Tan Tips for Self Tanners and Indoor Tanning Beds

It can never hurt to have some helpful tanning tips, no matter what your preferred method of tanning might be. Remember, safety comes first folks, so don't overlook your health in lieu of a great tan. Use these tips to get that perfect one with self tanners and indoor tanning beds, safely. 

Don't forget, we make an awesome app for tanning that can help, too.

Self Tanners

The new self tanners are improved and do not leave you looking like an orange alien, but give you a beautiful bronze color.

Self tanning lotion is a great way to enhance the tan that you are getting on the tanning bed.

Some tips to applying a self tanner:

• Exfoliate and shower prior to applying the lotion.
• Moisturize trouble spots (knees, elbows, feet, and hands) before applying.
• Use gloves or wash hands every five minutes to keep the lotion from staining your hands during application.
• Apply in a small circular motion. Some people recommend using a small triangular sponge or a sponge paint brush to help blend the areas at the ankles and hands.
• Use as little as possible around your feet. Spread the tanner from your legs to your ankles and the tops of your feet.
• Apply lightly on your face and neck. Don’t forget behind your ears and the back of your neck.
• Take an old hand towel and towel off to smooth out any leftover residue.
• After you are done, apply a regular body lotion to the tops of your feet, blend into the ankle, sides of feet, and toes. Apply a small amount to your knees and elbows. Use a larger amount on your hands and blend into the wrists. Rub your belly button with a cotton swab with a bit of lotion.
• Take a damp wash cloth and wipe your underarms; most people do not have tanned underarms.

Indoor Tanning Beds

Tanning beds are a great way to keep a glow all year long with a controlled dose of UVB and UVA light with predictable results in complete privacy. Tanning beds do have risks as well as benefits. You can get a sunburn. Many people believe that if they do not experience a slight red or pink after they tan, that they did not “get anything.” The truth is that the red or pink is actually a sunburn: your skin’s own worst enemy. Tanning beds should never be used with the same techniques or products as outdoor tanning.


Always wear eye protection. Simply closing your eyes or wearing outdoor sunglasses while you tan is not adequate protection against long term eye injury.

The best tan occurs on clean, moisturized skin. To get the most color, use a moisturizing, color enhanced indoor tanning lotion. Apply the lotion to the entire body including the back of your arms and legs, under your chin, and up the sides of your torso.

Protect your lips. They burn easily, so use a lip balm with sunscreen.

Cover previously unexposed areas for the majority of your tanning session for the first few sessions. Gradually increase exposure to these areas to avoid burns.

Do not lay still. Move around some to make sure your tan covers every curve. Lie with your arms raised above your head and your knees slightly bent.

Keep your skin moisturized. Your skin can become very dry from the heat and light, so moisturize before and after each session.
You need to tan on a constant basis to build a base tan. It generally takes 6-8 sessions.