One of the most frequently asked questions related to tanning is: How to tan quickly and effectively on sunbeds? Is there a proven way to see the results instantly and enjoy a long-lasting tan on a perfectly nourished skin? The truth is you will not get the dream tan effect by just pressing the start button. But no worries, we are here to help you obtain the sun-kissed look and that is why we created a list of directions to follow when visiting your tanning salon.
Never ever force your tan
Good things take time and so does your tan. The worst thing you can do is forcing your tan by using sunbeds too often and too long. Once you ask salon staff for advice and information about the available equipment, you can create your tanning schedule. Build up the length of the tanning sessions in one minute increments and do not rush the process. The key to build up your dream tan is to avoid burning at all costs. If you burn, your skin will probably start to peel and then you will need to wait until it heals completely to start the process all over again. And when you tan, the moment you start to feel uncomfortable or your skin is getting too warm, press the stop button and end your tanning session immediately. As mentioned earlier, you should always consult a salon professional to make sure the session length and the equipment (tanning lamps, to be more precise) are appropriate to your skin type. In other words, if they suggest five minutes, do not ask for eight. If the tanning lamps have been recently replaced, reduce the tanning time. Finally, if the salon assistant says you should not tan - trust them.
Be smart, use tanning lotions
Did you know that you can obtain the same tanning result when you reduce the session length and apply the tanning accelerator or bronzer before it? Just try this tip and thank us later. When you use a product classified as an accelerator or intensifier, you can expect a melanin boost. This means the tanning process is speeded up and the results appear quickly. Products belonging to this category are usually free from any colorants or bronzers; such is the case with Booster and Grand Cru, our bestselling sunbed intensifiers. For those who want to see instant results bronzing tanning lotions are the best choice. They contain carefully chosen amounts of bronzing ingredients, mostly DHA and erythrulose, which react with the amino acids in your epidermis, thereby helping your skin to turn brown. Sometimes this bronzing power is enhanced with colorants, such as caramel, to offer an immediate result right upon applying the lotion - we call them Black Bronzers. If you are an impatient tanner, you should try Black Caviar, Black Cashmere or Black Praline - none of them will keep you wait for the dark tan result for too long. Not a huge fan of brown lotion texture? No problem! Our White Bronzers are carriers of powerful amounts of DHA and erythrulose to give your skin long lasting bronzed results and an amazing color. This category bestsellers are Black Porcelain, revolutionary Tanning Serum and one of a kind Mega Bronzer. When you apply your favorite tanning product, make sure you do not miss any spots and wipe your hands thoroughly afterwards.
Not sure which lotion to choose? Please have a look at our blog entry which explains all mysterious names and properties of Onyx tanning products: https://www.onyxtan.com/blogs/blog/mysterious-names-and-ingredients-explained
Keep your tan even
One of the key benefits sunbed tanning has over sunbathing is the evenness of your tan. When you tan indoors you can choose between tanning in your underwear or going naked. The second option is reserved for those who are not huge fans of tan lines. But in order to keep your tan perfectly even you need to be careful about applying the tanning lotions, especially those enriched with bronzing ingredients, such as DHA or erythrulose. It is also important to relax in the bed. Why? The reason is that tanning beds can leave you with some white marks in the places where your body presses hard into the bed - these are the so-called pressure points and your shoulder blades and tailbone are particularly prone to this. To avoid these creases, you should turn over and consciously remove pressure from the body parts mentioned above.
Let's get ready!
The tanning process should begin already at home, even one day before the tanning session itself. Sounds strange? What we mean is getting your skin ready to absorb the UV light in the most effective way possible. You can do this by exfoliating your skin the day before the sunbed session. When your skin is free from dead skin cells, it tans more effectively. If you feel it is too dry, start moisturizing it regularly a few weeks in advance in order to rebuild its optimum moisture levels. The effect of nourishment will be supported when you use a sunbed lotion right before tanning but the better your skin is pampered, the better and longer-lasting effect you will obtain.
Sunbed session is not the end of the story
If you think that the process of creating your tan ends the moment you press the stop button, you are wrong. Of course you may already see the result but, as a rule, it takes up to a few hours for the tan to develop. Similarly, indoor tanning lotions with bronzers will keep on enhancing your bronze hue during that time. And what your tanned skin desperately needs is extra nourishment. Therefore moisturize your skin when you get out of the bed and repeat it at least twice a day. Use plenty of lotion, preferably enriched with panthenol and aloe, to reduce the chances of developing flushing, redness and to keep your skin looking fresh and toned.
To sum it up, taking some precautions, such as knowing your skin type, following the professionals' advice and setting yourself into a routine of proper before- and after-care, will help you reach the desired tan effect and make it last for a long time. And do not skip the step of smart tanning with professional sunbed lotions by Onyx, available at www.onyxtan.com and on Amazon.