Whether you’ve been tanning for a while or this is your first foray, we’ve put together a handful of helpful tips to put you on the right foot. Learn how long to tan, what to do after you tan and more.
Know Your Skin Type
First things first: speak with one of our Tanning Experts to determine your tanning skin type. They’ll be able to help you select the right sunbed, skincare products, session times and schedules.
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1. Pale Skin.
Skin doesn’t tan and burns easily. Likely to have light blonde or red hair with blue or green eyes
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2. Fair Skin.
Skin has difficulty tanning and usually burns in the sun. Can have a wide range of hair and eye colors.
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3. Light Brown or Olive Skin.
Skin tans gradually and will still sometimes burn. Can have a wide range of hair and eye colors.
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4. Caramel or Medium Brown Skin.
Skin tans easily and rarely burns. Hair color is likely darker with either hazel or brown eyes.
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5. Bronze or Rich Brown Skin.
Skin tans easily without burning. Hair color is likely dark with either hazel or brown eyes.
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6. Mahogany or Black Skin.
Skin tans very quickly and never burns. Hair color is likely dark with hazel or brown eyes.
What To Know
Before
Prepare Your Skin
Your perfect tan starts before you set foot in your local PBT. You’ll want to shower, shave and exfoliate at least a day before your tan (preferably two!). We recommend using our Premier Collection® body washes as the perfect pre-tan prep. Exfoliating is especially important. If you don’t have time for a deep exfoliation, using a loofah, brush or bath puff will work just fine. Then, after you’ve showered, apply a non-oil based light moisturizer from our Premier Collection® skin care line. It’s that easy.
Check Your Prescriptions
Make sure you aren’t on any medications that increase skin sensitivity to UV rays. If you are, don’t worry—our sunless options will get you where you want to go!
Make sure you aren’t on any medications that increase skin sensitivity to UV rays. If you are, don’t worry—our sunless options will get you where you want to go!
What to Wear
Apply a lip balm with SPF protection. Palm Beach Tan locations carry SPF lip balm for your convenience.
You’ll also want to remove any makeup or jewelry, and avoid wearing any heavy perfumes or essential oils ahead of your session—these create a barrier to the spray tanning solution that can prevent optimal absorption.
During
The Naked Truth
Once you’re in the privacy of your own tanning room, you can get as naked as you’d like. Just a heads up, though: if you choose to go completely nude, be sure to cover areas not typically exposed to the sun.
Tanning Lotion Tips
Apply indoor tanning lotion evenly over all areas of your body. Our Tanning Experts can connect you with the best skincare products to extend the life of your tan. Just make sure that the lotion you use is an indoor tanning lotion—lotions not made for indoor tanning can damage tanning beds and won’t help you develop your tan.
Protect Those Peepers
We want you to see how good you look after your session. That’s why we have to insist that you wear protective eyewear. And it’s not just us: it’s required by law. You’ll find complimentary protective goggles for use on each tanning bed.
After
Safety First
All Palm Beach Tan locations follow FDA guidelines and have a 24-hour tanning policy. This 24-hour resting period is critical to the development of your tan. Learn more about sunbed tanning safety.
Shine Brighter For Longer
A tan extender is the best way to shine for longer. Palm Beach Tan has a variety of Premier Collection® skincare products that will hydrate your skin and help achieve longer-lasting results.
Tanning 1-3 times a week is ideal for maintaining your color. Consult with your salon’s Tanning Experts for your personalized tanning routine!
Need a tan fast? Here’s how.
co*cktail Tanning
co*cktail tanning is as simple as following up your sunbed session with a sunless spray session. Why? The UV rays from sunbed tanning trigger your melanin production AND open up your pores, which allows the sunless solution to penetrate your skin. Put the two together and you get an even darker, deeper and longer-lasting tan.
Learn more about spray tanning
sunbed skin care
Tanning isn’t just about achieving that beautiful bronze color—it’s also about taking great care of your skin.
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Sunbed Tanning FAQ
We recommend lying on your back with your arms several inches away from your sides. You’ll want to keep your palms facing up and make sure there’s a slight bend in your knees.
The best way to find out what works for your skin is by referencing our skin type chart and consulting with your Tanning Expert® at PBT. They’ll help you put together a tanning routine that works for you.
All PBT locations require 24-hours between sunbed sessions. This requirement is in accordance with FDA guidelines and will give your skin the time it needs to rest and maximize color development.
Using skincare products that have been designed for sunbed tanning is a crucial part of the process. The Premier Collection® by Palm Beach Tan has an incredible selection of products that will help you achieve your best shade.
To keep skin moisturized and extend the life of your tan, you should use a tanning extender specifically formulated for sunbed tanning.
You do not have to wait to shower. However, bronzers that contain DHA are best when left on for at least 4 hours before showering.
It depends on many factors, including skin type, level of current tan, the tanning bed and skin care products you use. Typically, you’ll see results after 3-5 sessions.
The best things (including tans) can’t be rushed. Our sunbed tanning tips help you get the most out of your tan.
Talk with the Tanning Experts® at PBT about building a tanning schedule tailored specifically to your skin type and tanning goals.
