Tanning guide

Tanning results and aftercare

How even your colour looks and how long it lasts depends as much on what you do between sessions as on the sessions themselves. This guide covers how long a tan lasts, fixing patchy or slow results, and the aftercare that keeps colour looking its best.

Questions in this guide

How to make your tan last longerKeep your skin well moisturised every day, use lukewarm water and gentle products in the shower, and pat dry rather than rub....
Should you shower after a sunbed?Yes, showering won't wash off a tan. If you used a lotion with a bronzer, check the bottle: some bronzers keep developing...
Why am I not tanning on the sunbed?Often it's just early days: colour builds over several sessions. But some skin simply doesn't tan well and burns instead, and for...
Why is my sunbed tan patchy?The most common causes are uneven lotion, dry or flaky skin, and pressure points where your body presses against a lay-down bed....
How long does a sunbed tan last?Usually a few weeks. Your skin constantly sheds its outer layer, so a tan fades gradually as new skin comes through. Colour...

How long colour lasts

A tan fades over a few weeks as your skin naturally renews, and bronzer colour fades faster. See how long does a sunbed tan last?

Fixing common problems

Patchy or streaky colour: usually lotion, dry skin or pressure points. See why is my sunbed tan patchy?
Little or no colour: often early days, but some skin simply doesn't tan. See why am I not tanning on the sunbed?

Never fix slow results with longer or extra sessions. That raises your risk of burning without improving your tan.