IF YOU CAN’T TONE IT, TAN IT!

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.

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 getting burnt and help you 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 in a sunbed should vary according to each person’s skin type and should comply with the safety guidelines of tanning.

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.

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 Switch It Up, 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 regularly will prevent your tan from fading and in combination with moisturised skin will extend the length of your tan and make your skin look healthier and younger.

Sunbed 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 kinds 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 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 damage to the tanning equipment and in particular to the acrylic surfaces.

Eye protection is a must while tanning both indoors and outdoors. The use of goggles other and 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 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.