Do you lay on your back in a tanning bed?

Author: Katarina Weber  |  Last update: Friday, September 12, 2025

Best Positions to Get an Even Tan Start Flat: Begin your session lying flat on your back. This position exposes the largest surface area of your body to UV rays.

What is the best position to lay in a tanning bed?

What's the best way to lie in a tanning bed? We recommend lying on your back with your arms several inches away from your sides. You'll want to keep your palms facing up and make sure there's a slight bend in your knees.

Are you supposed to flip over in a tanning bed?

No, you don't need to flip over in a tanning bed. In fact, many people tan stomach-down because it's more comfortable that way. However, if you want an evenly distributed tan, then you should flip over halfway through your session so that both sides of your body get equal exposure to the UV rays.

Do lay down sunbeds tan your back?

Stand-up and lay-down tanning beds provide full-body coverage, but they distribute UV exposure differently. Lay-down beds can sometimes cause minor pressure points where the body touches the surface, which might result in slightly uneven tanning in areas like the shoulder blades and lower back.

What is the proper way to tan in a tanning bed?

Lay on your back inside the tanning bed with your arms and legs spread. Laying with your legs together or with your arms resting against your sides can lead to an uneven or spotty tan. Stretch out your body when you first lay down to ensure all parts of your skin get exposure.

Are Tanning Beds Safe? | How to Tan Safely | with Dr. Sandra Lee

How to maximize tanning bed results?

How To Tan Quicker On Sunbeds
  1. Prepare Your Skin. Exfoliate Before Your Session. ...
  2. Adjust Your Tanning Time. Start with a Shorter Session. ...
  3. Use The Sunbed Correctly. Rotate Your Position. ...
  4. Maintain A Healthy Diet. Get The Right Nutrients. ...
  5. Avoid Things With Negative Effects. Remove Makeup and Cosmetics.

How to get the darkest tan in a tanning bed?

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.

What is 10 minutes on a sunbed equivalent to in the sun?

Ten minutes in a sunbed can be roughly equivalent to 1-2 hours in natural sunlight, depending on factors like sunbed intensity and skin type. However, this varies widely based on geographical location, time of day, and weather conditions. Always adhere to recommended exposure times to minimise skin damage risks.

How to avoid bunny tail in tanning bed?

☀️Tanning Tip Tuesday☀️ How to avoid the “bunny tail” or white spots on lower back or under your arms or sides: ✅ when using a lay down bed always reposition your body every few minutes to achieve an even tan. Switch from side to side and rest your arms behind your head .

Do you tan better lying down?

Stand-up beds allow your body to tan all around without any pressure points, leading to a more even tan. Some people like them even better because the body isn't in direct contact with the bed. To achieve the best and most even tan, it's crucial to rotate between using lay-down and stand-up beds.

What is the golden rule of tanning?

The professional indoor tanning industry promotes and teaches what we refer to as The Golden Rule of Smart Tanning: Don't ever sunburn. The indoor tanning industry has been more effective at teaching sunburn prevention than those who promote complete sun avoidance.

What not to do after tanning bed?

Avoid using harsh or fragranced products immediately after tanning, as they may further irritate the skin.

How many sunbeds a week are safe?

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. The European Standard advises not to exceed 60 sessions per annum.

How to stop bum burning on sunbed?

Aftersun creams and lotions such as Aloe Vera lotion will help with cooling down the skin. Many people keep Aloe Vera plants in their homes for several different purposes. If you have an Aloe Vera plant at home, cut one of the leaves from the plant and rub the aloe sap directly onto the burn for cooling relief.

Can you tan just your legs in a tanning bed?

Leading the way in innovation and advanced technology, Tansun Sunbeds has specifically designed the Tansun Just Legs to solve the long lasting customer's problem of the less tanned legs and satisfy the tanning needs of the most demanding clients.

How long does it take to see results from a tanning bed?

Usually, the skin will not tan after the first session, and the results only become visible after 3-5 sunbed tanning sessions. These sessions allow the skin to oxidize its melanin, darken the cells, and produce a tan. Lighter skin types may need a few extra sessions for the tan to deepen.

How to avoid white spots when tanning?

Treatment options include:
  1. wearing sunscreen every day, covering all areas of skin exposed to the sun. ...
  2. avoiding spending too long in the sun.
  3. avoiding artificial tanning beds.
  4. dermabrasion, which physically removes the outer layers of skin.
  5. topical steroid creams, such as hydrocortisone, available to purchase online.

Why is my back not tanning in the tanning bed?

When laying down on a sunbed, the bulk of your weight is carried by your tailbone and shoulder blades. This pressure often results in those areas not tanning properly, leaving untanned 'white' spots.

What to do with hair in tanning bed?

If you have a full head of hair, spray suntan lotion at the roots or wear hats to protect your scalp against the sun.

Will 3 minutes in a tanning bed do anything?

Recommended Frequency of Tanning Bed Use

Each session should be brief, around 3-10 minutes, depending on your skin type. After the initial week, if your skin is responding well (no burns or excessive redness), you can gradually increase your sessions to three to four times per week.

Are stand up sunbeds better?

Stand up sunbeds can give your skin a deeper colour, which is due to the bulbs in stand up beds being more intense than the bulbs in a lay down sunbed. So if you are aiming to achieve a very dark tan then a stand up may be the sunbed for you!

What foods make you more tanned?

Papaya: Like carrots, orange fruits and vegetables, such as papaya, help to enhance your tan naturally thanks to its high beta-carotene levels. Melon: This refreshing fruit, rich in antioxidants and beta-carotenes will help you to keep your golden skin tone.

Why won't my skin tan in a tanning bed?

Dry skin doesn't tan well. Keep your skin moisturized daily to ensure a more even tan. You should use a lightweight, non-greasy lotion leading up to your tanning session, and avoid products with oils or heavy fragrances that might interfere with tanning products or sunscreen.

How to get a brown tan instead of orange?

For new-timers, we generally recommend opting for the gradual tanning lotion. It's designed to prevent the orange look you're fearing, so you can apply it worry-free. For our seasoned pros, we know a good tanning mousse or spray is a go-to. Just remember to give your skin some love beforehand and go lightly!

What to wear in a tanning bed?

Wear either underwear or a bikini. Some people also choose to tan naked, but if you're going down this route, ensure you take extra care of your more sensitive areas to prevent burning. Protect any tattoos you have with recommended balms, especially if you've had them done recently.

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