The time you need to spend in a tanning bed to get that perfect bronzed look depends on your skin type. We all have different skin types, so our tanning bed should be scheduled according to it.
If a person with dark skin spends too little time in a tanning bed then, it is of no use. Similarly, a person with fair skin should avoid spending too long in a tanning bed as it may cause serious skin burns.
Spending the required amount of time, identifying your skin type can help you to achieve that natural sun-kissed look and also protect your skin from damage.
Here is the tanning bedtime chart that you should follow to get tan easily without skin damage.
Know Your Skin Types Before Your Tanning Bedtimes
Here, I will discuss with you different skin types and how long you should stay in the tanning bed.
Type 1 (Ivory)
People with this skin type commonly have very white or pale skin with red hair, blue eyes, and many freckles on the skin.
It is quite difficult to tan this skin type as they can get burnt very easily. So, it is important to go through the tanning process very carefully with this skin type.
Type 2 (Beige)
This skin type represents people with light beige skin, some freckles on their skin, and blonde or light brown hair.
People with this skin type should be careful while getting tan in a tanning bed as they tend to burn easily.
Type 3 (Medium)
Although People with this skin type can get burnt while tanning, they can also get tan well.
People with this skin type have brown eyes, light brown skin, and brown hair.
Type 4 (Olive)
This skin type often tans easily. This skin type represents people with dark brown eyes and hair, and olive or light brown skin. Sometimes people with this skin type may also get burnt.
Type 5 (Honey)
People with this type have dark brown hair, eyes, and brown skin. This skin type gets tan very easily and gets burned rarely.
How Do Different Time Sessions for Different Skin Types Protect Your Skin?
Spending too long in a tanning bed with fair skin can lead to peeling and sunburn. This will easily damage your skin.
A base tan is built up in the first 2 weeks after the first session is over. To get that darker tan next few session is required.
Although it may sound quite annoying, You should tan for just 1 to 2 minutes in the first 3 weeks. This will help you get that glowing tan slowly and the color will also last longer.
Tanning Bedtime Chart and Tips for Different Skin Types
To protect your skin from damage and burn there are time limits set for each skin type. Follow these tips to get that natural, glowing tan without skin damage.
Time | Ivory | Beige | Medium | Olive | Honey |
First Session | 1 minute | 2 minutes | 3 minutes | 3 minutes | 3 minutes |
Week 1 | 1 minute | 3 minutes | 4 minutes | 5 minutes | 6 minutes |
Week 2 | 1 minute | 5 minutes | 8 minutes | 9 minutes | 10 minutes |
Week 3 | 3 minutes | 8 minutes | 13 minutes | 16 minutes | 16 minutes |
Week 4 | 3 minutes | 10 minutes | 15 minutes | 20 minutes | 20 minutes |
Skin Type 1
With this skin type, you can just spend a minute or two in the tanning bed for the first 3 sessions.
Spending a long time can easily burn this type of skin. To build the base tan spending 1 minute in a tanning bed is fine for this skin type.
Your skin will begin to peel off if you spend more than 1 to 2 minutes in the tanning bed with this skin type.
To protect your skin from getting dry and to make your tan develop faster it is best to use a tanning accelerator while getting tan in a tanning bed.
Skin Type 2
People with this skin type also tend to burn easily. So, if you feel uncomfortable during your tanning session then you should end the session at that point in time.
To prevent peeling and burning of your skin take time to build up the base tan.
To make your tanning sessions short and to nourish your skin always use a tanning accelerator.
Skin Type 3
People with this skin type might spend a few more minutes in the tanning bed than people with skin types 1 and 2. But your tanning sessions should be short.
Overexposure can burn your skin. So, go slowly and you will notice the desired result in no time. Also, use a tanning accelerator to prevent skin from drying out.
Skin Type 4
People with this type get instant results and can spend a long time in the tanning bed.
Using tanning accelerators before the process can help you achieve that glowing dark tan in a short time.
Accelerators will also nourish your skin and prepare it for the next session without any skin burn or damage.
Skin Type 5
Results can be seen very quickly in people with this skin type. Using a tanning accelerator will also boost the process and thus, you do not have to spend long hours in the tanning bed.
People with this skin type require a short session to get that gorgeous tan easily.
How to Take Care of Your Skin After Tanning?
Taking proper care of your skin is very important irrespective of your skin type. Your skin can still produce melanin for at least 12 hours after leaving the tanning bed.
Using a tanning accelerator is important to prevent dryness and damage caused by UV lights.
To prevent peeling after the tanning session people with fairer skin can use aloe vera gel. This will help your skin to cool down and to avoid sunburn.
Frequently Asked Questions​
How to choose the best tanning schedule?
Being a professional I suggest my clients go for the first 3 sessions within a week so, that the base tan is created. After that to make your tan darker you can do two tanning bed sessions every week.
Although it takes time for your skin to complete the process, it is always advisable not to use a tanning bed more than once within 24 hours. Go for a tanning bed session once or twice a week to maintain the color.Is it necessary to apply a tanning accelerator to your face?
To make your tan evenly distributed on your face and body you should apply a tanning accelerator to your face as well. You may avoid using some indoor tanning lotions on your face that contain bronzers. Always choose the product that suits your skin.
What is the same as spending 10 minutes tanning in a bed?
The result can be noticed from the first week itself but, you may need to go for a few more sessions to get that darkest tan. A base tan can be easily achieved by tanning two to three weeks before you go on a vacation. Avoid getting sunburned as it may destroy all your hard work.
Is indoor tanning a good option for those who cannot tan outdoors?
That perfect sun-kissed look can also be achieved indoors without going out in the sun. although getting burnt and sensitive skin sometimes becomes a challenge, you can easily overcome it by following the tips shared above.
Conclusion
Following a bedtime chart is very important before you go for your tanning bed session. People with all skin types can easily use a tanning bed if they follow the time that is suitable for their skin.
I hope you have got answers to your queries regarding the time that needs to be followed before going for a tanning bed session. Now enjoy getting that glowing bronzed look without sunburn or damaging your skin.
