Achieving a gorgeous tan doesn’t have to mean spending hours under the sun. With rental sunbeds, you can control your exposure and get the perfect glow all year round and from the comfort of your own home. But how often can you use a sunbed safely? This guide will answer that question and provide tips on maximising your sessions for the best results.

What you need to know about sunbed use

Whether it’s your first time using sunbeds or you’re hoping to squeeze in a special booster tan before going on holiday, several factors determine how often you can safely use one. These include your skin type, your current tan level, and how well you care for your skin between sessions.

For those new to tanning bed rental, it might seem daunting. However, the process is straightforward and manageable with proper preparation and care. Let’s break down the essential guidelines.

Understanding the process

Before embarking on your sunbed journey, it’s important to have a thorough understanding of the process. Prolonged exposure to UV rays when your body isn’t used to it is unhealthy and can artificially age the skin. This means that proper preparation, consistent routines, and effective aftercare are key to a successful and safe tanning experience.

The importance of understanding your skin type

Knowing your skin type is crucial for determining how often you can go on a sunbed. This is because each skin type possesses a different level of melanin, the dark brown pigment that absorbs harmful UV rays and protects your cells from sun damage.

The Sunbed Association advises that people with skin type 1, children under 18, people on certain medications that may cause photosensitivity, and those with a history of skin cancer should not use a sunbed at all.

Moderate tanning of 2-3 sessions a week is acceptable for everyone else to start, but ensure you rest the skin for a minimum of 24 hours between each session and at least 48 hours if you’re tanning with a fairer complexion (type 2). Once your body is used to the exposure, you can then increase the sessions to 3-4 times a week to build colour. Again, make sure to disperse these sessions with off-days. The European Standard advises not to exceed 60 sessions per year, so keep that in mind when booking!

Here’s a breakdown of each of the skin types, so you can identify your own and build up a routine.

	Description	Response to UV exposure	Starting session duration (maximum)	Sixth session duration (maximum)
Type 1	Those with very fair skin, often freckled and with green or blue eyes and fair or red hair.	Burns easily with minimal tanning. Can approach tanning with caution and minimised UV exposure.	0 minutes	0 minutes
Type 2	Fair skin, often with blue eyes.	Burns easily but can develop a light tan with short, infrequent sessions.	Up to 3 minutes	Up to 6 minutes
Type 3	Olive skin or darker white skin, often with dark eyes and dark hair.	Sometimes burns, but tans consistently with moderate sessions.	Up to 4 minutes	Up to 8 minutes
Type 4	Light brown skin, often with dark eyes and dark hair.	Rarely burns and tans easily. This skin type can typically tolerate longer and more frequent sessions.	Up to 4 minutes	Up to 8 minutes
Type 5	Moderate brown skin, often with dark eyes and dark hair.	Rarely burns and tans to a deeper colour and more easily.	Up to 5 minutes	Up to 10 minutes
Type 6	Dark brown or black skin, often with dark eyes and dark hair.	Rarely burns and tans to a deeper colour and more easily.	Up to 5 minutes	Up to 10 minutes

 

Remember that these categories are merely a guide based on the Fitzpatrick skin phototypes. An individual’s skin tone might not fit neatly into one description. For instance, your skin may appear pale, but tan rather than burn quickly or vice versa.

Equally, it’s important to note that all types of skin are vulnerable to sun damage so make sure to follow the safety tips that we divulge below.

Using your knowledge to create a tailored tanning regime

With the information about your skin tone and the level of UV exposure it can endure, you can begin to go about creating a tailor-made tanning regime. Here are the key steps you should take:

• Set Your First Session: Depending on your skin type and experience, start with short sessions. Beginners should ideally begin with 1-5 minutes, depending on skin type.
• Gradually Increase Session Duration: Increase your session length gradually over time. After six sessions, you can start adding a few more minutes. After eight, you can increase the duration to 4-10 minutes.
• Rest Periods: Leave 48 hours between sessions to allow your skin time to rest and rejuvenate.
• Timing Your Sessions: If you’re topping up a tan, a few sessions the week before your trip should suffice. Starting from scratch will take longer, so plan ahead.
• Skin Priming: Exfoliate and moisturise your skin before each session, and use SPF to protect sensitive areas.
• Stay Hydrated: Hydrated skin tans more evenly and effectively, so drink plenty of water before your session.
• Consult a Specialist: If you’re unsure about timings, seek professional advice tailored to your skin tone.

Aftercare and bonus tanning tips

Now that you know how often you should use sunbeds according to your skin tone, we can delve into the aftercare. Once you’ve cultivated gorgeous golden skin, it’s important to maintain it whilst keeping it looking and feeling healthy. Here’s how to do exactly that.

Post-Tanning Care

• Moisturise: Lock in moisture with high-quality creams and gels to keep your tan looking fresh and radiant.
• Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and clear.
• Wait before showering: Waiting a short while before showering helps your tan develop more deeply.
• Use Aftercare Products: After tanning, use aftercare products that soothe and nourish your skin to prolong your tan.

On holiday care

Many believe that cultivating a base tan before a holiday prevents burning. However, dermatologists estimate that a tan only provides protection equivalent to SPF 4, which is minimal. Therefore, you still need to protect your skin with high-performing suncream after bronzing yourself on a sunbed, especially when travelling to sunny destinations like Majorca or Bali.

• Protective Clothing: Wear light clothing to protect your skin while enhancing your tan’s appearance.
• Sun Protection: When out and about, opt for SPF 30 or higher and reapply every two to three hours.
• Peak Sun Hours: Stay out of the sun during peak intensity to avoid burning.
• Hydrate and Moisturise: Drink plenty of water and apply aftersun or moisturiser in the event that you do get sunburned.

FAQs: How often should you use sunbeds?

Before we wrap up, here are the answers to a few frequently asked questions.

How long does it take to develop a tan?

Unfortunately, there isn’t one simple answer to this question as it varies widely depending on the factors we mentioned earlier – skin type, existing tan, sunbed types/wattage and the duration of your tanning bed session. If you don’t already have a light tan, it can take 2-3 sessions to see a noticeable difference, and 3-5 sessions if you are already tanned.

How often can you sensibly go on a sunbed per week?

2-3 sessions with off days in between is the generally accepted guidance. Those with skin type 1, under 18s and those with risk factors for skin cancer shouldn’t use sunbeds at all.

How come certain sunbed providers allow me to use their beds for longer sessions?

There may be some variation in advice depending on the type of sunbed that is being provided as the power – thus, the output or intensity of the UV – can differ between models. Always ask for a professional opinion before using the tanning bed of your choice.

Are there ways to tan faster without extending sunbed sessions?

Yes. Proper aftercare such as staying moisturised, hydrated and in general good health will help prolong your tan. You can also use tanning accelerators, which are lotions that contain ingredients that stimulate melanin production and distribution in your skin, during your session to develop a more vibrant tone.

Parting words

Using a sunbed can be a safe and effective way to achieve a tan if done correctly. By understanding your skin type, following recommended session frequencies, and taking proper care of your skin, you can enjoy a radiant, sun-kissed glow all year round. Ready to start tanning? Visit Quicktan to book your home sunbed hire today!