Sunbed FAQs

There are three kinds of ultraviolet rays, UVA, UVB and UVC which differ with regard to their wavelength (range from 100 to 400 nanometres) and how deeply they penetrate the skin. Only the first two (UVA and UVB) are used in indoor tanning equipment. UVC is really dangerous and is absorbed by the ozone layer to not reach the earth (you will never find UVC in tanning sunbeds).

UVA radiation, with the longest wavelength of 315-400nm, contributes to the oxidation and activation of melanin which already exists in the upper skin cells and induces a dark colour, which can be achieved faster but it is temporary. UVB rays, on the other hand, with middle wavelength of 280-315 nm, are responsible for the production of new melanin which leads to a more intense and long-lasting tan. Research shows that UVB also plays a significant role in the production of Vitamin D. Vitamin D is associated with reduced risks of cancer and several other health benefits. Approximately 90% of the requisite Vitamin D is formed through the sun, and the UVB in particular, and many incidents of Vitamin D deficiency have been reported in countries like the UK, where people are not exposed to enough sunlight throughout the year.

The indoor tanning process is quite similar to that of tanning outdoors since the UV lamps imitate the sun. Tanning takes place when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet light. The lamps in indoor tanning equipment emit UV light, as the sun does, but with different ratio of UVA and UVB and in a more controlled environment. In a sunbed, you have control over your exposure and you can achieve even results following the correct exposure times for your skin. On the contrary, people in outdoor tanning are not able to control the amount of UV light when they lay under the sun because of many factors, some of them unpredictable, like the time of the day, season, weather conditions, ozone layer, proximity of the equator etc.

The minimum age to tan in the UK is 18 and no one under the age of 18 is allowed to enter any tanning room or use any UV tanning equipment.  A salon is fully in its rights to ask for ID if someone looks young and under the age of 18.

The tanning process ranges from person to person and it depends on the type of skin. Tanning on a regular basis within the safety tanning guidelines will enable you to see results and will prevent your tan from fading. It is advisable to allow a minimum of 24 hours between tanning sessions and 48 hours for skin type 2. Do not use any tanning equipment more than once on the same day! Repeat the tanning session to build up your tan gradually. However, it is recommended not to exceed the number of 60 sessions per year.

If this is your first time in a sunbed, there is no need to rush, since health and safety come first. It is suggested to have 1-3 minute sessions up to three times per week based on your skin type. This will eliminate the chances of your skin to get burnt and will help you to build your tan gradually. If you have already built up a base tan or you have a darker skin type you can have 6 minute sessions, two or three times per week. In any case, the amount of time spent within a sunbed should vary according to each person’s skin type and should comply with the safety guidelines of tanning.

Before using a sunbed you must be firstly aware of your skin type. It is recommended to ask your dermatologist or a tanning professional and complete a skin analysis form which will determine your skin type. This will enable you to know your tanning abilities and how to use a sunbed wisely avoiding overexposure. Your skin type determines if your skin is suitable for tanning and for how long you are able to be exposed to UV radiation.

Recommended Maximum Exposure Times

This is something that varies from person to person and it depends on various factors such as the skin type, the frequency of the sessions and the type of tanning equipment or the power of the lamps that each salon or tanning studio uses. Usually you will be able to see results after 3-5 sessions but you can gain a good base tan after 6-10 sessions.

The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, replaces the upper cells every 28-30 days. It takes 4 weeks for the cells to move to the surface and ‘slough off’. So this means that your tan can last approximately 2-4 weeks after your last session.

Keeping your skin healthy and moisturised is the number one factor, which enables you to tan quicker and maintain your tan for longer. After a tanning session, the skin continues to produce melanin for the next 12 hours and keeping the skin moisturised during that time is essential. At Tansun, we stock some of the most known sunbed creams and moisturisers formulated to intensify your tan, hydrate your skin, repair any skin damage caused by dryness and prevent your skin from exfoliation.  What is more, tanning on a regular basis will prevent your tan from fading and in combination with a moisturised skin will extend the length of your tan and make your skin look healthier and younger. Explore Tansun’s wide range of Sunbed Creams.

Sunscreens are products for the protection of your skin from the sun since they block the UV light from penetration. However, the ultraviolet radiation is the key factor for tanning and it is responsible for activating or producing melanin which makes your skin look darker. So, the use of a sunscreen lotion will make the tanning session less effective and will prevent you from obtaining a tan from the sunbed.

Eye protection is a must while tanning both indoors and outdoors. The use of goggles or other protective eyewear is not only a prerequisite for eye safety when using a sunbed but it is also required by the law. The eyelids that cover the eyes are too thin to protect the eyes from any damage caused by the UV rays, something that may result in temporary or permanent sight impairment and problems like conjunctivitis or cataracts. Remember! Always choose goggles specially designed for sunbed use and approved by the regulatory authorities. It is the responsibility of the salon owner to provide each customer with protective eyewear before each tanning session as well as  instructions for use. Reusable protective eyewear must be thoroughly sanitised before each use. Explore Tansun’s protective eyewear in our new Tanning Supplies Brochure.

