A Complete Guide to Using a Tanning Bed (+ Prep & Position Tips)

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Plus, learn what to do before and after you go tanning

Co-authored by Barbie Ritzman and Bailey Cho

Last Updated: February 19, 2026 Fact Checked

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• Preparing to Tan
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• What to Do During the Session
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• Tanning Aftercare
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• How often can you tan?
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• Choosing a Tanning Bed
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• FAQs
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• Video
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• Q&A
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• Tips
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• Warnings

|Show more |Show less

If you’ve never used a tanning bed before, the process can seem a bit intimidating. You may be worried about how to prep your skin or position your body to avoid awkward tan lines. That’s why we’re providing the ultimate guide to tanning indoors for beginners, including what to do before, during, and after your session. We’ll also answer your burning questions about how long to tan, how often you should go, and whether you should wear anything. Keep reading to achieve a flawless, glowing tan!

Warning: Tanning beds are not safer than the sun, and research shows that tanning dramatically increases your risk of skin cancer. If you decide to tan indoors, always wear eye protection and ensure you’re not taking any medication that increases skin sensitivity to UV light.

How to Use a Tanning Bed for the First Time

• Shave, exfoliate, and moisturize your skin 24 hours before your tanning session.
• Apply an indoor tanning lotion all over your body and always wear eye protection.
• Lie in the tanning bed with your arms away from your sides and your palms facing up.
• Follow the recommended time based on your skin type, starting with shorter sessions.

Steps

Section 1 of 6:

Preparing for Your Tanning Session

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1. 
   1
   Determine your skin type to see how long you should tan. Understanding your skin type is key to choosing a safe, personalized tanning schedule. The Fitzpatrick scale is a classification system based on the amount of melanin in the skin and the skin’s response to sun exposure. If you’re unsure about your skin type, consult a salon representative for advice. Here’s an overview of the 6 skin types and how long they can generally tan:

   • Type I (pale white skin): Burns easily and rarely/never tans, and has the highest risk of sunburn and skin damage with a maximum exposure time of less than 10 minutes. It’s not recommended for this type to use tanning beds.
   • Type II (white to light beige): Usually burns and tans minimally with a maximum exposure time of 20 minutes. Start with very short tanning sessions of 3-4 minutes.
   • Type III (light brown): May burn and tans uniformly with a maximum exposure time of 30 minutes. Start with short tanning sessions of 4-5 minutes.
   • Type IV (moderate brown): Minimally burns and tans easily with a maximum exposure time of 50 minutes. Start with tanning sessions of 5-6 minutes.
   • Type V (dark brown): Very rarely burns and tans profusely with a maximum exposure time of 60+ minutes. Start with tanning sessions of 6-8 minutes.
   • Type VI (very dark skin): Never burns and is deeply pigmented with a maximum exposure time of 60+ minutes. Start with tanning sessions of 8-10 minutes.
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   Ensure you’re not taking medications that increase sensitivity to UV rays. If you’re taking certain antibiotics, acne medication, or diuretics, UV light from tanning beds can cause severe burns, rashes, and blistering, similar to an intense sunburn. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before tanning, and check medication warning labels for “photosensitivity” or “avoid sun exposure.”

   • Here’s a list of the most common photosensitizing medications. Keep in mind that not all individuals who use or take these medications will experience a photosensitive reaction. Plus, an individual who experiences a photosensitive reaction on one occasion will not necessarily experience it again or every time.
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   Choose the right tanning salon by reading reviews and requesting tours. Since you’ll be wearing minimal to no clothing during your session, it’s important to pick a clean salon with properly trained staff, up-to-date equipment, and visible sanitation procedures in place. Check Google, Yelp, and local Facebook groups for reviews, and visit in person to see the facility and ensure the staff makes you feel comfortable.

