Tanning Bed Time Chart: All Skin Types Covered

Are you looking for a tanning bed time chart that covers all skin types? You’ve come to the right place. We all know that there are health risks associated with tanning, but the lure of a beautiful bronze glow is too strong to resist for many of us. 

If you’re determined to use a tanning bed, it’s essential to understand the risks and adjust your tanning time accordingly. Finding out what type of skin you have is not only crucial for achieving that perfect healthy glow, but it can also help protect you from over-exposure to UV rays.

This tanning chart will help make things easier for you. The tanning chart can be a bit confusing at first, but it’s really not as complicated as you might think. It includes all types of skin, so whether you’re fair-skinned or dark-skinned, there’s a time recommendation just for you. 

In addition, I’ll also discuss how you should safely tan based on your skin type. Read on to learn more.

Key Takeaways

In a hurry? here are the key points about tanning bed time charts:

  • By using a tanning bed time chart, you’ll be able to determine your skin type before tanning sessions begin and understand where you may be exposing yourself to too much or too little UV.
  • A proper tanning schedule is imperative for achieving your desired results in a safe and unharmful way.
  • Most people notice effects after a few tanning bed sessions in the first few weeks, but getting a decent tan may take many weeks of frequent sessions (two to three times per week).
  • After tanning, you must take care of your skin, irrespective of your skin type.
  • Get to know your skin and learn how to tan safely and conveniently.

What Tanning Skin Type Are You?

You may be surprised to learn that tanning beds can actually help you achieve a healthier-looking complexion. But you must recognize that aimlessly entering a tanning bed will not give you the desirable results.

Source: depositphotos.com
Source: depositphotos.com

In addition to getting colors too light or dark than you originally wanted, you may also get sunburned. I cannot emphasize more how critical it is to understand your skin type before booking a tanning session.

Are you unsure about your skin type? That’s fine because when it comes to tanning beds, there are five basic skin types to address that I’ve listed below:

1. Ivory Skin Type

This skin type is extremely pale and does not easily tan. Because you have very fair skin, you’ll need to be cautious when attempting to tan this skin type, as chances are to get sunburned while using a tanning bed. 

This skin tone individuals usually have blue or green eyes along with red or blonde hair. Additionally, freckles can also be noticed in people with red hair. It is difficult to tan ivory skin type, and your pale skin might get irritated by harsh tanning light. If you come under the category of this skin type, I strongly advise you to try spray tan or airbrush

2. Beige Skin Type

This skin tone is also pale but not as white as porcelain. It’s some kind of a light beige color. It’s still possible to burn this type of skin with a tanning bed; however, tanning should be done with caution. 

It does, however, tan slightly more quickly than the prior skin type. Blue or green eyes plus soft brown hair are standard features of people with beige skin types. This is still a relatively pale skin tone; some people even have freckles.

3. Medium Skin Type

This is skin that is light brown in color. This skin type can burn, but it tans quickly. Brown eyes are familiar in people with this skin tone and skin type. It’s a type that tans readily because it’s in the middle of the color variety.

4. Olive Skin Type

This skin tone is a light brown or olive skin type. Although this type of skin can burn, it tans more quickly than other types. Brown eyes and dark brown hair are common among people with light brown or olive skin tones. 

5. Honey Skin Type

This is a dark or brown skin tone. This skin type does not burn readily. Additionally, a darker skin tone tans easily. Dark-skinned people typically have dark brown hair and dark brown eyes.

How Long Should You Stay in the Tanning Bed?

When you determine your skin type, you will learn how long you should tan. This can be determined by glancing at the chart below. This tanning bed time chart will assist you in acquiring the optimum tan.

Skin Types1st SessionWeek 1Week 2Week 3Week 4
Ivory 1 minute1 minute1 minute3 minutes5 minutes
Beige 2 minutes3 minutes5 minutes8 minutes10 minutes
Medium3 minutes4 minutes8 minutes13 minutes15 minutes
Olive3 minutes5 minutes9 minutes16 minutes20 minutes
Honey3 minutes6 minutes10 minutes16 minutes20 minutes

Using this tanning chart, you’ll be able to determine the best tanning session time for your skin type in order to get the best efficacy and protection. Although the time mentioned on the chart may appear to be less than you desire.

However, any additional time spent in the tanning bed can result in peeling sunburn, affecting your tanning progress. The first tanning session, as well as the first week or two afterward, are intended to aid in the development of a base tan. 

This will set the tone for the rest of your tan. After then, the next few sessions will result in a stronger tan. In tanning, the sessions from weeks one to three are essential. So, while your session may appear small, your tolerance will be rewarded in the end with fabulous tanned skin and a natural glow. 

When you stop darkening your skin, you can spend time in the tanning bed once or twice a week if you wish to maintain your skin’s color.

Tanning Bed Tips for Different Skin Types

Always make certain that your face is free of makeup during the tanning sessions, regardless of the skin type. Moreover, you can rest your head back to expose the whole body parts to avoid uneven tan. Resting your chin on your chest is not a great idea. For varied skin types, below are some more tanning bed tips:

For ivory skin type: You should only spend one minute in the tanning bed for the initial three sessions because your skin will burn quickly. You can progress from here, but only by 1 or 2 minutes intervals. 

Stop tanning as soon as you feel your skin is feeling uncomfortable and warm. At first, just do 1-minute tanning bed sessions to build up a base tan. 

For beige skin type: You should take precautions if you have a beige skin tone because it is prone to burning. If you notice your skin burning or getting painful during your sunbed session, you should stop. To avoid scorching and peeling, you should gradually build up your base tan.

To get the most out of your brief tanning sessions while still providing your skin with the additional nourishment it requires, you can use a tan accelerator.

Medium skin type: This skin type still needs to be careful while tanning in a sunbed, although their regular tanning sessions can last a little longer than the other two. The tanning process should not be hastened, and short sessions should be performed.

If you have this skin type, you will see improvements quickly, but don’t overdo it because your skin will still burn if you overexpose it. Likewise, you should apply a tan accelerator to aid your skin in darkening in this short time.

Olive skin type: You can spend more time in the tanning bed, but you may not want to do so because the results are instantaneous. Tan accelerator can do miracles for your skin, darkening it in a matter of minutes. 

A tan accelerator will provide more nourishment to your skin, allowing the tan to last longer and preparing it for the subsequent sessions.

Honey skin type: The tanning bed schedule for honey skin types are quite minimal; however, this is due to two factors. The first is that you will still be vulnerable to UV rays damage; therefore, keeping your exposure period to a minimum is critical. 

The second is that you will probably see results soon; thus, only a few tanning session times are required. Furthermore, a tanning lotion will also help you maintain a lovely glow. 

After-Tanning Skin Care

It is required to take care of your skin after tanning, regardless of your skin type. Your skin will continue to tan and generate more melanin for at least another 12 hours after you exit the tanning bed.

In addition, you must use a tan accelerator to maintain your skin hydrated both during and after your tanning session times. You should even apply aloe vera gel to calm down and protect your skin from peeling if you are a fairer skin type. 

Also, keep in mind that tanning beds might be dehydrating for you, so drink plenty of water to retain your gorgeous glow and maintain the health of your skin type.

Final Words

So now that you’ve gleaned all the tips, it’s time to seek out that tanned glow. Remember, even if you’re acquiring indoor tanning, chances are still you might get a sunburn. Therefore, proceed with caution; also ensure to always use the tanning bed whenever needed and leave it immediately if your skin type becomes uncomfortable. Just don’t forget to apply your sunscreen!

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