10 TIPS how to tan in tanning beds

Why preparation matters before every tanning bed session

A great indoor tan starts before you even step into the bed. Skin that is smooth, hydrated, and free of product buildup develops color more evenly and holds that color longer. Dead skin cells, heavy fragrances, and unsuitable cosmetics can all interfere with your results. That is why proper exfoliation, clean skin, and consistent moisturizing are not “extra” steps — they are the foundation of a more even-looking tan.

It also helps to think of indoor tanning as a gradual process rather than a one-session fix. A “slow and steady” approach supports better color development and helps avoid the common beginner mistake of tanning too long on the first visit. When the skin is overexposed too quickly, it may become dry, irritated, and prone to peeling, which makes the tan fade faster instead of lasting longer.

The first visit to a tanning salon may turn out to be a stressful experience if you lack proper knowledge. The most commonly asked questions concern the time and frequency of tanning sessions, as well as the tanning lotions for indoor tanning. Below you can find 10 rules you should follow during every tanning session in the tanning bed, but especially during the first one. How to tan in tanning beds?

1. Scrub your body

One day before tanning scrub your entire body to get rid of dead skin cells. As a result, your tan will last longer.

2. Don't perfume

The day you are going to tan, do not use any antiperspirants or perfumes to avoid an allergic reaction.

3. Remove makeup

Remove your makeup carefully. You can do it at home, using your own cosmetics, or you can ask for a makeup remover at the tanning salon.

4. Talk with personel

Let the staff know that this is your first visit to a tanning salon. They should give you advice on how to choose the right bed, the duration of the session, and tanning cosmetics.

5. Don't use other cosmetics, than tanning bed lotions

Do not use any oils or any other cosmetics that are not meant for indoor tanning as they may irritate your skin and damage the tanning bed.

6. Wear whatever you like while tanning in tanning beds

You can tan either naked or wearing your bikini or underwear. But remember to wear special goggles to protect your eyes.

7. Clean up after tanning in tanning beds

If you are prone to excessive sweating, wipe off the tanning bed after you finish. Leaving a blotch of sweat is simply not good manners.

8. Again, clean

For the same reason as in the previous point, clean up the booth. It’s better to be on good terms with the staff.

9. Moisturize!

Moisturize your skin regularly to make it flexible and soft. Owing to that, your tan will last longer.

10. How long should tanning last?

Remember that the first tanning session should last 5 to 8 minutes. Gradually add a few minutes each time you tan and make sure that there are 24 – 48 hours’ intervals between the sessions. The lighter your complexion is, the longer the breaks should be.

Read also: How to tan legs?

How to choose the right tanning bed lotion for your goal

Using a professional indoor tanning lotion is one of the easiest ways to get more from every session. The goal is not just surface hydration. Well-conditioned skin tends to tan more evenly, while dry skin can leave your color looking patchy and short-lived. A good formula also helps you tailor your result depending on whether you are building a base tan, chasing instant visible depth, or trying to push past a plateau.

Product type	Best for	What it does	Onyx option
Accelerator	Beginners, fair skin, building a base tan	Supports natural melanin development without added bronzer color	Dark Tanning Accelerator
Bronzer	Tanners who want a deeper visible effect fast	Combines tanning support with bronzing ingredients for more immediate depth	Black Caviar or Magnifique
Tingle	Advanced users who want to break a tanning plateau	Supports circulation and helps intensify the tanning experience	Ice & Fire

If you are new to indoor tanning, an accelerator is usually the safest starting point because it helps you build color gradually without relying on heavy bronzing agents. If you already tan easily and want stronger cosmetic depth after each session, a bronzer may suit you better. Tingle lotions are better reserved for experienced tanners who already know how their skin reacts.

Application technique: small details that make a big difference

Even the best tanning lotion can underperform if it is applied carelessly. For better coverage, apply your indoor tanning lotion right before entering the bed and spread it in circular motions. This helps distribute the product more evenly across the skin. Be more careful on dry or rough areas such as elbows, knees, ankles, and hands, because those areas can grab too much product and develop a darker appearance than the rest of the body.