Sunbeds Creams and lotions specially designed for sunbed use come as an extra help to the whole tanning process. They can be used before and after tanning and they can maximise tanning results. These kind of products contain ingredients like L-tyrosine (Amino acid for the production of melanin), vitamins, antioxidants and carotenoids. They keep the skin moisturised and prevent it from dryness and exfoliation. It is known that a healthy and moisturised skin can tan easier and the tan is going to last longer. However, you should avoid using outdoor tanning products while tanning indoors because they may cause damages to the tanning equipment and in particular to the acrylic surfaces. Check Tansun’s extensive range of Sunbed Creams for intense and better tanning results.

It’s recommended you remove your contact lenses when using a sunbed, because the heat of the tanning equipment causes sometimes eye dryness and you may feel a discomfort.

The lips cannot tan and the sunbed’s heat can dehydrate them and cause dryness. So the use of a SPF lip balm is suggested for the protection of your lips.

It is preferable to remove all of your make up because some cosmetics create a barrier layer that blocks the UV rays for penetrating the skin and prevent you from getting optimum tanning results. This can also lead to uneven tanning or white spots. What is more, the ingredients of some cosmetics may react to the UV rays and cause adverse effects.

It is recommended to not use any tanning equipment whilst pregnant.

Normally, you do not need any medical approval before start tanning. Nevertheless, it is suggested to consult your doctor or a pharmacist if you have any concerns using a sunbed. An example would be if you are taking any photosensitising medication because this kind of medication can increase sensitivity to the UV light and can cause overexposure or photo allergic reactions. What is more, ask for your physician’s piece of advice if you are dealing with any dermatological disease, skin problems or you are too sensitive to sunlight.

After having a tattoo you should wait at least one month (preferably 4-6 weeks) for your tattoo to heal completely before going on a sunbed, if you don’t want to see it fading too soon. After the healing process, it is recommended to use a sun block product on this area, a special cream or alternatively you can cover your tattoo with clothing or a bandage. In any case, you should make sure that your tattoo is protected by the UV rays which cause damage to the ink. We recommend the cover Tattoo Stick which can be found in our new Sunbed Creams brochure.

Most people tend to ignore the fact that hair needs proper protection as well when it is exposed to the sunlight or while tanning indoors. Similar to the sun, the tanning beds emit UV radiation and heat which causes dryness and can damage your hair or fade the colour of your dyed hair. To protect your hair you can wear a mob cap or a towel over your head and tuck all of the hair inside. At Tansun, we offer also special products like heat-protectant sprays and (SPF or leave-in) conditioners which keep your hair moisturized and prevent it from drying and other damages.

Salon operators utilise disinfectant sprays and sunbed sanitisers to ensure that the sunbed surface is cleansed, before next client use. You may have come across the sign ‘THE  SUNBED HAS BEEN SANITISED’. Many salon operators may provide customers with extra disinfectant sprays . Clients can use them to spray all over the sunbed surface and then wipe it off with a tissue or towel. The products used for cleaning should be recommended by the manufacturer so as not to cause any damage to the sunbed acrylics. Learn more about sunbed sanitisers in our Tanning Supplies brochure.

The skin on some parts of the body such as the face or the legs is thicker whereas on some other parts such as the palms of the hand or the inside of the arms it contains less pigment cells and this makes the tanning on these areas even more difficult compared to the rest of the body. In particular, this problem is more intense for women and their legs because of shaving, which exfoliates the outermost layers of the tanned skin and make it impossible for their legs to catch up with and tan as well as the rest of the body. Tansun has the solution for this problem!  Try now Tansun’s new vertical leg tanning  solution ‘Just legs’ which can be used in addition to your tanning for fast and even results for your legs.

You can place the order by phone and let us know which products are you interested in or you can visit our website and send us an enquiry or fill in the relevant form. Alternatively, you can also visit our showroom and place the order with one of our sales team. In any case, our committed sales team will receive you order and will try their best to assist you.

Yes, there would be delivery charge on all items as well as installation fees for sunbeds. Delivery charges depends on the weight, whereas installation fees depends on the location. Please call us for further information on delivery costs.

We deliver all over the UK! Being based in the West Midlands, we are centrally located, giving us ease of access throughout the different parts of the UK. We also deliver globally such as Ireland, Isle of Man, Europe, Far East, Australia and New Zealand. Please check to see if we deliver to you.

Yes, there is an installation fee and this is dependent on the location. A member of the sales team can quote this once they have all the installation details.

A one years manufacturing warranty is included when you buy a new sunbed.

You can pay either by cash, cheques or via bank transfer. The type of cards that we accept are MasterCard, Maestro, Visa Debit and Visa Electron. Call us for more info!

Most of our sunbeds come into a classic design and in at least three attractive colours that suits different salon’s décor. Tansun Viva comes into 13 appealing colours and it’s the best choice if you want to put some colour in your premise. An extra charge may be applied if you request for a non-standard colour.

Yes, token meter is available with all commercial sunbeds.

Yes, you can have optional features such as music or additional colour. These are all available at an extra cost. Please call for quote on this and see what we offer.

Normally tubes have a life duration of 500-800 hours but it is recommended to change them (preferably all together) when they reach 400-500 hours. In this way, you can ensure their maximum tanning output and a better performance. Remember to replace your sunbeds lamps all at once and with identical or equivalent to the initial ones and mainly make sure that they comply with the 0.3 EU regulations. Visit our website and explore our extensive range of 0.3 compliant tubes.

We are available for enquiries and orders from Monday to Friday 9-5. During these hours you can also book an appointment and visit our centrally based head office showroom in West Bromwich. If you wish to book an appointment outside of these hours please let us know and we will try to accommodate.