(StatePoint) Whether you’re a first-time tanner or a salon regular, a few smart habits can make all the difference between a patchy result and a gorgeous, golden glow. From choosing the right indoor tanning lotion to protecting your eyes from UV rays, these top 10 indoor tanning tips will help you get the most from every tanning session safely and effectively.
To help you build that perfect sun-kissed glow year-round, here is expert advice from the team at Palm Beach Tan in Tyler, Texas.
1. Exfoliate Before Your Tanning Session
Start with skin prep to get the best results. Exfoliating 24 hours before your appointment removes dead skin cells and creates a smooth, even surface. When your skin is polished and fresh, ultraviolet (UV) rays absorb more uniformly, leading to a longer-lasting, streak-free tan. Pay special attention to dry areas like elbows, knees, and ankles. These spots tend to hold on to extra dead skin and can develop unevenly if you skip this step.
2. Moisturize Daily to Keep Skin Hydrated
Hydrated skin tans more effectively and holds color longer. Make it a habit to apply a rich, nourishing body lotion every day, especially after showering. When skin is supple and moisturized, it absorbs UV light more evenly and resists flaking. This means your golden glow sticks around instead of peeling away. Look for lotions with vitamin E, glycerin, or jojoba oil to maximize your skincare routine between sessions.
3. Choose the Right Indoor Tanning Lotion
Not all tanning lotions are created equal. Using an indoor tanning lotion specifically for tanning beds can make a big difference. These formulas are created to accelerate melanin production, nourish skin, and enhance the tanning process in ways outdoor tanning lotions simply cannot. For example, Palm Beach Tan in Tyler carries a curated selection of tanning lotions and bronzers including intensifiers, bronzers, and tingle lotions. The knowledgeable staff at the Tyler location can help you find the perfect formula for your skin type and goals.
4. Know Your Skin Type Before You Tan
Your skin type determines how your skin responds to UV exposure, and how long your tanning session should be. Fair skin types need shorter, more controlled sessions to build a base tan gradually and avoid sunburn. Deeper skin tones can typically tolerate longer UV exposure. When you visit a tanning salon, ask the staff to identify your skin type and get a personalized tanning schedule. This is especially important for beginners who are just starting their indoor tanning journey.
5. Start with Shorter Sessions and Build Gradually
One of the most common mistakes new tanners make is staying in a tanning bed too long on the first visit. Starting with shorter sessions gives your skin time to adapt to UV rays and develop a base tan safely. Gradually increasing your exposure time over several visits leads to deeper, more lasting color without overexposure or the risk of sunburn. Patience is important during the early stages of your tanning experience.
6. Always Wear Protective Eyewear
This one is non-negotiable: always wear FDA-approved goggles during every tanning session. Your eyelids aren’t thick enough to block UV rays, and unprotected eyes can suffer serious and irreversible damage from UV light. Proper eye protection is a must in any lay-down tanning bed, stand-up tanning booth, or hybrid UV and red light therapy system. If you forget your eyewear, the team at a quality indoor tanning facility, such as that at Palm Beach Tan, can provide compliant goggles. Never tan without them.
7. Rotate Your Position for an Even Tan
To avoid tan lines and uneven tanning, make small position adjustments during your session. Lifting your arms slightly, shifting your head, and subtly moving your body helps UV rays reach all areas of your skin uniformly. This simple technique can eliminate missed spots and pressure-point shadows from lying in the exact same position every time. The result is a smoother, more natural-looking tan from head to toe.
8. Drink Plenty of Water and Hydrate from the Inside Out
Topical moisturizer is important, but internal hydration matters just as much. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day keeps skin elastic and helps it retain color more effectively. Well-hydrated skin fades more evenly and maintains its glow between sessions. Drink water consistently as part of your daily routine, especially before and after tanning, to support your skin’s natural renewal process.
9. Use Tan Extenders to Maintain Your Glow Between Sessions
Don’t let your tan fade faster than it has to. Tan extenders and post-tanning lotions are specially formulated to moisturize the skin and slow down the natural fading process. Many include subtle self-tanners or bronzers that help refresh your color between UV sessions. Applied daily after showering, these products can meaningfully extend the life of your indoor tan and keep your skin looking radiant longer, without any additional UV exposure.
10. Never Forget SPF When You Go Outdoors
Indoor tanning builds melanin, but it doesn’t build immunity to UV damage outdoors. A base tan offers minimal natural SPF protection and should never replace sunscreen. Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher when spending time outside. This protects against skin damage and skin cancer risk and helps preserve the quality of your tan. Many dermatologists recommend daily SPF use as a core part of any skincare routine, regardless of your tanning schedule.
Bonus Tip: Explore Sunless Options When You Want a Break from UV
When you want that sun-kissed glow without UV exposure, Professional spray tanning is a popular alternative. For example, Palm Beach Tan’s spray tan services offer customizable, streak-free color tailored to your skin tone, no UV rays required. It’s perfect for special events, vacations, or anyone who simply wants to complement their UV tanning routine with a sunless option.
Get Your Glow
Ready to put these tips into practice? If you are in the Tyler, Texas area, the team at Palm Beach Tan Tyler can help you get the perfect golden glow with state-of-the-art tanning beds, expert guidance, and a full selection of professional-grade tanning lotions and skincare products. Whether you’re a first-time tanner building your base tan or a regular looking to maximize your results, they can help you every step of the way.
You can visit Palm Beach Tan in Tyler, TX to explore memberships, book a session, and discover the full range of tanning and wellness services available, including red light therapy and spray tanning options.
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By following sound expert advice and taking the proper precautions, you can get and maintain a golden glow the right way
Photo Credit: Photo Credit: (c) fizkes / iStock via Getty Images Plus
