Why is my back not tanning in the tanning bed?

Author: Hannah Mann IV  |  Last update: Sunday, August 10, 2025

When laying down on a sunbed, the bulk of your weight is carried by your tailbone and shoulder blades. This pressure often results in those areas not tanning properly, leaving untanned 'white' spots.

How do you tan your back in a tanning bed?

Lay on your back inside the tanning bed with your arms and legs spread. Laying with your legs together or with your arms resting against your sides can lead to an uneven or spotty tan. Stretch out your body when you first lay down to ensure all parts of your skin get exposure.

Why are some parts of my body not tanning?

It is possible that your facial skin is more sensitive to sun exposure than the skin on the rest of your body, causing it to be less tanned. It could be due to differences skin thickness and oil production, which can affect the way light reflects off your skin.

Do sunbeds tan your back?

Q4: Do I have to turn around on a sunbed? 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!

Why am I not seeing results in a 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.

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

Why won't my skin tan in a tanning bed?

Dry skin doesn't tan well. Keep your skin moisturized daily to ensure a more even tan. You should use a lightweight, non-greasy lotion leading up to your tanning session, and avoid products with oils or heavy fragrances that might interfere with tanning products or sunscreen.

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 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.

Are stand up sunbeds stronger?

Many people ask, are stand up sunbeds better? Well, stand-up tanning often features higher-intensity bulbs, meaning shorter sessions are required to achieve the desired results. Lay-down tanning, while slightly less intense, provides a more gradual tanning experience.

Am I 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.

How to get a darker tan on sunbeds?

If you're using our lay-down or stand-up sun beds, we recommend starting back at 4 or 5 minutes for your first few sun beds. Having fewer minutes more frequently will build you a darker, longer-lasting tan faster than visiting just once a week and opting for more minutes.

Can I tan just my 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.

Why am I tanning unevenly?

Moisturize: Hydrating your skin is crucial for an even tan because dry skin can reflect UV rays, leading to uneven coloration. So, after your exfoliation session, make sure to slather on a good moisturizer.

How can I tan my back comfortably?

Use a tanning mitt that has a big surface area.

This way, as you begin to blend your desired product into the harder to reach areas like your back, your mitt will help to do around half the work for you!

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 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 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 many minutes should I do in a stand up tanning bed?

Recommended Frequency of Tanning Bed Use

Each session should be brief, around 3-10 minutes, depending on your skin type.

Should I lay down or stand up in tanning bed?

Lay down tanning beds may not yield even results if you are not in the proper position. Standing up can yield better, even results because you are standing with your arms held high. Your entire body is exposed to the rays this way. So, if you're looking for more even results, try the stand-up booth.

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.

Does tanning alter DNA?

There is also strong evidence suggesting that exposure to UV rays, both UVA and UVB, can cause skin cancer. UV radiation may promote skin cancer in two different ways: By damaging the DNA in skin cells, causing the skin to grow abnormally and develop benign or malignant growths.

How do you get a golden tan in a tanning bed?

6 Top Tanning Tips for a Darker and Long-lasting Tan
  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.

Why am I not getting tan in a tanning bed?

Incorrect Tanning Bed Settings

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 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.

What makes you tan super fast?

To get a tan quickly, you can also apply a self-tanning cream all over your body or get a professional spray tan Self-tanning is effective because it contains DHA, which is a substance capable of reacting with the amino acids present in the skin, resulting in a tanned color.

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