Having a hectic schedule means that you don’t have time for sun exposure to get a tan? Worry no more, read this guide to learn how much session time you’ll need for an indoor tan.
How Many Tanning Sessions To Get a Base Tan?
Tanning sessions depend on your skin type and frequency. Following is a concise explanation:
For newcomers: 5-7 sessions
For occasional customers: 3-5 sessions
Regular customers: 1-2 sessions
N.B. These values are based on a weekly schedule.
Visit tanning salons to meet experts; they can provide valuable information on your skin type, tanning duration, and the process.
Skin Type 1
Type I skin is pale white: This skin comes with freckles, does not tan easily, and burns quickly with UV exposure.
N.B. Type I skin should be tanned with extreme caution.
Skin Type 2
Type 2 skin is pale to light beige: This skin type may have freckles with light brown or blonde hair. It tans gradually and can burn quickly with UV exposure.
Skin Type 3
Individuals possess light brown skin, brown hair and brown eyes. Their skin tans easily, but there are chances of burns with excessive UV exposure.
Skin Type 4
This skin type offers dark brown hair and brown eyes. The skin tans quickly and does not burn often. However, it needs to avoid extreme UV exposure.
Skin Type 5
Type 5 skin is medium to dark brown with dark brown hair and eyes. The skin tans quickly and does not experience burns from limited UV exposure.
How Long Should Have a Tan?
After determining the skin type, you can proceed with the tanning process.
Type 1
This skin type burns quickly, so start the tanning process at short intervals, preferably one to three minutes per session. You should repeat it for several weeks until you build a light base tan.
Gradually work your way up to one-minute increments per week. After four weeks, this skin can withstand five to eight minutes.
N.B. Exceeding the time period is not recommended.
Type 2
Type 2 skin offers more flexibility for the tanning process. Start with two to four-minute tanning sessions and repeat for two weeks until you develop a base tan.
After you have a base tan, increase the tanning time by one minute each session. After four weeks of tanning, a person can have a tan for 10 to 12 minutes without burning.
Exceeding this time for Type 2 skin can result in burns.
Type 3
For Type 3 skin, begin with four to eight minutes per session for the first two weeks. This skin has a base tan, so adding one-minute time is safe.
By the fourth week, Type 3 skin individuals can tan for 12 to 15 minutes in a bed or booth without burning.
N.B. Avoid overexposure to UVA and UVB rays.
Type 4
Begin the tanning process for four to nine minutes. This skin develops a golden glow quickly. So you don’t have to increase your increments rapidly or go for sessions as often as other skin types.
Type 4 skin can withstand 20 minutes in a bed or booth. Since more sessions are not required, we recommend a tanning lotion or tan accelerator to maintain the deep color.
Type 5
Type 5 skin starts to tan rapidly, even in short tanning sessions. Keep the sessions between four and ten minutes.
If you want to achieve a deep tone, increase the time of your sessions by 1-2 minute intervals.
This skin type can withstand up to 20 minutes in a bed or booth without burning. More time will result in UV damage.
Set a Tanning Schedule
Let your tanning professional recommend a tanning schedule; your exposure times will be based on your skin type.
For most skin types, few tanning sessions are required for the skin to oxidize the melanin and result in darker skin.
Note that indoor and outdoor exposure times are different. Your sessions will start with 5 minutes and increase to 12-minute longer sessions.
Wait at least 48 hours between tanning sessions to avoid skin damage.
if you wait too long between indoor tanning sessions, your tan may fade. Most indoor tanning professionals recommend three sessions a week.
Tips for Tanning Process & Care
Prepare Your Skin For Tanning Bed Session
Exfoliate your skin a week before the first indoor tanning session. With exfoliating, you can remove dead skin cells and create a smooth base.
Apply indoor tanning lotion to maximize the tanning results.
Protect Your Eyes From UV Rays
Wear goggles or other eye protection to protect your eyes from UV exposure.
Avoid looking at UV rays from the tanning equipment. Repeated exposure to indoor tanning UV rays can cause night blindness and retinal ulcers
Avoid unnecessary skin tan sessions to protect your skin from skin cancer.
Aftercare
Moisturize your skin after a tanning session. Moisturized skin will hold a tan longer than dry skin.
Final Thoughts
I hope you found this guide helpful in determining how much time you’ll need for a perfect tan. If so, start tanning your body from today!