When it comes to using a sunbed, choosing the right products is important for more than just your tanning results. Certain lotions, oils and moisturisers can transfer onto the sunbed acrylic and cause lasting damage, which is why some products are not permitted on our beds.

We know it can be frustrating if you’ve just bought a new tanning lotion online, only to discover that it’s on our banned products list. However, there is a very good reason behind these rules.

Why Are Some Products Banned on Sunbeds?

Some products contain ingredients that can react with the acrylic panels used on sunbeds.

When lotions or oils remain on the surface of the skin, they can transfer onto the acrylic during your tanning session. As the sunbed heats up and the acrylic expands, repeated exposure to unsuitable products can weaken the material and contribute to cracking, splitting and permanent damage.

We regularly remind customers about banned products because this type of damage is very different from normal wear and tear.

Jewellery, for example, may occasionally cause small surface scratches. Deep cracks and splits in the acrylic can be caused by products repeatedly transferring from the skin onto the bed.

How Can the Wrong Products Damage Sunbed Acrylics?

Sunbed acrylics are specifically designed to withstand regular use and heat, but they still need to be looked after properly.

Certain ingredients can affect the surface of the acrylic over time. Once the acrylic becomes weakened, cracks can develop and the panel may eventually need replacing.

Replacing damaged sunbed acrylics is expensive, but more importantly, we want to make sure every bed remains clean, well maintained and ready for every customer.

That’s why you’ll find our banned products information displayed throughout the salon, including inside each cubicle.

What Products Should You Avoid Using on a Sunbed?

As a general rule, you should only use professional tanning lotions that are suitable for sunbed use.

Everyday skincare products are designed for completely different purposes and should not automatically be assumed to be suitable for a tanning bed.

Products such as the following should not be used on our sunbeds:

• Baby oil
• Everyday body lotions
• Standard moisturisers such as Nivea
• Products containing unsuitable oils
• Petroleum-based products
• Alcohol-based products

Even if a product leaves your skin feeling moisturised, that doesn’t necessarily mean it is suitable for use on a sunbed.

If you are ever unsure, speak to a member of our team before your session.

Why Can’t You Use Baby Oil on a Sunbed?

Baby oil is not designed for indoor tanning and can sit on the surface of the skin rather than fully absorbing.

This means it can easily transfer onto the acrylic while you’re using the bed. Repeated exposure to oily products can affect the acrylic surface and contribute to weakening, cracking and other permanent damage.

If you’re looking for something to use during your tanning session, choose a professional lotion that has been specifically designed for sunbed use instead.

Why Shouldn’t You Use Normal Moisturiser on a Sunbed?

Everyday moisturisers and body lotions are designed for general skincare rather than indoor tanning.

Many can leave a layer of product or residue on the skin, which may then transfer onto the sunbed acrylic during your session. They can also contain ingredients that aren’t suitable for repeated contact with the bed.

For this reason, we recommend avoiding standard moisturisers immediately before using one of our sunbeds unless you know that the product is suitable for indoor tanning.

Why Are Some Body Oils Not Suitable for Sunbeds?

Traditional body oils can remain on the surface of the skin, making them more likely to transfer directly onto the acrylic.

This is why many oil-based products aren’t permitted on our beds.

However, you may notice that we stock certain dry oils in the salon. Dry oils are designed to absorb quickly into the skin rather than leaving a heavy oily layer on the surface.

The products we stock have been selected specifically for use alongside your tanning routine, so if you’re unsure whether your own body oil is suitable, please check with us before using it.

Why Are Petroleum-Based Products Banned on Sunbeds?

Petroleum-based ingredients can leave a heavy residue on the skin and may react poorly with sunbed acrylics.

Because these products can transfer directly onto the surface of the bed, repeated use may contribute to the acrylic becoming weaker or damaged over time.

This is one of the reasons we always recommend checking the ingredients of any product you’ve purchased elsewhere before using it on one of our sunbeds.

Why Are Alcohol-Based Products Not Allowed on Sunbeds?

Products containing high levels of alcohol may also be unsuitable for use on our sunbeds.

Certain alcohol-based ingredients can affect acrylic surfaces, particularly when combined with the heat generated during a tanning session.

To help protect the beds, we recommend sticking to professional tanning products that have been specifically formulated for indoor tanning.

What Products Are Safe to Use on a Sunbed?

The safest option is to use a professional sunbed tanning lotion that has been formulated specifically for indoor tanning.

Using the right product can also help you get more from your tanning routine by keeping your skin moisturised and supporting an even-looking tan.

We stock a range of tanning products in the salon, so if you need help choosing one, just ask a member of our team.

Why Following Our Banned Products Rules Matters

We want every customer to be able to relax, switch off and enjoy their tanning session.

Following our product rules helps us:

• Protect our sunbeds from unnecessary damage
• Keep our equipment in excellent condition
• Maintain a clean and comfortable tanning environment
• Reduce the risk of acrylic panels becoming damaged
• Help customers choose products designed specifically for indoor tanning

Ultimately, these rules are there so that we can continue providing the high-quality tanning experience our customers expect.

Not Sure Whether Your Product Is Allowed?

If you’ve purchased a lotion, moisturiser or oil elsewhere and you’re unsure whether you can use it on one of our sunbeds, please don’t guess.

Bring it with you and ask a member of our team before your session. We’ll be happy to check it for you and recommend a suitable alternative if necessary.

A quick check can help protect the beds, avoid unnecessary damage and make sure you’re using the right products for your tanning routine.