Does SPF work in tanning beds?

Author: Dr. Nasir Carter V  |  Last update: Saturday, July 26, 2025

Sunscreen works in a tanning bed just as it does outdoors. It creates a barrier between your skin and UV rays.

Should you wear SPF in a tanning bed?

Tanning beds still emit UVA and UVB rays and that is what damages cells. Tanning salons will tell you, you shouldn't use an SPF because it takes more sessions to get the tan (which is true), but SPF will help mitigated that damage to the cells.

How do I protect my skin in a tanning bed?

Skin Protection Tips
  1. Know Your Skin Type. Different skin types react differently to UV exposure. ...
  2. Use Tanning Lotions. ...
  3. Start Slow. ...
  4. Follow the 24-Hour Rule. ...
  5. Wear Protective Eyewear. ...
  6. Never Tan with Contacts. ...
  7. Close Your Eyes. ...
  8. Follow Salon Guidelines.

Is there a healthy way to tan in a tanning bed?

Science tells us that there's no such thing as a safe tanning bed, tanning booth, or sun lamp. Indoor tanning can increase the risk of developing the two most common types of skin cancer — squamous cell carcinoma by 58% and basal cell carcinoma by 24%.

Is it better to tan with or without SPF?

Tanning without sunscreen exposes your skin to harmful UV rays, increasing the risk of sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer. Using sunscreen, even while tanning, helps protect your skin by blocking some of the harmful UV rays while still allowing you to achieve a tan gradually and safely.

Doctors Debunk 12 Sunscreen And Suncare Myths | Debunked

Will I still tan with SPF 50?

In short, the answer is yes. Whilst sunscreen works to reflect and absorb the majority of UV rays, it is designed to let a small number through. No sunscreen can block 100% of the sun's UV rays and this enables you to still tan whilst wearing it.

How to get tan but not burnt?

Safer tanning tips
  1. Wear sunscreen. Even if your goal is to tan, wearing a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 is essential. ...
  2. Move frequently. To help avoid sunburn on any one part of your body, be sure to change positions from time to time.
  3. Watch the clock. ...
  4. Take breaks. ...
  5. Prep before and treat after.

What gets you the darkest in a tanning bed?

Apply a sunbed cream or tanning accelerator prior tanning

There is a great number of sunbed creams, varying from moisturisers and coolers to bronzers and creams with tingle factors. All these products are specifically formulated in a way that enables you to tan faster and get a darker colour.

What not to do after tanning bed?

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

Do you get vitamin D from tanning beds?

no! A tanning bed will never provide you with the vitamin D that you need, nor is it safer than tanning outdoors. Not understanding the facts can literally mean the difference between life and death. Both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation cause cell damage that can lead to skin cancer.

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 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 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 .

Are there any benefits of tanning beds?

Several health benefit claims such as improved appearance, enhanced mood, and increased vitamin D levels have been attributed to tanning. Furthermore, the Indoor Tanning Association claims that “catching some rays may lengthen your life” [5].

What SPF is best for tanning?

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), any sun protection product to a degree containing a broad-spectrum rating of SPF 30 or more will guard your skin against sun-related damage including sunburns, skin cancer, early signs of aging, and, you guessed it, tanning.

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

The time it takes to develop a tan from sunbeds varies widely among individuals. Generally, you might start noticing results after 3-5 sessions, with a more noticeable tan developing within 1-2 weeks of regular use.

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.

Should you put lotion on immediately after tanning bed?

The initial exposure to UV light can leave your skin a bit shocked, so it's crucial to give it some extra TLC. Hydrate your skin with a good quality, fragrance-free moisturizer right after your session and throughout the next few days.

How many sunbeds to get a tan fair skin?

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 make your legs tan faster in a tanning bed?

Best Methods for Tanning Your Legs with Indoor Sunbeds:

Exfoliate before your session: Exfoliating your legs before tanning will remove dead skin cells and allow more even tanning. This also helps your skin absorb tanning accelerator creams more effectively.

Should you shave before or after tanning bed?

Shave or Wax: Hair can obstruct UV rays from reaching your skin and result in uneven tan. It is best to shave or wax (whatever you prefer) at least a day before your tanning session.

Why am I not getting any darker in the tanning bed?

I have been tanning, but I'm not getting any darker. Now what? You may have reached a tanning plateau. Everyone has a limit to how dark they can get, but to try to get past your current color we recommend switching the types of beds you use every few tanning sessions.

What helps you tan faster?

From beachside secrets to savvy skincare tips, we've got the golden rules to tan faster without burning.
  1. Exfoliate Before Tanning. ...
  2. Apply & Reapply SPF for a Faster Tan! ...
  3. Use a Tan Accelerator to Tan Faster Without Burning. ...
  4. Gradually Increase Sun Exposure. ...
  5. Tan Faster, Not Longer - Remember that More Isn't Always More.

Can you use sunscreen in a tanning bed?

If you apply sunscreen before hopping into a tanning bed, it will limit the amount of UV radiation that reaches your skin, which in turn, reduces the effectiveness of your tanning session. So you shouldn't use sunscreen before your tanning session. Clear, product-free skin is ideal.

Does baby oil help tan?

Why Is Baby Oil Used For Tanning? Many people tan with baby oil because it can make your skin tan more quickly. The reason for this quicker tan is because baby oil helps attract and absorb UV rays, says Farber. The problem, and this is a big one, is that baby oil doesn't offer sun protection.

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