If you've never used a tanning bed, the process can be a little daunting. Maybe you're worried about how your skin is properly hydrated, or how to position your body to prevent those weird tan lines from forming. So, before you head to a tanning bed service for a treatment, take some time to find out what the tanning process is all about, and what to do to get that perfect tan.
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Part 1 of 3: Choosing a Tanning Salon and Type of Tube
Step 1. Visit a tanning salon and ask about the tanning options offered
Most tanning salons offer a variety of tube styles, and each model uses a different method of tan. Talk to the salon staff and ask him to choose the tanning bed that is best suited for your skin. If there are several tanning salons in your city, compare the services, and choose the one you like the most.
Tanning salons usually also offer discounts if you are willing to purchase a monthly membership. If this is your first time using a tanning bed service, head to the salon for just one service session. That way, if you don't like the results, or think that a tanning bed service isn't right for you, you don't have to pay a subscription fee
Step 2. Use a medium or low pressure tanning bed for a natural tan
Medium and low pressure tanning beds will emit UVB rays in a spectrum that is almost similar to natural sunlight. The main difference is that medium pressure tanning uses a higher wattage and tans skin more quickly. While low-pressure tanning is considered the standard method of tanning leather due to its low reflector intensity, both pressures will produce a natural-looking tan.
Since the lamps in medium and low pressure tanning beds emit UVB rays slowly, there is a risk of sunburn. If your skin burns easily, try another method
Step 3. Choose a high pressure tanning bed if you want a tan that can last a long time
High pressure tanning beds will emit UVA rays in greater quantities than UVB rays. UVA rays produce deeper, longer-lasting tans that build quickly without burning the skin. While this method is gentler on the skin, it is usually more expensive.
If this is your first time using a tanning bed, don't be tempted to choose a high pressure tanning bed until you have some experience with the process. High pressure tanning beds can quickly tan your skin, and if you haven't done it before, brown streaks will appear on your skin
Step 4. Stand in a vertical tanning booth if you want a quick way to get an even tan
Since the leather doesn't come into contact with any surface, you can get a more even tan and without missing any part of the skin. Vertical tanning booths are perfect for people who have never had a tanning process before, or those who suffer from claustrophobia (phobia of tight spaces).
If you don't want the hassle of twisting and turning in a tanning bed, choose this vertical tanning booth. You will receive a beam of 360 degree coverage just by standing with your arms and legs open
Step 5. Check the cleanliness of the tanning tube before you go through the process
You should wear minimal or no clothing when using a tanning bed. So, make sure to choose a salon that has a good reputation and keeps the tanning tube clean. If dirt builds up on the tube, find another salon.
- Ask what type of cleaner is used on the tanning bed. Ordinary glass cleaners will not remove or eradicate bacteria.
- A great way to find out about a tanning salon's reputation is to read customer reviews on the internet. Check if the customer likes the service and cleanliness of the tanning salon. If a lot of negative comments, or maybe just a few negative comments, make you uncomfortable, find another tanning salon.
Step 6. Determine your skin type by filling out the skin analysis form
This form will ask you basic questions about your eyes, hair, skin color, skin sensitivity, and how often you tanning. This form is used by salons to determine the approximate time or tanning method that is most suitable for your skin.
- Write down any medications you are currently taking to prevent side effects from tanning.
- Although there is no law prohibiting pregnant women from undergoing tanning, tanning salons have the right to refuse women who are pregnant. Procedures performed on pregnant women can cause overheating, dehydration, nausea, and can even lead to miscarriage. If you are pregnant, consult your doctor and review the salon's policies before you go there.
Part 2 of 3: Preparing the Skin
Step 1. Form a basic tan color on the skin by accustoming the skin to exposure to natural sunlight so you don't experience irritation
This is especially important if you plan to use a tanning bed that emits UVB rays, or when your skin is not exposed to the sun throughout the winter (if you live in a country with 4 seasons). This is to accustom the skin to exposure to ultraviolet light, and minimize the possibility of sunburn in the tanning bed.
You don't have to do this by sunbathing outdoors. You can take a walk in the park, or engage in other outdoor activities. Always wear an adequate amount of sunscreen to prevent sunburn and overexposed skin
Step 2. Exfoliate and moisturize the skin before you undergo the tanning procedure
Clean the skin and remove dead cells so that the tanning process can run properly. After bathing, apply an unscented moisturizer to the skin. Moisturizers are used as a barrier, which will protect the skin from irritation or burning.
- Do not use harsh soaps as they can dry out the skin, or leave a residue on the skin. Soaps containing shea butter or cocoa have natural moisturizing properties.
- Always remember to moisturize your lips. Lips will easily dry out and burn when you undergo tanning. So don't forget to apply a generous amount of your favorite SPF lip balm before you lay down in the tanning bed.
Step 3. Avoid using beauty or skin products that contain fragrances to prevent skin irritation
When heated, certain chemicals and fragrances can irritate the skin, or interfere with the tanning process. Before going to a tanning salon for a treatment, do not use any beauty products, such as perfume, deodorant, or makeup.
