Why am I not getting darker in the tanning bed?

Author: Dr. Bennie Hand Sr.  |  Last update: Monday, June 30, 2025

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.

Why am I tanning but not getting darker?

As you progress in your tanning journey your skin becomes thicker. This means it is harder for UV light to penetrate your skin. That is typically when you will reach a point where your skin is not getting any darker.

How to get darker in a tanning bed?

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.

Why am I not seeing results from tanning bed?

You've hit a tanning plateau because of these 3 mistakes: | 1) You're tanning 1x week... 2) You're using the same bed every time you tan! Play with the different intensities to work your way up to level 5 beds. 3) You're not switching between accelerator and bronzing lotions! original sound - Bottoms Up Tanning.

Why am I not getting a tan from the tanning bed?

Too little time on the bed may not give your skin enough UV exposure while too much time can cause burning and make it harder to build up a tan over time. Start with shorter sessions and gradually increase as your skin adjusts. Another thing to consider is the UV intensity.

How to Get a Darker Tan in a Tanning Bed

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.

What causes skin not to tan?

If the skin has been inflamed or is severely dry, the melanocytes (cells that give the skin its color) in that area do not react to UV light the same as they do in non-affected/dry skin areas.

How to maximize tanning bed results?

To achieve the best and most even tan, it's crucial to rotate between using lay-down and stand-up beds. This rotation leverages the strengths of both types of beds, minimizing the drawbacks of each. By alternating your sessions between these two types of beds, you can enjoy a consistently even and beautiful 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.

Why didn't my tan develop?

To achieve best results, it is paramount that the DHA in the spray tan and the amino acids in the skin react to each other. Skincare products like moisturisers, deodorants and oily products often obstruct this process and the spray tan will not set properly.

What not to do after tanning bed?

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

What is the fastest way to get a dark tan?

To get a fast, beautiful and natural tan, see the following tips:
  1. Eat a diet rich in beta-carotenes. ...
  2. Exfoliate your skin. ...
  3. Sunbathe with sunscreen. ...
  4. Moisturize and nourish the skin. ...
  5. Avoid prolonged exposure. ...
  6. Change positions frequently. ...
  7. Take breaks. ...
  8. Use self-tanner.

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

What can I use to get darker 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.

Is it good to switch up tanning beds?

Switching up tanning beds is as important as switching tanning lotions; it will help you break your color plateau. Moisturize! Moisturizing is the only way to keep your tan looking fresh and dark, plus hydrated skin tans faster.

Why wont my legs tan on the sunbed?

Compared to the rest of the body, skin on the legs does not produce the same amount of melanin, which results in legs getting less tan. Skin on the legs is thicker and harder and the UV light from the sun or sunbeds cannot easily penetrate it.

How to accelerate tanning?

How To Tan Faster Without Burning This Summer
  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.

What makes skin more tan?

Melanin is the brown pigment that causes tanning. Melanin is the body's way of protecting skin from burning. Darker-skinned people tan more deeply than lighter-skinned people because their melanocytes produce more melanin.

What vitamin helps you tan?

The best known of all is certainly beta-carotene. It is the precursor of vitamin A that stimulates the production of melanin and that helps minimize the aggressive action of sunlight on the skin.

Which tanning bed gets you the darkest?

Level 3 offers medium pressure lamps with lower UV rays and more UVA rays, providing a faster and deeper tan than Level 1 and Level 2. And finally Level 4 tanning beds (and up) feature ridiculously fast tanning times, with sometimes next to zero UVB rays, guaranteeing a dark tan with virtually no chance of a sunburn.

What is the best tan accelerator?

Discover our top picks of tan accelerators will give you that healthy, bronzed goddess glow and keep your skin hydrated as well.
  • The Fox Tan Rapid Elixir.
  • Gatineau Tan Accelerating Lotion.
  • Piz Buin Tan and Protect Spray SPF 30.
  • Lancaster Golden Tan Maximizer After Sun Oil.

How to get the darkest tan possible?

The best way to develop the darkest of tans is to use a tan accelerator. Earth Tan's Carrot or Acacia accelerators give the best results for developing a deeper and darker tan, making tanning easier, less timely, and creating better and longer-lasting results.

Why am I not tanning on sunbeds?

All skins tan differently, but the most important factor to consider is your skin type. 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.

Why am I tanning but not getting tan?

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.

Previous article
Which oil lightens the skin the most?
Next article
How many times a week should I put cucumbers on my eyes?