How often can you go on the stand up sunbed
Depending on your skin color, in general the average person can develop a base tan in 3-5 sessions which then can be maintained with regular sunbed use. Two sessions a week should be enough to further deepen your tan in a safe and gentle manner. If you simply want to maintain the tan you already have (for example, when you get back from holiday), then one session a week will probably be enough. It is very important to leave a minimum of 72 hours between each session so that your skin has the chance to rest and regenerate between sessions. By caring for your skin in this way you can avoid burning or brown spots, which can happen if you spend too long on a sunbed. Also, your tan will be a better colour and should last longer.
How old you need to be
In the UK you must be 18 to use a sunbed, and you may be asked for ID, so make sure you take your ID with you if you’re lucky enough to look younger than your age!
What to wear
Before going to a tanning salon it’s a good idea to decide whether you’d prefer to tan in your underwear or if you’d prefer your birthday suit and tan completely in the nude. This is entirely your choice, but there are two points to remember. If you’re going to wear underwear, think about your tanning lines and what they’re going to look like, and thus plan your underwear choice accordingly (you could always wear your bikini if that’s easier). If you’re going commando, it might be a good idea to protect your most sensitive parts, such as nipples and genitals, because the skin is more sensitive and could be more prone to burning (you definitely don’t want to burn there-ouch!).
Eye safety
Please never start a tanning session without goggles, this is so important. Merely closing your eyes on a sunbed isn’t enough because the UV rays can still penetrate your eyes through the thin skin of your eyelids and cause serious damage to your retina and eyesight. Not just any goggles will do, and sunglasses don’t work as a suitable substitute. They must be goggles made specifically for sunbed use, because they will have the proper UV protection to safeguard your eyes. You can buy your own personal pair, or you can purchase them for £2 However you get your hands on them, NEVER forget those goggles.
If you’re on any medication
If you are taking medications or natural supplements you should research if they are capable of causing a photosensitive reaction, and adjust tanning times accordingly.
Tan Accelerators
Using a tan accelerator will maximize the results of your tanning session by giving a deeper tan with less time spent on a sunbed. Amazing, right? Just make sure you use a high quality accelerator, because some brands are simply moisturizing lotions that are able to call themselves tan accelerators on the premise that moisturized skin tans better. Although this is true, their effect is minimal, if any. A good tan accelerator that actually does what it should will contain ingredients that stimulate skin to tan faster, such as L-tyrosine, as well as ingredients that your skin needs to produce a better, deeper tan more quickly whilst combating UV-induced free radicals, such as vitamins, carotenoids, and antioxidants. Some accelerators contain bronzer, which kick-starts your colour and results in a beautiful golden-hued tan. If you’re at a loss for which brand to go for, Carrot Sun is an excellent, high-quality brand of accelerator that contains all of the above, in addition to being gorgeously scented.
Before hitting the sunbed shop, you need to work out what your skin type is to make the most of your session.
What Skin Type Are You?
By knowing your skin type and its tanning abilities, most sunburn can be avoided altogether. Skin typing determines the amount of natural protection you have against ultraviolet light, how many sessions it will take you to establish a base tan, and how long you can be in the tanning unit each session.
Dermatologists categorize people into 6 different skin types, starting from the lightest and working up to the darkest:
What’s your Tanning Skin Type?
Skin Type 1 – Usually very white or pale, blue or green eyes, red hair and many freckles. This skin type burns very easily and tans with great difficulty. Tanning must be undertaken very carefully.
Skin Type 2 – Light beige skin, blue or green eyes, blonde or light brown hair and maybe freckles. This skin type has a tendency to burn. Tanning must be undertaken carefully and correctly.
Skin Type 3 – Light brown skin, brown eyes and hair. This skin type sometimes burns but always tans.
Skin Type 4 – Light brown or olive skin, dark brown eyes and hair. This skin type sometimes burns and tans easily.
Skin Type 5 – Brown skin, dark brown hair and eyes. This skin type rarely burns and tans very easily.