a week) to develop your tan.
We hope you found this Tan Tips helpful. If you need any advice, or you have any questions, feel free to call us on: 01865 718485. Alternatively, you can reach us at enquiries@bestsunbeds.co.uk, info@bestsunbeds.co.uk or sales@bestsunbeds.co.uk. We wish you luck in getting your perfect festive tan!