After undergoing a tanning procedure, wait for at least 24 hours before starting your usual skincare and beauty routine. Scented make-up and lotions can still irritate the skin when the tannins start to sink in
Step 4. Apply tanning lotion indoors about 1 hour before undergoing the procedure
The use of tanning lotions will enhance the effect of the tanning bed. Its use is not mandatory, but it can reduce the number of sessions you have to do to get the desired tan.
Don't use tanning oils or lotions outdoors. Besides being ineffective, the compounds present in these outdoor products can damage the equipment in the tanning bed
Step 5. Protect sensitive skin areas by wearing a bathing suit
Areas such as the breasts, buttocks, and genitals are not used to being exposed to direct sunlight. In order not to irritate the skin, wear a bathing suit when you enter the tanning bed.
- If you prefer to undergo this procedure naked, always apply a generous amount of moisturizer to the areas you think could be irritated by exposure to ultraviolet light. Use a washcloth, small towel, or tanning sticker provided by the salon to cover your genitals and nipples when you undergo the tanning process. After a few tanning sessions, you may not need to cover it up anymore.
- Some tanning salons don't allow you to go naked. Find out what policies the salon has in place before you undergo a nude tanning procedure.
Step 6. Cover the new tattoo and newly colored hair so they don't fade
Stable exposure to ultraviolet light can fade hair dye and tattoo ink. Ask the hairdresser for a hat to cover freshly dyed hair. Find out what kind of sunscreen is safe to use in a tanning bed to cover your new tattoo.
Ultraviolet light can also turn acrylic nails yellow. So ask the salon staff if they provide a cover to protect acrylic nails
Step 7. Protect your eyes by wearing glasses
You can use the glasses provided by the salon or bring your own from home. Even if you close your eyes, the intense ultraviolet light emitted in a tanning bed can irritate or damage your eyes. Over time, excessive exposure to ultraviolet light in unprotected eyes can lead to color blindness, loss of night vision, cataract formation, and blindness.
- You can prevent the formation of pale circles (or "raccoon eyes") from wearing glasses by regularly sliding your glasses during the tanning procedure. However, do not lift or remove the glasses completely.
- Never wear contact lenses while tanning as this can dry out or damage your eyes.
Part 3 of 3: Positioning the Body on the Tanning Bed
Step 1. Ask the salon staff to accompany you in the tanning process
This is especially important if it's your first time tanning, or you're using an unfamiliar type of tube. Some tanning beds include a switch so you can control the fan yourself, or install a separate light so you can turn it on and off to tan your face.
Depending on the salon you choose, you may also need to cover the tanning bed and start the machine yourself when you're ready to start the process. Make sure you know how all the buttons work before laying in the tube
Step 2. Find a countdown timer for your tanning session
Not all salons have staff who will tell you when to turn around during a tanning session. Standard tanning beds have a timer that can be seen from inside the tube so you can monitor your own session. It is very important to know where this timer is. You should also know if you will receive instructions from the salon staff during your tanning session.
The timer has been set by the salon employee beforehand with the time determined based on the skin analysis form you filled out. If you have light or sensitive skin, the first tanning time may not take more than 6 or 7 minutes. If your skin is already tan or darker, it can take up to 20 minutes
Step 3. Lie on your back on the tanning bed with your arms and legs apart
If you place your arms and legs against your body, the tan will not be evenly distributed. Stretch out as you lie down to make sure all the skin is exposed.
If you want to tan the skin under your arms, try lifting your arms above your head for a few minutes to tan the skin there
Step 4. Bend your knees to prevent brown lines from appearing on the back of your upper thighs
If the legs are flattened out, the buttocks will push against the back of the thighs. Tanning in this position will result in bad tan lines. You can avoid this by bending your knees so your legs will lift slightly. Make sure your inner thighs are not pressing against each other as you do this. Otherwise, it will result in an uneven brown color there.
If there's not enough room in the tanning bed for you to bend both knees at the same time, bend one knee for a few minutes before changing to bending the other
Step 5. Turn belly down in half of the tanning session
To tan the back of the body, turn the body into a prone position. Place your arms at your sides with your palms facing down. This will usually be notified by a timer or salon employee asking you to turn around. This position is usually uncomfortable so you can bend your arms to support your chin.
If you're tanning in a vertical booth, you don't need to rotate your body to get an even tan
Step 6. Rotate your body to lie on your side
Take some time at the last minute to tan the sides. Even if the tanning bed has indirectly tanned the sides of your body during your tanning session, make sure your entire body gets an even tan by lying on your side for at least 30 seconds on each side.
Step 7. Wait for 3-4 hours after the tanning session is over if you want to take a shower
Tanning ingredients take time to absorb and adhere to the skin well. If you shower immediately after tanning, the tan will fade and become uneven.
If your skin feels very dry, apply a lot of moisturizer to restore it
Step 8. Maintain a tan on the skin by visiting the salon again, or using a tan extender (a lotion to prolong the life of tanning)
The tanning material will continue to darken over the next 24-72 hours. If you are not satisfied with the results, reschedule a tanning session. Some people undergo 2 or 3 tanning sessions to get the desired results. You can also use a tan extender product so that the brown color on your skin can last longer before you return to the salon.
