Quick answer
Check you're 18 or over and that sunbeds are suitable for your skin, look at whether any medicines you take make you sensitive to light, and take off make-up and perfume. Exfoliate the day before, use an indoor tanning lotion rather than outdoor sun cream, wear the goggles, and ask the salon for its recommended time for that sunbed.
1. Check sunbeds are right for you
By law, you must be 18 or over to use a sunbed in a salon, gym or other business anywhere in the UK. UK health guidance also says not to use a sunbed if you have very fair skin, burn easily or have had skin cancer. See who shouldn't use a sunbed and what's my skin type?
2. Check your medicines
Some medicines make skin more sensitive to UV, including some antibiotics and acne treatments. If you take anything regularly, or have just started something new, ask your pharmacist whether it's suitable before you tan. More in sunbeds and medication.
3. Prep your skin the day before
- Exfoliate gently to help your colour develop evenly.
- Shave or wax the day before rather than just before your session, to give your skin time to calm down.
4. On the day
- Remove make-up, perfume and deodorant where you can. Some fragrances and skincare ingredients can react with UV and irritate the skin.
- Use an indoor tanning lotion, not outdoor sun cream or oil. See can you use outdoor sun cream on a sunbed? and how to apply sunbed lotion.
- Cover tattoos or use a tattoo-friendly lotion. More in tattoos and sunbeds.
- Wear the goggles, every time. Closing your eyes isn't enough: see do you need goggles on a sunbed?
5. Ask the salon
Tell them it's your first session and how your skin reacts to the sun, and ask for their recommended starting time for that specific sunbed. Start at the shortest end. Our guide to how long to sunbed as a beginner explains why.
Afterwards
Find out what's normal in what to expect after your first sunbed.
