There are a lot of benefits to indoor tanning that make it a staple in many self-care routines. It’s a good way to prep for vacation, sun-kissed skin is attractive and makes you feel confident, and UV light helps boost your Vitamin D and mood-improving hormone levels!
Tanning at a salon is often preferable to relying only on the sun, because it offers a level of control and convenience that outdoor tanning lacks. Quality tanning services aren’t cheap though—and for good reason. If you want a bronzed look that’s gorgeous, healthy, and long lasting, then you’re going to have to put a little money into it. We promise you it will be worth it when you walk away with fresh, glowing skin!
It’s important to note, however, that if you don’t follow the best practices for any kind of tanning you won’t end up with the results you’re looking for. Guarantee you get the most out of your indoor tanning regimen by adhering to these guidelines!
Indoor Tanning Preparation
Skin Type
The first step to take after finding the perfect salon for your tanning needs is to determine your skin type. It’s best if you work with a professional to do this because it’s imperative for getting the best tan possible.
Tanning skin types range from one to six—one being very fair and easily burned, and six being someone dark who rarely burns. Your skin type will help you and the attendant choose the right bed, products, tanning schedule, and session length.
Clean & Exfoliate
You’ll want to shower, shave, and exfoliate your skin one to two days before your tanning session. This will help prime you for a deeper, more even tan. UV rays penetrate fresh skin more thoroughly, which will result in a richer color and longer lasting bronze.
Take care not to use any oil-based products or fragrances when you’re preparing to head to the salon. Using these products before you apply tanning lotion can leave you with a weak, blotchy tan, and more vulnerable to a poor or allergic reaction to the UV light.
What to Bring
A good salon will have pretty much everything you need for an optimal tanning experience, but there are a few items you might want to throw in a bag to take with you. Grab a water bottle to keep yourself hydrated in the tanning bed heat, and a towel for any excess lotion or bronzer you might need to wipe away. Be sure to have eye and lip protection too—a pair of tanning goggles and an SPF lip balm will do the trick!
At the Tanning Salon
What to Wear
We recommend wearing something that’s easy to slide on and off, and for good measure maybe even something you don’t mind getting stained—sometimes bronzer has a mind of its own! Don’t wear makeup or any jewelry either.
When you arrive at your tanning station, disrobe to your comfort level. This could mean a bathing suit, underwear, crop top and shorts, or nothing at all. As long as you cover up sensitive areas that don’t usually see the sun, you’ll be good to go.
Tanning Lotion
Using the right tanning lotion is incredibly important. If you’re not sure which product is best for you, ask an attendant and they’ll be able to help you choose. Make sure you’re using a lotion specifically designed for indoor tanning—other products can potentially damage tanning beds and won’t help your indoor tan properly develop.
Once you have the right lotion, apply it evenly all over your body in a circular motion. Wipe off any excess that may be left over. Tanning lotion is important for keeping your skin hydrated and ensuring your tan lasts as long as possible.
Session Length
Determine with a professional what the appropriate amount of time is for your first session and the ones that follow. You’ll want to start shorter and work your way up to avoid damage to your skin. Whatever you do, don’t stay in the tanning bed for too long and risk getting burned. Burning is bad for your skin, your tan, and downright painful.
Tanning Aftercare
Time Between Sessions
Your color will continue to develop for the next 24 hours following a tanning session, so it’s important that you wait at least 24-48 hours before heading back to the salon. This is also the best practice for keeping your skin healthy and preventing UV damage. Once you reach your ideal bronzed shade, you should be able to maintain it with only one or two sessions per week.
Use Product
If you don’t take care of your tan, you won’t get the most value out of it! A healthy, quality tan requires some at-home maintenance for the best results. Use a tan extender to enhance and prolong the life of your sun-kissed glow. It’s also a good way to keep your skin moisturized.
Moisturizing with the right products after indoor tanning is very important to help prevent wrinkles, signs of aging, and any skin damage that excessive UV light can cause.
Stay Healthy
Aside from being essential to your overall quality of life, forming healthy habits makes a significant contribution to your tan. When you’re feeling good mentally and physically, your skin will reflect that with a vibrant, natural shine that accentuates your beautiful bronze! A good diet and regular exercise also help offset the aging effects we mentioned that result from prolonged UV ray exposure.
Las Vegas Bronzed Tanning has the best resources and expert staff that you need to get the most out of your tanning experience. We’re dedicated to making sure you walk out of our salon with a dazzling glow that you feel was worth the time, preparation, and price! Call or visit our website to get started on the perfect tanning regimen for you and your skin! This entry was posted in Tanning Salons, Tanning Tips and tagged Indoor Tanning, Tanning Bed Tips, Tanning Care Tips, Tips for Your Tanning Session. Bookmark the permalink.