   • If there are a significant number of negative reviews online, or even a few that unsettle you, consider a different tanning salon.
   • Ask the staff how often they clean their tanning beds and what kind of cleaner they use. If you see any dirt buildup on the beds, find a different place to tan.
   • Look for salons with modern, well-maintained equipment. Newer models typically have timers, automatic shut-offs, and cooling systems to enhance comfort and safety.
   • Staff should be familiar with the different skin types, tanning processes, and safety protocols. Look for salons employing Smart Tan-certified staff to indicate proper training.
4. 
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   Exfoliate and moisturize your skin 24 hours before your tanning session. According to beauty and skincare specialist Barbie Ritzman, you should focus on exfoliating areas like your knees, ankles, elbows, and other places you tend to be dry. Shower, shave, and exfoliate your skin at least 24 hours beforehand to remove any dead skin cells, then apply moisturizer to your entire body, especially in the days leading up to your session. Keeping your skin well hydrated promotes an even, long-lasting tan!

   • Avoid exfoliating right before your tan, as it can increase skin sensitivity.
   • Avoid using harsh soaps that dry out your skin or leave a residue. Soaps with shea butter or cocoa butter have natural moisturizing properties.
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   Cover sensitive areas of your skin to avoid burning. The skin is thinner and more prone to damage in areas such as the lips, nipples, and genitals. To prevent burning, wear underwear, a bikini, or nipple covers, or cover sensitive areas with a small cloth. Be sure to apply a thick coat of lip balm with at least SPF 15 to prevent dryness and UV damage, too.

   • If you have tattoos, apply sunscreen, balms, or coverings to prevent fading.
   • If you’ve recently dyed your hair, ask a staff member for a cap to protect your hair.
   • UV rays can also yellow acrylic nails, so request nail coverings from a staff member.
   • Some people tan nude to avoid tan lines, but it’s still important to cover sensitive areas like the nipples and genitals.
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   Wear goggles to protect your eyes while tanning. Simply closing your eyes or wearing standard sunglasses doesn’t block the intense UVA and UVB rays emitted from tanning beds. Without proper eye protection, you risk severe, long-term eye damage, including color blindness, loss of night vision, and cataracts. Tanning salons must provide protective eyewear by law, so always wear goggles during your session.

   • Never wear contact lenses while tanning. They can dry out, trap UV radiation, and damage your eyes.
   • You can avoid getting pale circles, or “raccoon eyes,” from the goggles by sliding the goggles periodically throughout your tan. Just do not remove or lift the goggles completely.
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   Remove any jewelry and avoid perfume and makeup before tanning. In the hours leading up to your session, do not wear makeup, perfume, or regular lotion—these can interfere with your tan and cause unevenness. Take off all jewelry before entering the tanning bed to avoid tan lines and potential skin irritation as well.

   • After tanning, wait at least 24 hours to resume your normal beauty and skin care routine. Makeup and fragranced lotions can cause skin irritation while the tan is settling.
8. 
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   Apply an indoor tanning lotion right before stepping into the bed. Rub indoor tanning lotion all over your body about 15-20 minutes before your session. This allows the lotion to fully absorb, helping you achieve a more even tan.

   • Do not use any outdoor tanning lotions or oils. Not only will these outdoor products be ineffective, but the compounds may also damage the tanning equipment.
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   Ask a staff member to go over the tanning process with you. This is especially important if you are tanning for the first time or using a type of bed you’re unfamiliar with. Some tanning beds have buttons to manually control the fans that circulate the air, while others have separate light bulbs you can turn on and off to tan your face.

   • Depending on the salon, you may also need to close the tanning bed lid and turn on the machine when you are ready to start. Make sure you know how all of these functions work before lying down in the bed.
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Section 2 of 6:

What to Do During Your Tanning Session

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1. 
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   Locate the countdown timer for your tanning session. Not every salon will have a staff member to tell you when to flip your body during the tanning session. Standard tanning beds will have a timer visible on the inside, so you can monitor your own session. It is important to know where the timer is and whether you will receive guided instructions during your tanning session.

   • The timer is set in advance based on your skin type. If you have fair or sensitive skin, your first tanning session will most likely not exceed 3-6 minutes. If you have a base tan or darker skin, your tanning time can be as long as 20 minutes.
2. 
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   Lie on your back inside the tanning bed with your arms and legs spread. Lying with your legs together or with your arms resting against your sides can lead to an uneven or spotty tan. Stretch out your body when you first lie down to ensure all parts of your skin get exposure.

