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Common Ground News

How long should you wait between sunbeds?

Author

Mia Phillips

Updated on February 16, 2026

How long should you wait between sunbeds?

Moderate tanning of 2-3 sessions a week is OK for everyone else but ensure you rest the skin for a minimum of 24 hours between each session and at least 48 hours for skin type 2.

Furthermore, what is 10 minutes on a sunbed equivalent to?

On average, 10 minutes of sunbed use has the same effect on the skin as 10 minutes of Mediterranean summer sun. Sunlight promotes the body's production of Vitamin D, and can also be good for conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, rickets or jaundice.

Likewise, how long can you stay on a sunbed? As a rule, someone with low melanin levels in their skin should limit their session to a maximum of 6 minutes. People with an 'olive' complexion can extend this time, but it is best not to stay on the sunbed beyond 12 minutes to minimise long term damage to your complexion and your health.

Beside this, how long should I leave between sunbed sessions?

72 hours

Can you go tanning two days in a row?

Technically, yes you can tan 2 days in a row. However by doing so, you do increase your risk of overexposure. We recommend skipping 1 or 2 days in between sessions to allow your skin's melanin production to fully develop prior to continued exposure.

Will 3 minutes on a sunbed do anything?

Skin Type 4: Session1 – 3 Minutes, Session 2 – 4 Minutes, Session 3 – 5 Minutes, Session 4 –5 Minutes, Session 5- 6 Minutes, Session 6 – 6 Minutes. You are likely to see results quite quickly, therefore you will not need to spend as much time on the sunbed to get results.

Why do I smell after tanning bed?

First and foremost, it is not “burnt skin.” That smell is known as the “after tan odor” and it is caused by friendly bacteria on the surface of the skin. The smell is the result from the bacteria when your body/skin gets hot from a tanning bed.

Is 6 minutes on a sunbed too long?

You are likely to see results quite quickly, therefore you will not need to spend as much time on the sunbed to get results. Do not spend more than a total of 7 minutes in any one session. The Tropical Fruit, Carrot, or Gold Carrot Sun tan accelerators will do wonders for your skin type.

Is 5 minutes in a tanning bed bad?

Tanning is not healthy. It causes premature aging of the skin, as well as wrinkles, brown spots and cancer of the skin. MYTH #5: 20 minutes in a tanning bed is equivalent to 20 minutes in the sun…

What is 6 minutes on a sunbed equivalent to in the sun?

Low wattage bulbs of 100-120W it is probably the equivalent of 6-9 minutes. Higher wattage bulbs of 160-180W it is probably the equivalent of 10-15 minutes in the sun. You can get sunbeds that go up to 250W.

Are stand up tanning beds stronger?

Stand-Up Tanning Beds
The bulbs are often stronger, delivering a faster tan. But because of the intensity of the bulbs, time limits for stand-up beds are generally lower than laydown versions. This makes it a great choice for those who are uncomfortable staying in a tanning bed for too long.

How long after sunbed does Tan show?

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.

Is 10 minutes on a sunbed too long?

On average, 10 minutes of sunbed use has the same effect on the skin as 10 minutes of Mediterranean summer sun. However, extensive exposure to sun can be dangerous, and tanning is the skin's way of protecting itself from further UV damage.

What is 9 minutes on a sunbed equivalent to in the sun?

However, while sunlight contains a mix of UVA and UVB radiation, sunbeds produce mainly UVA radiation, which penetrates deeper into your skin. It is estimated that 20 minutes on a sunbed can be equivalent to approximately four hours in the sun.

How many sunbeds make a difference?

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.

How can I tan faster in a tanning bed?

How to Get Tan Faster in Tanning Bed
  1. Exfoliate Your Skin for better Absorption.
  2. Using Good Tanning bed lotions is the Key.
  3. Tanning bed with more light lamps.
  4. Quality Tanning Bulbs.
  5. Stand Up Tanning beds.
  6. Schedule Frequent Tanning Sessions.
  7. Use Different Levels of Tanning Beds.
  8. Move, Move, Move.

How do I get a darker tan on sunbeds?

How to Achieve a Darker Tan using Sunbeds and Tanning Beds.
  1. Exfoliate your Skin prior to Tanning.
  2. Keep your Skin Hydrated and Moisturised.
  3. Apply a sunbed cream or tanning accelerator prior tanning.
  4. Remove any kind of makeup and other cosmetic products.
  5. Choose foods that accelerate tanning.

How many sunbeds before you get a tan?

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.

Do you wear suncream on a sunbed?

Should I wear sun cream on a sunbed? - If not, what should I be using? SPF lotions are used to protect your skin from UV light when outdoors. However on a sunbed, the amount of UV exposure you receive is time controlled and limited to avoid skin damage and burning but to also ensure sufficient UV absorption.

Does everyone tan on sunbeds?

UV rays from sunbeds
They can cause your skin to age prematurely, making it look coarse, leathery and wrinkled. UVB rays make up about 5% of sunlight and burn your skin. A tan is your body's attempt to protect itself from the damaging effect of UV rays. Using a sunbed to get a tan is not safer than tanning in the sun.

