How long does it take to tan legs on sunbed?

Author: Mallory Hill  |  Last update: Tuesday, October 7, 2025

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. However, it's crucial to understand that these are just estimates, and your experience may differ.

How can I tan my legs faster on a sunbed?

Get a Darker Tan on the Legs with these useful tanning tips:
  1. Exfoliate the skin on your legs. Exfoliation is a must before each tanning session. ...
  2. Avoid waxing and shaving. ...
  3. Keep your skin's moisture. ...
  4. Use Tansun Just Legs, Tansun Leisure's ultra vertical leg tanning solution. ...
  5. Apply Sunbed Creams and Tanning Accelerators.

Can you just tan your legs in a tanning bed?

Tanning your legs using indoor sunbeds or natural UV light outdoors can be a breeze when you follow these helpful tips. Remember to exfoliate, use high-quality accelerator creams with bronzers, position your legs correctly, rotate your body, and increase your tanning time gradually.

How long does it take for legs to tan?

The time it takes to tan your legs varies from person to person and depends on factors such as your skin type, sun exposure, and the methods used. Generally, it may take a few days to a couple of weeks to achieve your desired tan. Gradual tanning is safer and helps you avoid sunburn.

Do lay down sunbeds tan legs better?

When you lie down in a traditional tanning bed, your skin can shift and become compressed in certain areas, resulting in an uneven tan. However, when you stand up, your skin is less likely to shift, and you can achieve a more uniform tan.

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

Why aren't my legs tanning on sunbeds?

In the case of legs, these conditions are difficult to fulfil because: Problem 1 - the skin on the legs has fewer sebaceous glands which are what provides moisture. Problem 2 - there are fewer melanocytes in the legs. These are what stimulate melanin production.

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.

How to tan faster on sunbeds?

Here are some tips to help you tan faster within a sunbed and make your tan last longer!
  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.

Is 30 minutes enough to tan?

Is 30 minutes a day enough to tan? It depends on your skin type. Those with fair skin likely need a bit longer, while people with darker skin may only require 15-20 minutes daily. Start slow and gently build UV skin tolerance over multiple sessions for the best color development.

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.

What not to do after tanning bed?

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

Should I shave my legs before 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. But remember, don't do it immediately before the session as it can leave your skin sensitive.

Why am I not tanning on the sunbed?

You may need to start with short, low-intensity sessions and gradually increase the time. Trying to tan too quickly can lead to burning, which will hinder your tanning progress. Medium to Dark Skin: Those with skin types 3 to 6 will generally tan more easily.

Why are legs the hardest to tan?

The skin on most areas of your legs is thicker and harder than the rest of your body and ultraviolet (UV) rays can't easily penetrate it. The skin here is also dryer, resulting in quicker exfoliation of the outer layers. On top of that, dry skin deflects UV light, making the whole tanning process less effective.

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 .

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.

Do you still tan when cloudy?

A cloudy sky may not seem like the best choice for tanning, but it is still possible to tan! According to research and studies, around 90% of UV rays penetrate clouds, therefore reaching your skin. Even if you can't feel the sun on your skin, the UV rays that lead to tanning are still present.

How long should you tan in a tanning bed for beginners?

How long should I tan in a tanning bed? The duration of your session depends on your skin type and tanning experience. Beginners should start with 5-7 minute sessions and gradually increase the time as their skin builds tolerance.

Does sunscreen stop tanning?

In the end, no sunscreen can completely prevent tanning if exposing skin to the sun for extended periods. The myth persists that lower SPF sunscreens aid tanning while higher SPF prevents it. In reality, tanning depends more on sun exposure time, skin tone, and a sunscreen's UVA blocking capacity than the SPF alone.

How to tan legs quicker on a sunbed?

How To Tan Quicker On Sunbeds
  1. Reap the Benefits of High-Pressure Beds.
  2. Consider Stand-Up Beds.
  3. Exfoliate Before Your Session.
  4. Moisturise Properly.
  5. Apply a Quality Tan Accelerator.
  6. Follow the Instructions.
  7. Start with a Shorter Session.
  8. Gradually Increase Exposure Time.

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.

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.

Is stand up or lay down tanning better?

Tanning Differences in Stand up and Lay down Sunbeds

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.

Will 3 minutes in a tanning bed do anything?

Since people with Type 1 skin burn very easily, starting at the most minimal tanning time is crucial. This can be anywhere from one to three minutes per session. You should repeat this session time for several weeks until you build a light base tan.

Previous article
Does Jennifer Aniston really use LolaVie?
Next article
Can a sagging breast be lifted?