Another smart habit is to cover the whole body systematically instead of rushing. Start at the legs, move to the torso, then arms, and finish with smaller areas that are easy to miss. A lot of uneven tanning comes from skipped spots near the sides of the body, around the ankles, or close to the hairline. The more consistent your application, the more even your final result is likely to look.

Aftercare: how to make your indoor tan last longer

Your session does not really end when you step out of the tanning bed. Color development continues afterward, especially if your lotion contains bronzing ingredients. If you used a bronzer, waiting around 4–6 hours before showering can help the color finish developing more fully on the skin. Showering too quickly may reduce the cosmetic depth you see after the session.

Daily moisturizing remains one of the most important habits for extending the life of your tan. Well-moisturized skin stays softer, more flexible, and less likely to flake. Instead of reaching for a random drugstore body lotion, many tanners prefer an after-tan or tan-extending formula designed to support post-session skin care. These products are made to replenish moisture, comfort the skin barrier, and help your color fade more evenly instead of becoming patchy.

What makes a good indoor tanning formula?

When choosing an indoor tanning lotion, it helps to understand what different ingredients are there to do. Tyrosine is widely associated with the tanning process and is often used in accelerator-style formulas. Natural oils such as coconut or monoi are popular because they help condition the skin and improve softness, which can make the surface look smoother and healthier. Anti-aging support is another bonus in many modern indoor formulas, with ingredients such as vitamins E and C and plant extracts added to help care for the skin after UV exposure.

In practical terms, the best indoor tanning lotions do more than just “feel nice.” They are designed to prepare the skin, support a better-looking tan, and reduce the dry, tight feeling that can happen after repeated sessions. That is why using a bed-safe tanning lotion before every session — and moisturizing between sessions — is such a dependable long-term strategy.

Common indoor tanning mistakes to avoid

• Going too long on the first session instead of building color gradually.
• Using regular body lotion, outdoor oil, or SPF products in a tanning bed.
• Skipping exfoliation and expecting an even result.
• Applying too much product on elbows, knees, and ankles.
• Ignoring eye protection, even for a short session.
• Showering too quickly after using a bronzer lotion.
• Forgetting that hydration between sessions matters as much as the session itself.

FAQ: indoor tanning tips for beginners and regular tanners

How long should I tan in a tanning bed as a beginner?

Start conservatively and increase your exposure gradually over time. Your skin type, the power of the bed, and salon guidance all matter. If you are new to indoor tanning, stay at the lower end of the recommended range instead of trying to rush the process.

Should I shower before or after a tanning bed?

Showering before a session is helpful because it removes makeup, perfumes, deodorants, and leftover skincare that may interfere with tanning. After the session, it is best to wait a few hours, especially if you used a bronzer lotion, so the color has time to develop.

Can I use regular lotion in a tanning bed?

No. Regular body lotions and outdoor tanning products are not designed for indoor tanning equipment and may reduce results or leave residue on the bed. Always use a tanning-bed-specific lotion made for indoor use.

What is the difference between an accelerator, a bronzer, and a tingle lotion?

An accelerator is best for building a natural-looking base tan. A bronzer adds more visible depth, often making your color look darker right away. A tingle lotion is designed for experienced users who want a more intense session and a stronger tanning boost.

Why does my tan fade so quickly?

Fast fading often comes down to poor prep and poor aftercare. If you do not exfoliate before tanning, moisturize daily, or wait long enough before showering after a bronzer session, your tan may look uneven and disappear faster.

Do I really need goggles in a tanning bed?

Yes. Eye protection is essential during every session. Keeping your eyes closed is not the same as protecting them, so always wear the proper tanning goggles provided or recommended by the salon.

How often should I use tanning bed lotion?

Indoor tanning lotion should be used before every session for the best consistency. Repeated sessions without proper skin conditioning can leave the skin dry, which may affect how evenly and how long your tan develops.

What should I read next?

To continue building your routine, explore accelerator tanning lotions, compare bronzer tanning lotions, try advanced tingle formulas, and read How to tan legs? for another practical guide.