Is 10 minutes in a tanning bed enough?

Author: Pete Stoltenberg  |  Last update: Friday, January 16, 2026

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.

What does 10 minutes in a tanning bed equal?

Because of their power – and the fact that they simulate UVA rays vs. UVB rays – they can actually penetrate the skin on a deeper level than the sun. This is why ten minutes in a tanning bed equates to about two hours of direct sun exposure.

Will 7 minutes in a tanning bed do anything?

Typical tanning times for sunbeds vary depending on factors such as skin type and desired tan levels. For instance, individuals with fair to medium skin tones may achieve satisfactory results in approximately 6 minutes on a sunbed.

Will 4 minutes on a sunbed do anything?

I would do just 4 mins to start. Make sure you are well moisturized and have some sort of suncream on. You are more likely to tan with Sun cream on, otherwise you could burn. Most places charge by the minute anyway so if you do feel like you want longer then just go back in.

How bad is 1 sunbed a week?

Even one sunbed session can increase your risk of developing squamous cell skin cancer by 67% and basal cell skin cancer by 29%. Even more importantly is the increased risk of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer.

How to change your skin color without the sun. Real color: no sprays, tanning beds, or creams.

What not to do after tanning bed?

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

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.

Do you get vitamin D from tanning beds?

It doesn't. The bulbs used in tanning beds emit mostly UVA light; however, your body needs UVB light to make vitamin D. To get vitamin D safely, board-certified dermatologists recommend that healthy adults get vitamin D from their diet.

Is 10 minutes sunbathing enough?

Research shows that getting as little as 10 minutes of daily sun exposure boasts many benefits: improved mood, better sleep, and increased vitamin D levels, to name a few. 12 Sounds like an easy task for some pretty major benefits, but it turns out that many people aren't spending enough time outside.

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.

Do you tan faster in water or laying out?

You don't necessarily tan faster in water or laying out. This is because water reflects UV rays, so you may not be getting as much exposure as you think if you're actually in the pool.

How many hours in the sun is a 10 minute sunbed?

A good example of just how different the results are taking into account that ten minutes in a sunbed compares to about 2 hours in direct sunlight. From there you can begin to figure out just how much time translates between using the sunbed and gaining a natural tan.

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.

Can you wear AirPods in a tanning bed?

Wearing AirPods in a tanning bed can be dangerous for a number of reasons. First, the heat from the tanning bed can damage the AirPods, making them unusable. Second, the noise from the tanning bed can make it difficult to hear the music or podcasts you are listening to, which can lead to overexposure to UV radiation.

Are there any benefits to using a tanning bed?

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].

How fast does tanning age your skin?

Indoor tanning speeds up skin aging

Indoor tanning is known to cause wrinkles, brown spots and thick leathery skin. Indoor tanning ages your skin 3 times faster than sunlight: indoor tanning can emit up to 15 times more UV radiation than sunlight.

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.

Why do I feel better after tanning bed?

Indoor tanning is more addictive than you might think. The allure lies in the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals triggered by exposure to UV rays. When you're basking under those warm lights, your brain gets a surge of these mood-enhancing chemicals, creating a euphoric sensation.

Are you supposed to flip 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.

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 .

What not to do when tanning?

Avoid wearing make-up, perfume or deodorant on the day of the tanning bed session. That's because these chemicals can negatively impact the even result of the final tan. For the same reason, please don't wear watches or jewellery.

Do you have to close the lid on a tanning bed?

Some tanning beds will have buttons for you to personally control the fans that circulate the air, or some will have separate light bulbs you can turn on and off to tan your face. Depending on the salon, you may also have to close the lid to the tanning bed and turn the machine on when you are ready to start.

What to do immediately after sun tanning?

After extensive sunbathing, it is advisable to first go into the shade or take a shower. Lukewarm water is best. Hot or cold water shocks the skin and can delay recovery. To avoid irritation, be careful not to rub the skin dry, but rather gently pat it dry with a towel.

Previous article
What are the disadvantages of going blonde?
Next article
Can you pair retinol with hyaluronic acid?