   • If you want to tan the skin under your arms, raise your arms above your head for a few minutes.
3. 
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   Bend your knees to avoid getting tan lines on the back of your upper thighs. When you lie your legs flat, your buttocks push against the back of your thighs. Tanning like this can result in unwanted tan lines. To avoid this, bend your knees so your legs are slightly elevated. Make sure that your inner thighs don’t press together when you do this; otherwise, you will get an uneven tan there.

   • If there is not enough room inside the tanning bed for you to bend both of your knees at the same time, bend one knee for a few minutes and then switch to the other.
4. 
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   Flip onto your stomach halfway through your tanning session. To tan your backside, adjust your position so you are lying on your stomach. Place your arms at your sides with your palms down. This is usually indicated by a timer or a staff member telling you to flip over. Since this position can feel uncomfortable, you can bend your arms to prop up your chin.

   • If you are getting your tan in a vertical booth, you do not need to rotate your body to achieve an even tan.
5. 
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   Rotate your body so you are lying on your side. Dedicate the last minute of your session to tan your sides. While the bed has been indirectly tanning your sides throughout the session, spending at least 30 seconds lying on each side will ensure your tan is even around your entire body.
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Section 3 of 6:

Tanning Aftercare

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1. 
   1
   Wear loose clothing, apply moisturizer, and wait 3-4 hours before bathing. After your session, throw on loose, dark clothing to prevent irritation. Hydrate your skin with a good moisturizer and wait at least 3-4 hours before showering to let your tan develop and avoid stripping the skin.

   • Avoid exfoliating for at least 24 hours after tanning.
   • If you bathe right after your session, it can dull your tan or even create splotchy marks within the tan.
2. 
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   Wait at least 48 hours before scheduling your next session. Your tan will continue to darken over the next 24-72 hours, so it’s important not to rush into the tanning booth right after to see how your skin reacts and to avoid excess damage. Even if you’re not completely satisfied with your tan, wait at least 48 hours before booking another appointment.

   • Keep in mind that some people require 2-3 sessions to achieve their desired golden glow.
3. 
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   Maintain your tan by revisiting the salon or by using tan extenders. You can visit the tanning salon 2-3 times per week until you reach your desired color. Once that happens, scale back and go 1-2 times a week to maintain your tan. You can also use tanning extenders to prolong your tan between visits. These are specialized lotions and moisturizers with ingredients like DHA, aloe, hemp seed oil, and shea butter.

   • Monitor your skin's reaction after each tanning session. If you experience burning, itching, or irritation, stop tanning and talk to a dermatologist.
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Section 4 of 6:

How many times a week can you tan?

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1. 
   You can tan 2-3 times per week, waiting 48 hours between sessions. According to the FDA, you may tan 2-3 times in the first week, provided you wait at least 48 hours between sessions. This is because a sunburn takes 6-48 hours to appear, so you need to wait and let the tan develop. Once you reach your desired color, 1-2 sessions per week is usually enough to maintain your tan.

   • The key is gradual exposure and monitoring your skin to avoid damage, such as burning, redness, or peeling.

Section 5 of 6:

Choosing the Right Tanning Bed

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1. 
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   Use a low or medium-pressure tanning bed for a natural-looking tan. Low- and medium-pressure tanning beds emit UVB radiation in a spectrum similar to natural sunlight. The main difference is that medium-pressure tanning uses a higher wattage and tans your skin faster. While low-pressure tanning is considered the traditional method of tanning because of its low reflector intensity, either of these will give you a natural-looking tan.

   • Because lamps in low- and medium-pressure tanning slowly emit UVB rays, there is a risk of sunburn. If you burn easily, consider using an alternative method.
   • Most tanning salons offer a variety of bed styles, each using a different method to tan your skin. Visit a local tanning salon and ask about the tanning options they offer to find the right one for you.
   • Reader Poll: We asked 167 wikiHow readers whether they tend to tan or burn in the sun, and 60% of them said that they tend to burn. [Take Poll] If this applies to you, too, you should be especially cautious when using a tanning bed.
2. 
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   Lie in a high-pressure tanning bed to get a long-lasting tan. High-pressure tanning beds emit a higher proportion of UVA than UVB. UVA rays will give you a deeper, longer-lasting tan that develops quickly without burning your skin. While this method is gentler on your skin, it is usually the most expensive.

