First Time on a Sunbed? Everything Beginners Need to Know

If it is your first time on a sunbed, you probably have questions about what to wear, which bed to choose and what will happen when you arrive.

At Tan Tropez Dartford, we want every new customer to feel informed and comfortable before their session. Our team can explain the equipment, show you how the controls work and help you understand the guidance provided for your skin and tanning history.

Here is everything you need to know before your first visit.

What happens during your first visit?

When you arrive, a member of the Tan Tropez team will guide you through the process before you use a sunbed.

You may be asked about your skin, whether you burn easily, any previous tanning experience and anything that could make your skin more sensitive to ultraviolet radiation. Please answer these questions honestly. They are there to help identify whether sunbed use may be unsuitable for you.

Commercial sunbeds are strictly for people aged 18 and over. If you look under 25, bring an accepted form of photographic identification with you.

The team will then introduce you to the available beds, explain the controls and remind you that approved protective eyewear must be worn throughout the session.

Stand-up or lay-down: which sunbed should a beginner choose?

Tan Tropez has three premium megaSun K7 extraSun lay-down beds and one Hapro Luxura V8 stand-up booth.

Neither style is automatically the right choice for every beginner. The best option depends on the experience you would find most comfortable.

Lay-down sunbeds

A lay-down bed lets you relax while the session runs. The megaSun K7 beds at Tan Tropez include:

• High-performance air conditioning
• AquaCool refreshing water mist
• Four facial tanners
• A 3D soundbar and Bluetooth connectivity
• Wireless smartphone charging
• Aroma and voice-assistant features

This can be a good choice if you want your visit to feel relaxing and luxurious.

Stand-up sunbeds

In a stand-up booth, you remain upright throughout the session. The Hapro Luxura V8 includes:

• Head-to-toe XL lamps
• Adjustable body cooling
• Ambient FlowLight
• Bluetooth and MP3 connectivity
• Doors that can remain slightly open if preferred

This may suit customers who prefer an upright position, want to avoid pressure points or simply like the freedom of a vertical booth.

Read our full stand-up versus lay-down sunbed guide to compare the two experiences.

How long should your first sunbed session be?

There is no universal first-session length that is right for everyone.

Your skin type, tanning history and the output of the particular equipment all matter. More minutes do not automatically mean a better result, and you should never extend a session because you cannot immediately see a colour change.

Follow the guidance provided for you and never exceed the recommended exposure schedule for the equipment.

Current UK government guidance advises adults who choose to use a sunbed to ask for guidance, limit their use and avoid repeated sessions intended to create a quick tan.

What should you wear on a sunbed?

What you wear is largely a matter of personal comfort and the tan lines you prefer.

Some customers wear underwear or swimwear, while others choose to tan without clothing in the privacy of the room. Remember that areas normally covered by clothing may be more sensitive to UV exposure.

Approved protective eyewear is not optional. Closing your eyes, wearing sunglasses or covering your face with a towel is not an adequate substitute.

Should you remove makeup and skincare products?

Arriving with clean skin can help prevent certain cosmetics, perfumes or skincare ingredients from reacting unpredictably during UV exposure.

Before your session:

• Remove makeup where practical
• Avoid applying perfume immediately beforehand
• Tell the team about products that make your skin light-sensitive
• Remove jewellery if it may become uncomfortable or leave unwanted lines
• Do not use ordinary outdoor tanning oils on the equipment

If you use prescription or over-the-counter medication, check its information leaflet for photosensitivity warnings. Ask a pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure.

Do you need a sunbed lotion?

You do not have to choose a lotion without understanding what it does first.

Products made for indoor tanning generally fall into categories such as accelerators, intensifiers, bronzers and tingles. Some focus mainly on conditioning the skin, while bronzers can also add cosmetic colour.

These products are not sunscreens and do not make UV exposure safe. Never assume that using a tanning lotion means you can extend your session.

Tan Tropez's Glow Bar stocks single-use sachets and full-size bottles from brands including Australian Gold, Devoted Creations, Hemp Nation, Pro Tan, Tan Junkie, Soleo, Jellybean, Beaches & Crème, Rapid Tan and Tan Synergy.

Our team can explain the available options without expecting a first-time customer to understand all the terminology.

Read our accelerator, bronzer and tingle guide before choosing your product.

What should you do after your session?

Your skin may feel warm after a session, so allow it to cool naturally and keep it comfortably moisturised.

Afterwards:

• Drink water as you normally would
• Use a gentle moisturiser if your skin feels dry
• Follow the directions of any bronzing product you applied
• Do not book another session simply because colour is not immediately visible
• Avoid further UV exposure that day
• Continue using sun protection outdoors

If your skin becomes red, sore or irritated, do not use another sunbed. Stay out of further UV exposure until it has completely recovered and seek medical advice if you develop significant swelling, blistering or feel unwell.

Who should not use a sunbed?

UK government guidance says not to use a sunbed if you have very fair skin, burn easily or have had skin cancer.

You should also seek medical advice before considering UV tanning if you:

• Have a personal or family history of skin cancer
• Have many moles or freckles
• Have a condition affected by light
• Are taking medication that can increase UV sensitivity
• Have recently had a cosmetic or skin treatment
• Have irritated, broken or sunburnt skin
• Are uncertain whether UV exposure is appropriate for you

Sunbeds emit UV radiation, which can cause skin and eye damage and increase the risk of skin cancer. You can read the latest information on the GOV.UK, NHS and Cancer Research UK websites before deciding whether to use one.

First-time sunbed FAQs

Can I bring my phone into the room?

Yes, but follow the salon's instructions about where to place it. The megaSun K7 beds include Bluetooth and wireless smartphone charging.

Can I open my eyes while using a sunbed?

Only while wearing the approved protective eyewear correctly. Closing your eyes alone does not protect them.

Should I shower before or after a sunbed?

Showering does not wash away melanin produced within your skin. However, if you use a cosmetic bronzer, follow its application instructions before showering.

Will I see a tan after one session?

Possibly, but not everyone will see an immediate difference. Pigmentation varies considerably and can continue developing over the following days. Never add extra minutes to chase an instant result.

Are sunbeds available to under-18s?

No. It is illegal for commercial tanning premises in England and Wales to allow anyone aged 17 or under to use a sunbed.

Visit Tan Tropez Dartford

Ready for your first visit?

Tan Tropez is located at Unit D, Apple Court, Home Gardens, Dartford, DA1 1GA. We are open Monday to Saturday from 9am until 10pm, and Sundays and bank holidays from 10am until 6pm.

Book your bed online or speak to the Tan Tropez team if you would like help understanding the different options before your visit.