Tanning Guide

PREPARING YOUR SKIN

Before & After
With summer well underway, check out our complete tanning guide for all the top tips, do’s and don’ts to prepare your skin for the ultimate tan. Whether you prefer the fake bake look or a more natural tan, here at Anytime Sheffield Sunbed Hire, we have the complete tanning guide in preparing your skin, tan acceleration and how to keep your tan for longer.

We all have a desire to feel better about ourselves. It’s a known fact that having a tan gives you a feel good vibe. We divulge some tips and tricks in or ultimate tanning guide

SKIN PREP
Keeping a tan longer is all about the preparation beforehand. Below are a few tips in preparing your body to not only tan but retain the glow for as long as possible.

EXFOLIATION
Exfoliating is one of the first steps of preparing your skin and removing dead skin cells from the skins surface. The most common method is called mechanical exfoliating. This involves physically scrubbing the body with abrasive materials such as a loofah. Using over the counter scrubs allows you to spend time in removing patchy areas and focus on the dead skin cells and even out your natural tone. Exfoliating should NOT be done more than once every 2/3 weeks, as over exfoliating can cause irritation.

MOISTURISING
This is one of the most important steps in your tanning regime. As everyday pollution, sun and chemicals can damage you skin, moisturising plays a vital part in keeping your skin looking healthy and vibrant. We would recommend always using a moisturiser before tanning preferably one with SPF for added protection.

PROTECTION
Here at Anytime we pride ourselves on the safety of our customers. On previous articles we have discussed the use of safety goggles. Please do not take these for granted. They are offered free and are to be used when going on any sunbed.

AFTER-TAN
Once you have had your session on the tanning bed, aftercare and looking after your skin is just as important. After sun is a skin treatment to nourish and repair the skin after UV exposure. Its soothing ingredients help cool any burning and nourish the skin meaning your tan will last longer rather than drying out.

RECAP
Many people hire tanning beds for a variety of reasons. Some are going on holiday and want to get a base tan so they don’t burn as easily in the sun. Some simply want to look more attractive in their summer outfits. Some people have a vitamin D deficiency and according to how UV light produces and releases beta-endorphins, which are an opium like chemical providing a sense of well-being, similar to the hormone that is released when exercising.

Going on a sun bed is fast becoming a comfortable and convenient way to tan. We are here to help you understand what we offer and what’s best for you.

EXPECTATIONS
We offer several levels of tanning beds and we will offer the best sunbed for your skin type. (see our page skin type) After this is determined we will also recommend a lotion for full tanning optimisation. This is optional but highly recommended, as this provides moisture and will increase your tan. See our blog Tanning Accelerator Guide.

OUR FINAL TIPS

• As previously mentioned it’s always suggested that you exfoliate your skin to get rid of any dead skin cells. It is then an advantage to use a tanning lotion,
• Don’t go on the bed longer than 6-8 minutes. This is advised for new tanning clients, the last thing we want is for you to burn on your first session.
• Here at Anytime we are serious about protection and goggles must be used at all times when on a tanning bed.
• Going on the sun bed can become a regime for most but don’t overdo it. 2-3 sessions per week will give you best results for your tanning goals.

TOP TIP ALERT
One tip that most people don’t know about, is a tan extender. These are normally in the mix of tanning lotions but have bronzer in them. You can use these before you go on the tanning bed or afterwards.

PLEASE BE RESPONSIBLE.
The more you go on sunbeds the more at ease you will feel but this is when safety and protection can slip. Over use on sunbeds can have its downsides, it is not a secret that over exposure to the sun and UV rays can cause damage to the skin. Using our tanning guide tips will ensure a safe and beneficial experience.

Once you have identified what skin type you are we can recommend which sunbed to use, for how long and what creams will best suit you. However if your skin tone is level one, which means it goes straight to burning, then sadly tanning isn’t for you and we would recommend you try a variety of fake tans instead.

If you have had skin cancer or been tested for this, it goes without saying that going on sunbeds is not an option for you to consider.

Avoid taking Photo sensitivity medication
This can be anything from pharmacy prescriptions to herbal teas, read what you are taking as this can have a severe effect on your skins sensitivity to the sun.

Do I have to burn before I tan?
The answer is NO! Truth is, burning can ruin your tan/skin. You will have to stay out of the sun so your skin can repair and as we all know your skin will start peeling, which will strip away your colour.

Once you’re tanned you cant burn? 
NO, it may take longer to burn but you can still get burned. Just because you have a base tan doesn’t mean you’re immune to the effects of over exposure.

CONCLUSION
The key take-away from the all of the points above is to be responsible and to not push things to the limit. Following the points will allow you to get the most out of your sunbed tanning experience and achieve the results you are looking for.