Today, you don’t have to spend hours at the beach to get a healthy glow. Instead, you can achieve a beautiful, golden color at any time of year with a UV tanning bed. And while most people must complete three to five sessions to see noticeable results, there are several things you can do to make sure you maximize your tanning time. Let’s take a look!

1. Exfoliate Before Your Tanning Session

Dead skin cells, environmental pollutants, and natural oils can accumulate on the surface of your skin, creating a dull barrier. Therefore, before you apply any tanning accelerators or lotions, it’s best to use a pre-tan exfoliant. This will help you avoid uneven, blotchy results and help your skin soak up moisturizing tanning products.

There are hundreds of exfoliants available, so be sure to choose one that’s best for your skin type. If you have sensitive, thin, or soft skin, you should use an exfoliator with natural ingredients like sugar and sea salt. Alternatively, you can skip the product and exfoliate in the shower using a loofah. For naturally dry skin, choose an exfoliator that contains tan-friendly moisturizers. You should also avoid lotions that contain harsh ingredients like parabens, acids, and alcohol. Finally, for acne-prone skin, stick to exfoliation products that contain salicylic acid or glycol. However, you should only use this the night before you tan, as the ingredients may lighten your skin.

Ready for a pro tip? Spend extra time focusing on rough or calloused areas of your skin, such as the elbows, knees, and ankles. That way, you can have an even bronze from head to toe!

2. Use Tanning Lotions and Accelerators

If you’re a veteran tanner, you’ve probably tried a plethora of products over the years. However, if you’re new to indoor tanning, you may feel overwhelmed with all of the choices. The following are just a sampling of the many tanning products on the market:

  • Tanning Oils
  • Tanning Lotions
  • Products with SPF For Face, Lips, and Other Delicate Areas
  • Tanning Accelerators
  • Bronzers

Our advice? Look for tanning lotions and accelerators that include vitamins A, C, and E. These nutrients can help protect against sun damage and keep your glow looking healthy.

3. Only Use Approved Products

To get the most out of your tanning bed session, only use lotions, oils, and accelerators that are approved for your tanning system. You should also avoid applying other skincare products for up to 12 hours before you plan to tan. Don’t know which pre-tan product to choose? Ask a member of our team to help determine which product is right for you.

4. Apply a Post-Tan Lotion and Tan Extender

Certain moisturizers, oils, and tan extenders can help your glow last even longer. Plus, they often prevent dry skin and peeling! So, after your tanning session, be sure to apply a moisturizing product at least twice a day.

5. Remember to Stay Hydrated

Keep in mind that moisturizing is not the same as hydrating. Water is your body’s principal component at the cellular level, and it’s essential to maintaining healthy skin and tissues. Exposure to UV lights during indoor tanning sessions naturally depletes water stores, which can lead to premature aging and electrolyte imbalances. However, studies show that drinking water improves the skin’s texture and tone while preventing flakiness.

Achieve Your Ideal Glow at Tommy’s Tanning

Now that you know how to make the most of your tanning bed session, it’s time to get your glow on! Tommy’s Tanning has everything you need to achieve a gorgeous, sun kissed color. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!