The question of how long to spend in a tanning bed depends on individual biological factors and the specific equipment being used. Indoor tanning involves exposure to concentrated ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which carries the risk of immediate harm, such as a painful burn, if the exposure time is too long. Determining the correct session length requires understanding your personal skin response and the output of the tanning unit. This approach minimizes the chance of overexposure and resulting cellular damage.
Skin Type and Initial Exposure Guidelines
The most significant factor determining your exposure time is your skin’s natural sensitivity to UV light, which is classified using the Fitzpatrick scale. This scale categorizes skin into six types based on the amount of melanin present and the tendency to burn or tan. People with lower Fitzpatrick skin types have less natural melanin and are more susceptible to burning, requiring the shortest initial exposure times.
Type I skin, which is very fair and always burns without tanning, should begin with an extremely short session, typically only 1 to 3 minutes. Type II skin, which is fair and burns easily but sometimes tans slightly, can start with 2 to 4 minutes. For Type III skin, which tans moderately and sometimes burns, an initial session of 4 to 8 minutes is more appropriate.
The principle for all skin types is to start with the lowest recommended time and only gradually increase the duration if no adverse reaction like redness or burning occurs. This slow progression allows the skin to begin producing melanin, which provides natural protection. A general rule is to increase the session time by only one or two minutes per week.
Beginners must focus on establishing a base tan by repeating the initial short session times for several visits before attempting any increases. Even after developing a base tan, maximum limits should not be exceeded for any skin type. For example, Type I skin should generally never exceed 7 to 10 minutes, even with an established base tan.
Understanding UV Lamp Strength and Variability
Beyond your skin type, the tanning equipment itself is a major variable in determining the appropriate session length. Tanning beds use different types of lamps that emit varying ratios of UVA and UVB radiation, which affects the recommended exposure time. Low-pressure beds, often categorized as Level 1 or 2, typically emit a mix of UVA and a higher percentage of UVB rays.
UVB stimulates the production of new melanin, the pigment responsible for tanning, but it is also the primary cause of sunburn. Because low-pressure beds have higher UVB output, they require cautious and shorter session times to prevent overexposure and burning. These beds may have longer maximum session times, sometimes exceeding 20 minutes, due to their lower overall intensity compared to modern units.
High-pressure beds, usually classified as Level 3 and above, utilize specialized lamps and filters to produce much higher amounts of UVA radiation and a lower percentage of UVB. UVA primarily oxidizes existing melanin, leading to a faster and deeper bronzing effect, with a reduced risk of immediate burning. Session times in high-pressure units are much shorter, often allowing a base tan to be achieved in fewer sessions.
The age and maintenance of the lamps also directly influence the UV output of any machine. Newer lamps are stronger and can deliver a higher dose of UV in a shorter time than older lamps. Because of these equipment differences, consult with the salon staff, who can provide the manufacturer’s recommended exposure schedule specific to the unit being used.
Essential Safety Protocols
Regardless of the calculated session time, certain safety protocols are necessary for every indoor tanning session. The most important step is the use of proper protective eyewear, which must be worn throughout the entire session. Simply closing your eyelids is not enough, as the skin is thin and UV light from the bed can be up to 100 times stronger than the sun, leading to serious eye damage like cataracts or photokeratitis.
The protective goggles must be approved and compliant with federal regulations, designed to block 99.9% of UVB and 99% of UVA light. Towels, cotton balls, or standard sunglasses do not offer adequate protection and should never be substituted for approved eyewear. Salons are required to ensure that customers wear this protection for the entire duration of the exposure.
Be mindful of the products applied to the skin before entering the bed, specifically using indoor tanning lotions designed to accelerate or enhance the tan. Outdoor sunscreens, which contain UV-blocking agents, should be avoided because they interfere with UV exposure settings and can cause an unpredictable reaction. Many substances, including common medications, can cause photosensitivity, an adverse skin reaction when exposed to UV light.
Check with a physician or pharmacist about any medications you are taking, as substances like antibiotics or certain acne treatments can increase the risk of a burn or rash. Finally, a mandatory rest period between sessions is required, with a minimum of 24 hours, and often 48 hours, recommended to allow the skin to recover and process the UV exposure. Exceeding the maximum recommended exposure time or frequency can lead to cumulative skin damage.