Quick answer
Don't expect much colour straight away. A tan builds gradually over several sessions, and your skin may feel a little dry afterwards, so moisturise. Redness, soreness, heat or itching are not normal: they mean your skin had too much UV, so wait until it has fully settled and shorten your next session.
Colour builds slowly
After a first session, many people see little or no change. Some colour can appear over the following hours, and it builds over several sessions. That's normal, and it's not a reason to stay on longer next time. If you're wondering how long it takes, see how many sunbed sessions it takes to get a tan.
What's normal
- Little visible colour after one session
- Skin that feels slightly dry: use a moisturiser
- A faint warmth that fades quickly
- A tingling or warm feeling if you used a tingle lotion
What's not normal
- Pink or red skin, even if it's mild
- Skin that feels hot, sore or tight hours later
- Itching, blistering or peeling
- Sore, gritty or watering eyes, which can mean UV reached your eyes
Any of these mean you had too much UV. See what to do if you burn on a sunbed. For eye symptoms, read do you need goggles on a sunbed? and get them checked if they don't settle.
Aftercare
- Moisturise daily to keep your skin comfortable. A tan-extending moisturiser is designed for this.
- Keep out of strong sun for the rest of the day.
- Read should you shower after a sunbed? if you used a bronzer.
Your next session
Only go back once any pinkness has completely gone, and don't increase your time unless your skin stayed clear. See how often you can use a sunbed.
