Whether you are completely new to sunbeds or returning after a long break, take a careful, gradual approach.

At The Tan Boutique Essex, we want every customer to make an informed decision before using a sunbed. As members of The Sunbed Association, our trained team can assess your skin type, explain how our equipment works and recommend an appropriate exposure schedule.

This sunbed tanning guide covers what to expect, how tanning works and how to care for your skin before and after a session.

How Do Sunbeds Work?

Sunbeds use ultraviolet light to stimulate melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its colour. When your skin is exposed to UV light, it may gradually become darker as part of its natural response.

However, everybody responds differently. Your natural skin tone, sensitivity, tanning history and ability to produce melanin can all affect your results.

UV exposure from sunbeds can also damage the skin and increase the risk of premature ageing and skin cancer. No UV tan is completely risk-free, so you should always follow professional guidance and avoid overexposure.

How Quickly Can You Build a Tan?

This is one of the most common questions we hear, but there is no single answer that applies to everyone.

Some people develop colour relatively quickly, while others need more time or may not tan at all. Trying to rush your results with longer or more frequent sessions can cause redness, tenderness, burning, and peeling.

If you want to develop a tan before a holiday, wedding or special occasion, start planning well in advance. This gives you time to space out your sessions and monitor how your skin responds without trying to force quick results.

Remember: more minutes do not automatically mean a better tan.

Start With a Professional Skin-Type Assessment

Before your first session, a trained team member will assess your skin type and tanning history. This helps us determine whether sunbed tanning is suitable for you and what exposure time may be appropriate.

You should tell us if:

• You have very fair or sensitive skin.
• You burn easily or struggle to tan naturally.
• You have a history of skin cancer or unusual moles.
• You are taking medication or using skincare that may increase light sensitivity.
• You have recently used another sunbed or spent time tanning outdoors.
• Your skin is currently red, sore, irritated or sunburnt.

People under 18 cannot legally use commercial sunbeds in the UK.

If you have any concerns about your skin, medication or medical history, speak to a pharmacist or healthcare professional before tanning.

Your First Sunbed Session

Your first session should be based on your individual skin assessment and the particular equipment being used. No universal starting time suits everyone.

If you haven’t used a sunbed recently, treat yourself as a returning beginner. Your previous tolerance does not mean your skin is ready to resume at the same exposure time.

Our team will provide an exposure schedule designed around your skin type. Never increase your minutes without discussing it with a trained staff member, and do not use a sunbed more frequently than advised.

How to Prepare for a Sunbed Session

Good preparation can make your session more comfortable and help your colour develop more evenly.

Before tanning:

• Remove makeup, perfume and fragranced products.
• Avoid products that can make your skin sensitive to light.
• Make sure your skin is clean, dry and free from irritation.
• Remove jewellery if it may leave unwanted tanning lines.
• Tell a staff member about any medication you are taking.
• Always wear the protective eyewear provided.

Closing your eyes is not a substitute for proper eye protection.

Never use a sunbed when your skin is burnt, red, tender, or irritated. Give your skin time to recover fully before considering any further UV exposure.

Choosing a Sunbed Tanning Lotion

A specialist indoor tanning lotion can help keep your skin moisturised during your session. Hydrated skin often looks smoother and may help your colour appear more even.

Use only products designed specifically for indoor tanning. Ordinary oils, outdoor tanning products and creams containing SPF are not substitutes for salon advice and may not be suitable for use on sunbed equipment.

If you are unsure which product is right for you, ask our team before your session.

What to Do After Using a Sunbed

Your aftercare routine should focus on keeping your skin comfortable and hydrated.

After your session:

• Drink water and keep yourself hydrated.
• Apply a gentle moisturiser regularly.
• Avoid additional UV exposure on the same day.
• Do not use another sunbed if your skin feels warm, tender or irritated.
• Monitor your skin for any unexpected reactions.

If you experience redness, soreness, itching or discomfort, do not continue tanning until your skin has fully recovered. Seek medical advice if you are concerned about a reaction.

How to Maintain Your Tan

Once you have reached your desired colour, avoid increasing your exposure just to get darker. Follow the personalised schedule the salon gives you, and allow enough time between sessions.

You can also support an even-looking tan by:

• Moisturising your skin every day.
• Staying well hydrated.
• Using gentle skincare products.
• Avoiding harsh or excessive exfoliation.
• Never tanning through redness or irritation.

Your skin naturally renews itself, so every tan will eventually fade. Regular moisturising may help the colour fade more evenly, but it cannot prevent the natural skin-renewal process.

Who Should Avoid Sunbeds?

A sunbed may not be suitable if you:

• Are under 18.
• Have very fair skin that burns easily and does not tan.
• Have a personal or family history of skin cancer.
• Have many moles or unusual-looking moles.
• Are taking medication that increases sensitivity to UV light.
• Have sunburn, broken skin or an active skin condition.
• Have been advised by a healthcare professional to avoid UV exposure.

Our team may refuse a session if we believe tanning would be unsuitable or if your skin shows signs of overexposure.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) How many sunbed sessions does it take to develop a tan?

There is no set number. Results depend on your skin type, natural pigmentation and response to UV exposure. A gradual approach guided by a professional assessment is essential.

2) Can I use a sunbed every day?

You should not use sunbeds on consecutive days or exceed the exposure schedule the salon provides. Your skin needs time between sessions, even if it does not look red.

3) Should I use the maximum number of minutes?

No. Maximum session times are not targets. Your exposure time should be based on your skin type, tanning history and the equipment being used.

4) Can I use a sunbed if I am already sunburnt?

No. Never use a sunbed on burnt, red, tender or irritated skin. Wait until your skin has completely recovered.

5) Do I need to wear eye protection?

Yes. Always wear suitable protective eyewear. Closing your eyes does not adequately protect against UV light.

6) Can everyone develop a sunbed tan?

No. Some skin types don’t tan well and are more likely to burn. If your skin doesn’t naturally tan, increasing your exposure isn’t the answer. A spray tan is a UV-free alternative.

Get Personalised Tanning Advice in Chelmsford

The best tanning routine isn’t the quickest—it is the one tailored to your skin.

Visit The Tan Boutique Essex and speak to our trained team before you begin or restart your sessions. We can assess your skin type, talk you through the equipment and help you make a properly informed decision.

If UV tanning is not suitable for you, we can also help you achieve a natural-looking glow with one of our professional spray tans.