How do you use a sunbed responsibly - top tips from the Tanning Shop
The Tanning Shop has been providing professional tanning solutions across the UK since 1990! Our core philosophy is to provide responsible tanning solutions in a professional and friendly environment. That’s The Tanning Shop difference. We pride ourselves on being transparent with our customers and supporting them to tan responsibly when using tanning beds.
Here are our top tips for using sunbeds responsibly;
Take your time
To build your glow it’s important to gradually build your minutes up over time. This allows your skin to get used to the UV rays and will reduce the risk of over-exposure. Remember, slow and steady wins the race!
Consider the frequency of your sunbed sessions*!
The frequency of your sessions all comes down to your skin type and your tanning preferences (whether you are building or maintaining your tan). If you are building your tan you may need to tan more frequently than when maintaining a tan.
Speak to a member of our team in store for a free tanning consultation to discuss how often you should be tanning for your skin type.
Only use UV-specific lotions
Always use a UV-specific lotion in your tanning sessions. These lotions include ingredients that not only help enhance tanning results and support the skin’s natural melanin production but also help to nourish, hydrate and rejuvenate your skin. Using high-street brand lotions, oils and moisturisers can not only be damaging to your skin while using a sunbed but can also damage the equipment you are using.
When choosing a lotion you can choose between accelerators, intensifiers, DHA bronzersa and natural bronzers. Accelerators are advised for those who are just starting their tanning journey, this will help enhance your tanning results. Intensifiers are advised for those looking to take their base tan to the next level.
Finally bronzers for those who are more experienced with tanning and looking to take their shade to the next level! Natural immediate bronzers are made from natural ingredients such as caramel, henna, carrot oil and walnut shell. Natural bronzers can last up to a couple of days but will wash off with water. (think instant fake tan). DHA bronzers are a type of delayed bronzer. These provide gradual colour following your session which develops fully between 8 – 24 hours from your session and can last up to seven days (these have similar results to fake tan).
Care for your skin
It’s essential to take care of your skin between sessions. Keeping your skin moisturised maintains your skin’s hydration levels. Did you know hydrated and healthy skin tans better than dull, dry skin? To maximise your tanning results you need to make sure you are looking after your skin.
Gently exfoliating your skin between sunbed sessions can help to remove dead skin cells which reflect UV light and can slow down the development of your tan.
It’s also vital to keep your skin hydrated and moisturised! Using a skin-nourishing moisturiser daily can help to improve skin condition and improve your tanning results.
ALWAYS use eye protection
It is also vital that you use eye protection, designed to be used on a sunbed, at every session to protect your eyes. Whether you use disposable eye covers or reusable goggles, you must make sure that your eyes are covered whenever you use a sunbed.
Read more on eye protection and sunbeds here.
Sunbeds and the sun
It is important when using sunbeds you avoid any risk of overexposure. During your sunbed session, the bed emits a controlled level of UV output. If you then spend time sunbathing in direct sunshine your dose of UV is no longer controlled and this can lead to overexposure. We would always advise that you avoid tanning outdoors on the same day you have, or plan to have a sunbed session.
Choose a provider that is part of The Sunbed Association
When choosing your sunbed provider we would always recommend choosing a business that is part of The Sunbed Assosiation. The Sunbed Assosiation (TSA) is a non-profit organisation. TSA is at the forefront of promoting responsible tanning and our members are committed to delivering an excellent, informed service to all their customers.
In order to be part of The Sunbed Assosiation businesses must prove they are compliant with all legislations surrounding the use of sunbeds including making sure all beds are fitted with 0.3 lamps.
There is a regulation governing the maximum UV output of sunbeds. This is generally referred to as 0.3 and is approved by the EU and complies with all British and European consumer safety regulations.
A 0.3 tanning session delivers the same tanning effect as the mid-day Mediterranean summer sun but without the risk of burning.
The Tanning Shop is the UK’s leading provider of responsible tanning solutions for more tips and advice visit the blog – https://thetanningshop.co.uk/blog/
*When reviewing your frequency it is important to consider your skin type. Always remember to leave a minimum of 24 hours between sessions sunbed sessions. Source: The Sunbed Association. The European Standard advises not to exceed 60 sessions per annum.