Tanning guide

Beginner's guide to sunbeds

New to sunbeds, or coming back after a long break? This guide covers everything to know before and after your first sessions: how long to tan, how often, how to prepare, and what to expect, so you can build colour gradually without burning.

Questions in this guide

Can you use a sunbed if you're under 18?No. Across the UK it's illegal for a salon, gym, hotel or any other business to let anyone under 18 use a...
How many sunbed sessions does it take to get a tan?It depends on your skin and the sunbed, but colour usually builds gradually over several sessions rather than one or two. Trying...
What to expect after your first sunbed sessionDon't expect much colour straight away. A tan builds gradually over several sessions, and your skin may feel a little dry afterwards,...
What to do before your first sunbed sessionCheck you're 18 or over and that sunbeds are suitable for your skin, look at whether any medicines you take make you...
How often can you use a sunbed?Less often than most people think. UK health guidance advises adults who choose to use sunbeds to limit their use and avoid...
How long should you sunbed for as a beginner?There's no single right time, because sunbeds vary a lot in strength. As a beginner, use the shortest session the salon recommends...

First, check sunbeds are right for you

You must be 18 or over, and UK health guidance 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?

The key principles

Use the salon's time for that bed. Sunbeds vary hugely in strength, so there's no universal number of minutes. See how long should you sunbed for as a beginner?
Space your sessions. Never tan twice in a day, and wait until any pinkness has gone. See how often can you use a sunbed?
Build colour slowly. Rushing raises your risk of burning. See how many sessions it takes to get a tan.
Always wear goggles. See do you need goggles on a sunbed?

Before and after

Use our checklist in what to do before your first sunbed session, then read what to expect after your first sunbed so you know what's normal and what isn't.

Your first lotion

A lotion isn't essential, but many beginners like a gentle, non-tingle moisturising lotion. Start with our lotions for beginners and read do sunbed lotions really work?