Whether you have a big event coming up or are simply trying to achieve a gorgeous, golden tan before swimsuit season starts, you’re probably wondering how long it takes to reach the perfect shade. Unfortunately, there’s no clear answer, as results differ based on several factors.

However, by understanding what influences your tanning bed results, you can gauge how often you’ll need to tan in order to achieve your ideal glow. Let’s take a closer look at a few things to keep in mind!

Factors That Influence Your Indoor Tanning Results

As you begin planning your tanning sessions, it’s important to be aware of the elements that may affect your total tanning time. These include:

Tanning Bed Quality

The quality of your tanning bed is perhaps the biggest factor that influences how many sessions you need. When you choose the latest state-of-the-art equipment, you’ll see faster and more reliable results.

At Tommy’s Tanning, we use only the most cutting-edge tanning equipment, including 10 to 15-minute laydown beds and 9 to 12-minute stand-up beds. We also offer a variety of amenities that make your experience more comfortable, such as facial and shoulder tanners, built-in cooling fans, aromatherapy, and integrated MP3/iPod connection ports.

Your Skin Tone and Type

Your natural skin tone and type play a significant role in tanning time. If you already have dark skin, you can most likely start with full tanning sessions, and you may see results in just one or two appointments. Meanwhile, if you have very light skin, you’ll likely need to start with abbreviated sessions and work your way up to the full 10 or 15 minutes.

Jumping in with a full session may seem like a great way to get maximum results in minimum time, but this approach can backfire very quickly. If you start by tanning for the full 10 or 15 minutes, you could easily get burned and need to take some time off to allow your skin to heal. Luckily, you can skip this complication by consulting with the experts at Tommy’s Tanning. Our friendly team is happy to tailor a tanning plan for you, whether you’re already somewhat dark or your skin is super fair.

Tanning Lotions and Sprays

Products like indoor lotions and sprays are one of the most effective ways to boost your tanning power. Keep in mind that standard sunscreens can block both UVA and UVB rays, which may interfere with your tanning process. Instead, use special indoor tanning products, which actually enhance the effects of these rays to give you more noticeable results. Additionally, many of these products contain special ingredients that bronze your skin, boost blood flow, and otherwise accelerate your tanning results.

The Bottom Line

Because it’s difficult to determine the exact number of appointments you’ll need before you start tanning, it’s best to complete a few initial sessions and assess your progress along the way. Once you’ve seen how your body tans, the Tommy’s Tanning team can create the ideal schedule to help you achieve fast results.

Ready to start building a glowing, beach-ready tan? Contact Tommy’s Tanning today!