How long after a sunbed does your tan develop?

Author: Jerald Schultz  |  Last update: Monday, November 10, 2025

You don't get an immediate tan after a tanning bed session. While you may notice a slight reddening or glow right after, the tan develops over time. Melanin production starts immediately but becomes visible within 24-72 hours.

How long does it take to get a tan from a sunbed?

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.

Do you get tan right after a tanning bed?

However, you may not see results immediately following your tanning session. You may feel the glow of your skin at work, but your bronze color may not be visible for several hours. In fact, it may continue for up to 24 hours!

Do sunbed tans develop overnight?

It depends on your skin tone and type, but melanin normally develops after 48 hours. Our competent staff will help you find the perfect tanning lotion and course duration/frequency to maximise your results.

Do sunbeds work if you don't tan in the sun?

If you don't tan in the sun, you won't tan more easily on a sunbed. Getting a tan before you go on a sun holiday doesn't build up your resistance to UV rays. Spending too much time in the sun causes skin damage even if you are tanned.

How Often Should You Tan?

What is 10 minutes on a sunbed equivalent to?

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.

What not to do after sunbed?

Resist the urge to shower immediately after using a sunbed, as it can negatively impact the final result of the tan.

What helps you tan faster on sunbeds?

1. Choose the Right Sunbed
  1. Apply a Quality Tan Accelerator.
  2. Follow the Instructions.
  3. Start with a Shorter Session.
  4. Gradually Increase Exposure Time.
  5. Rotate Your Position.
  6. Get The Right Nutrients.
  7. Remove Makeup and Cosmetics.
  8. Avoid Shaving or Waxing After Tanning.

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!

Is 6 minutes on a sunbed enough?

During the early stages of building up a base tan we recommend tanning frequently (twice a week) for no more than 6 minutes regardless of your skin type (not including skin type 1).

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.

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 .

Does showering after tanning bed affect your tan?

Many sunbed users wonder if it's okay to shower after using a sunbed. The answer is yes – you can definitely shower after using a sunbed. In fact, showering can actually help to prolong your tan. When you shower, the water helps to hydrate your skin, which can prevent your tan from fading too quickly.

Do you tan immediately after sunbed?

Generally, you may notice some colour immediately after your session, but the full tan development might take up to 24 to 48 hours. It's important to be patient and not expect instant results, as overexposure to UV rays can be harmful to your skin. The colour will usually begin to truly darken after three sessions.

What is the best tan accelerator?

  • Calypso Monoi Tahiti Bronzing Tanning Oil SPF15. ...
  • Pro Tan Beaches and Creme All-In Intensifying Serum (250ml) ...
  • ultrasun SPF30 Tan Activator Body 150ml , Pack of 1. ...
  • Power Tan Non-Stop Black Tingle Gelee (DHA Free) Hybrid UV Sunbed Tanning Accelerator Lotion 250ml.

Why am I not going brown on a sunbed?

One of the biggest factors that affects tanning is your skin type. Not all skin reacts to UV the same way, and understanding your skin type is key to setting realistic tanning goals. For example, if you are a red head and have very light skin, you'll more likely struggle to tan due to low melanin.

What is 20 minutes on a sunbed equivalent to?

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.

Are there any benefits to sunbeds?

Health impact

Sunbed use was linked to a 23 per cent lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease and a 14 per cent lower risk of death from cancer, compared to non-users.

Do lie down sunbeds tan your back?

A: Sunbeds have lights all the way around the front and the back so you are tanning all over your body you do not need to turn around halfway through unlike when you are on holiday and you end up tanned at the front and not at the back because you prefer laying on your back!

How long after tanning bed does it show?

How long does it take to see results from sunbed tanning? It depends on many factors, including skin type, level of current tan, the tanning bed and skin care products you use. Typically, you'll see results after 3-5 sessions.

How many sunbed sessions to get a tan for beginners?

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 to maximize tanning bed results?

Master Tanning 101: How To Take Your Tanning To The Next Level
  1. Shower and Exfoliate.
  2. Avoid lotions, deodorant, makeup or oil based based products and perfume.
  3. Shave 24 hours before appointment.
  4. Wear loose-fitting clothing.
  5. Avoid water or excessive sweating for 4-6 hours.

Can you take your phone on sunbeds?

Many of our clients frequently use their phones whilst lying on a sunbed whilst still wearing the sunbed goggles. In the short term this is ok to do but the temperature, humidity and frequencies emitted by the beds may possibly cause damage to the electronics of your phone.

Why do I stink 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.

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