   • If this is your first time tanning, refrain from using a high-pressure tanning bed until you are more experienced with the process. High-pressure tanning develops a tan quickly, and if you are not familiar with the process, you can easily end up with tan lines.
3. 
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   Stand in a vertical tanning booth to get a quick and even tan. Since your skin isn't pressed against surfaces, you will get a more even tan and won’t have to worry about missed spots. A vertical tanning booth is good for people who have never tanned before or for people who are claustrophobic.

   • If you are worried about having to flip and rotate your body inside a tanning bed, book an appointment for a vertical tanning booth. You will get a 360-degree coverage just by standing with your arms and legs spread.
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Section 6 of 6:

Frequently Asked Questions

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1. 1
   How long should you stay in a tanning bed for the first time? Generally, you should start with shorter tanning sessions lasting 3-5 minutes. However, it totally depends on your skin type, so consult with the salon staff to assess your skin and recommend the perfect starting time for the specific bed you’re using.

   • Listen to your skin and stop tanning if you experience tingling, stinging, burning, or other signs of discomfort.
   • Remember, it’s best to begin with a short session and then gradually increase time as your skin builds tolerance. Starting with long exposure is risky and can lead to burning.
2. 2
   Can I tan with sunscreen on? Yes, you can still tan while wearing sunscreen. However, it’s not generally recommended to tan indoors while wearing sunscreen, as it interferes with the process and can lead to streaks or uneven results. It also defeats the purpose of an indoor tanning session.

   • If you choose to apply sunscreen while tanning indoors, focus on sensitive areas like the face, neck, and chest.
3. 3
   Are you supposed to wear anything in a tanning bed? Most people go nude to avoid tan lines, but some wear underwear or minimal swimwear, like a bikini. If you decide to tan nude, make sure to cover sensitive areas, such as your nipples and genitals, to avoid burning. You should also always wear goggles to protect your eyes from UV rays—closing your eyes isn’t enough!

   • Cover your nipples and genitals with silicone pasties, disposable stickers, or a small cloth.
4. 4
   What is 10 minutes in a tanning bed equal to? Ten minutes in a tanning bed can be equivalent to 1-2 hours of direct sun exposure, depending on the bed intensity and your skin type. Tanning beds emit 12 times more UVA radiation than the sun, which is associated with premature skin aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots.

   • In fact, using tanning beds before age 20 increases your chances of developing melanoma by 47%, with the risk increasing with each use.
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Community Q&A

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• Question

  Can I go to a tanning salon if I have skin cancer?

  

  Community Answer

  No. Tanning while having skin cancer is detrimental to your skin, as tanning is a major cause for skin cancer. It's a lot like smoking while you have lung cancer. Since you clearly have skin that is prone to skin cancer, you really should avoid using tanning beds for the rest of your life.

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  Thank you for your feedback.
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• Question

  Should I take off my make up before going on a tanning bed?

  

  Community Answer

  Yes. Some cosmetics can cause adverse reactions on your skin if they're exposed to heightened UV rays.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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• Question

  How often do you have to tan in order to see an effect?

  

  Community Answer

  The time needed in order to see a visible tan varies with everyone. Those with paler complexions will tan more slowly, and those with darker skin will tan at a faster rate due to the melanin production in their DNA. Overall, just try to tan at a slow but gradual rate. It may take some time, but it is safer and looks more natural.

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  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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Tips

• Tanning salons often offer discounted tans when you purchase a monthly membership. If this is your first time using a tanning bed, schedule an appointment for a single use only. That way, if you do not like the results or if you decide tanning beds are not right for you, you are not committed to paying for a membership.
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Warnings

• While there are no laws against tanning if you are pregnant, tanning salons do reserve the right to turn you away. Tanning while pregnant can cause you to overheat, become dehydrated, feel ill, or even trigger preterm labor. If you are pregnant, consult your physician and review the salon’s policies before booking an appointment.
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• There are health risks associated with tanning bed use, particularly when it is used frequently. Exposing your skin to UV radiation can increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Some of the most common types of skin cancer are melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Due to these health risks, many countries regulate minors’ use of tanning devices. Under these regulations, minors under 18 are prohibited from using tanning beds and must present a medical prescription.
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