Quick answer
Follow the salon's recommended time for that specific sunbed and start at the shortest end, wait until any pinkness has completely gone before your next session, and never tan twice in a day. Check whether your medicines make you sensitive to light, take extra care after the salon changes its lamps, and remember that lotion doesn't stop you burning.
1. Use the salon's time, not a number from the internet
Sunbeds vary a lot in strength, so a time that suits one bed can burn you on another. Ask for the recommended time for that bed and your skin, and start at the shortest end. See how long to sunbed as a beginner and sunbed minutes and lamp strength explained.
2. Be careful after new lamps are fitted
New tubes can be stronger than worn ones. The Health and Safety Executive advises salons to reassess customers' exposure after replacing tubes. If the salon has new lamps, ask whether you should shorten your session.
3. Space your sessions
Redness can take hours to appear, so it's easy to overdo it by going back too soon. Never tan twice in a day, don't add outdoor sunbathing on a sunbed day, and wait until your skin is completely back to normal. See how often you can use a sunbed.
4. Know your skin
If you burn easily, sunbeds aren't suitable for you: see what's my skin type? Darker skin can burn too: see can dark skin burn on a sunbed?
5. Check your medicines and skincare
Some medicines, acne treatments and skincare products make skin burn much faster. See sunbeds and medication.
6. Don't rely on lotion
Sunbed lotions help with hydration and even colour, but they don't protect you from burning, and most have no SPF. Never use outdoor tanning oil on a sunbed. See can you use outdoor sun cream on a sunbed?
7. Stop if it feels wrong
If your skin feels hot, stings or starts to look pink during a session, stop. If you've burned, see what to do if you burn on a sunbed.