What skin type am I for sunbeds?

Skin Typing
Skin TypeSkin Description
1Very fair Usually lots of freckles, red or sandy hair; blue or grey eyes
2Fair Possibly with freckles; blond to brown hair, green and grey eyes
3Fair to light brown No freckles; dark blond or brown hair, grey or green eyes
4Light brown Dark brown hair and eyes

Can gingers tan on sunbeds?

Redheads among the most likely to use tanning beds. Red-haired and freckly people are among the most likely to use sunbeds, it was claimed today. Nina Goad, from the British Association of Dermatologists, said: 'People with very pale skin will never tan through UV exposure, they will only ever burn.

Will tanning once a week do anything?

You should never, ever burn.
You might start off by doing 6 minute sessions three times per week. Again, let the salon help you determine what your particular skin tone needs. Once you reach the level of tan that you are happy with, you can maintain it by using your tanning bed once per week.

Will one sunbed make a difference?

1 - Sunbeds cause skin cancer
This is not true – using a sunbed will increase your risk of getting skin cancer. Sunbeds emit UV rays that cause DNA damage. This damage increases your risk of developing different kinds of skin cancer, including the most serious form called malignant melanoma.

How bad are sunbeds really?

In short: yes, they can be. According to the World Health Organisation, sunbeds are as dangerous as smoking. Like the sun, they give out harmful UV rays, that damage the DNA in your skin cells - which over time, can lead to malignant melanoma - the deadliest form of skin cancer.

Why dont you tan on sunbeds?

Dying For A Tan
This is because sunbeds pelt the skin with such strong UV rays which increase the risk of developing malignant melanoma - the most serious form of skin cancer. This is why Fabulous says it is time to stop Dying For A Tan.

Do Having sunbeds before holiday help you tan?

“A sunbed tan will not provide much protection from the sun on holiday. At most, a sunbed tan is the equivalent to a sunscreen with SPF of just two to four. Not enough to keep you safe in the sun,” Cancer Research UK also states. "Burning or going red under a sunbed is a sign that you have seriously harmed your skin.

Can you take your phone on a sunbed?

And Yes, you can take your phone in the sunbed. I know loads of people that go on them frequently and take there phones every time and they haven't had any problems.

Do sunbeds help acne?

There's no conclusive evidence that prolonged exposure to sunlight or using sunbeds or sunlamps can improve acne. Many medicines used to treat acne can make your skin more sensitive to light, so exposure could cause painful damage to your skin, and also increase your risk of skin cancer.

What do you wear in a tanning bed?

Appropriate Tanning Bed Attire
  • Birthday Suit – If you want to be free of tan lines completely, tan naked.
  • Swimsuit – The majority of tanning clients wear a swimsuit, whether a full piece, bikini, or trunks.
  • Underwear – Another popular and convenient choice of attire for a tanning bed is underwear.

Is it OK to tan 3 days in a row?

No matter which tanning method you are using, it is not advised to tan two days consecutively. Tanning two days in a row means overexposure to either UV rays or to chemicals in spray tan or self-tanners. It is best to wait for at least 3-5 days to get your second tan in the same week.

How long after tanning do you see results?

Generally, you will begin to notice results after a few tanning sessions, but it may take several weeks of regular tanning (about three times a week) to acquire a good tan. If you are developing a base tan before going on a winter vacation, please start tanning two to three weeks before you are scheduled to leave.

How long should I wait to shower after tanning in a tanning bed?

2-3 hours

How many times do you have to go tanning to see results?

Usually, you will begin to notice results after a few tanning sessions, but it may take a few weeks of regular tanning (at least 3-4 times a week) to get the colour you are looking for. If you are developing a base tan before going on a holiday, you would want to start tanning about three to four weeks before you go.

Can I tan twice in one day?

Can I tan twice in one day or two days in a row? No, the law strictly forbids doing two sessions in one day. The tan can emerge up to 24 hours after you tan, and the risk of burning is greatly increased.

How long should you tan in a Level 3 bed?

Level 3 beds offer 97% UVA & 3% UVB that boost melanin color production in a 360 degree lay-down & standup booth for up to 12 minute sessions. Level 2 beds offer 95% UVA & 5% UVB to help stimulate melanin production in a 360 degree lay-down bed for 15-20 minute sessions.

Can you go tanning every 24 hours?

FDA Guidelines For Tanning Beds
This is an attempt to protect people under the age of 18 to overexposure to the UV lights, which could damage their skin. The 24-hour rule means 24 hours, and not 'tanning once a day'. Responsible salon owners will stick to this rule properly, ensuring the safety of their clients.

Can you shower after tanning?

Because indoor tanning beds work by UV light penetrating your skin (and changing the pigment), your tan cannot wash away in the shower. So after spending time in either a VersaSpa or MyMyst Sunless Tanning Booth, you should wait anywhere from 4-6 hours before not only showering, but swimming or sweating.

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