How Long to Stay in a Tanning Bed

It's important that tanning beds should be use sparingly, as excessive use can cause skin cancer. Be sure to use common sense. If you feel uncomfortable, end your session early. Being tan is no reason to burn your skin. Tanning bed use should be increased in 2 to 5 minute increments, or else you risk getting burned. Never stay in a tanning bed for more than 20 minutes.

Preparation

Before getting into the tanning bed, put on an SPF of at least 4. 8 or 15 is best. This may seem counter-productive, but it is possible to protect your skin from getting burned while still getting tan.

Fair Skin

Those with pale and fair skin types should make sure first that they are able to tan. If your skin does not get darker--yet burns--it is best not to use a tanning bed. Start with an 8 minute session to see how your skin reacts.

Medium Skin

It should be okay to start tanning with a session time for 10 minutes if your skin tone is medium. Slowly increase your tanning bed time 2 to 3 minutes each week.

Dark Skin

Start with a tanning time of 12 minutes if you have dark skin. Slowly increase your tanning time 3 to 5 minutes each week.

Warning Sign

If you feel your skin getting excessively hot to the touch while in the tanning bed, get out. This usually means that your skin is burning.