Best Way To Lay In A Tanning Bed [Get An Even Tan]

Are you looking for a way to get the perfect tan without spending too much time in the sun? If so, a tanning bed may be just what you need.

But, what’s the best way to lay in a tanning bed? So, you position yourself correctly for UV exposure. Keep on reading to find out the answers, so you can achieve optimal results with minimal risk of overexposure.

Positioning in a Tanning Bed

To guarantee a consistent tanning outcome, it’s essential to designate your starting point before laying down in a tanning bed. This will help maintain your position and prevent blotchy skin. Here are six simple steps:

Find the middle of the tanning bed.
Stand at the middle with arms out on both sides.
Mark either side of your body with tape or a marker.
Take off any items that could mess up positioning, such as jewelry or clothing.
Lie down on the bed, facing up, on top of a clean towel.
Make sure both ends of your body match the markings you made before, keeping arms by your sides and legs parallel.

It’s important to remain in this position throughout the tanning session to prevent having light spots due to movements.

Remember, the marks should be clear when lying down, compared to when standing. Try to pick an easy-to-spot mark.

Place a towel

For clean tanning, it’s key to have a barrier between your skin and the bed. A towel helps with this! Here’s a 6-step guide:

Bring a towel into the tanning room.
Lay the towel on the entire bed.
Smooth out any wrinkles.
Flush the corners with the bed edges.
Center yourself on the towel.
Start tanning.

Only use one layer of protection. When done, discard the towel in the laundry hamper. Hygiene is key when tanning. A towel can help keep unwanted bacteria or sweat away. Enjoy a clean tanning session!

Avoid direct contact with the bed

Lessen the danger of skin issues by refraining from direct contact with the tanning bed when using it. Here are some suggestions to guarantee this:

Stay away from the bed’s surface at an appropriate distance.
Wear protective gear like goggles and nose plugs to stop direct contact with eyes and mucous membranes.
Cover sensitive areas like tattoos or moles with cloth or medical tape.
Change your body angle every so often to avoid long contact with a particular spot on the bed’s surface.

Lay in the bed with correct posture

When tanning, proper alignment is key. Line your body up with the bed’s contour and keep your head, neck, and spine in a neutral position.

Crossed legs and bent knees should be avoided, as they can put pressure on the lower back. Use the pillows and headrests if you need for extra support.

Put a towel over your abdomen for extra lower back support. Before entering the tanning bed, take off any jewelry, hair accessories, or eyewear; they can cause uneven tanning.

Preparation Before Tanning

To prepare your skin for a flawless tan experience, you need to exfoliate, moisturize, apply tanning lotion, and use eye protection.

Exfoliation

Exfoliating is a must before tanning. It helps make your skin look smoother and reduce lines and unevenness. Here’s how:

Use a gentle scrub or brush to remove dead skin cells.
Focus on areas like knees, elbows, ankles, feet.
Exfoliate once or twice a week, depending on your skin’s sensitivity.
Avoid harsh scrubs or chemicals that may be damaging.
Always moisturize after exfoliating.

Also remember to shave before exfoliating. Be careful with loofahs as they may carry bacteria which can cause infections. Don’t exfoliate while skin is sunburnt or irritated – it can lead to further damage.

Moisturizing

Hydrating the skin before tanning is essential for a smooth, even look. This is known as moisturizing. Do it 24 hours before tanning, paying more attention to dry areas like elbows, knees, ankles and feet.

When selecting a moisturizer, choose a water-based one. Oil-based products can block absorption of the tanning solution, leading to patchiness. Natural oils, like jojoba oil or coconut oil, are great for added moisture.

After tanning, don’t use moisturizer – it can dissolve the color or cause an uneven fade. Let the tan develop fully and use hydrating lotion afterward.

If you moisturize properly before tanning, you’ll get a smoother, even application and longer-lasting results.

Applying Tanning Lotion

Want a natural tan? Prep is key! Applying tanning lotion is part of the process. Exfoliate your skin 1st to remove dead cells that may cause an uneven tan. Here’s a 5-step guide for applying tanning lotion:

Choose a tanning lotion that’s best for your skin type.
Cleanse and exfoliate before you apply it.
Put it on with circular motions.
Let it soak in for the best results. Don’t rush and don’t apply other products afterward.
Wash your hands if you used self-tanner to avoid staining your palms and nails.

Wait 6 hours before showering or swimming and follow manufacturer instructions on the packaging. When done right, a quality tanning lotion can give a beautiful, long-lasting glow.

Using Eye Protection

Safety when tanning is essential – as you need to protect your eyes from UV rays.

Shut your eyes to shield them from harm.
Invest in goggles or sunglasses with the right UV protection.
Clean eyewear with disinfectant wipes before and after each use.
Beware of cheaply-made eyewear without UVA/UVB rating.
Consult a professional to choose glasses that suit you best.

Closing your eyes during tanning is a great start, but donning quality protective eyewear is even better!

Take care of your eyes now, so they take care of you in the future.

During Your Tanning Session

To make the most of your tanning session with the best way to lay in a tanning bed, focus on the following factors while you tan: rotating sides, avoiding movement, listening to your body, and adjusting tanning time based on your skin type.

Rotating sides

It’s important to keep rotating positions for an even tan. Move your body and switch sides to avoid patchy areas. Here are some points to remember:

Change positions every few minutes to spread UV rays across your body.
Turning over stops too much sun exposure on one area.
Rotating prevents left-out spots and future fading.
Take breaks between turns to prevent dizziness or over-exposure.
Rotate according to salon or manufacturer guidelines.
Talk to a pro if you have any health worries before tanning.

Avoiding movement

Stillness is key when tanning. Moving can cause blotchy or streaky color. Even if you itch or adjust clothes, stop. Careful not to move ensures skin gets optimal UV radiation, avoiding any marks on exposed areas.

Listening to your body

When tanning, your body sends signals like itching and tingling. This is a sign of sunburn and can damage your skin. Listen and act on these signals.

If your skin gets red or irritated, stop tanning. Use a cool cloth, drink water, and relax. If the symptoms don’t go away, see a doctor.

Adjust tanning time based on skin type

It’s essential to modify tanning time, for optimal results and to protect your skin. Here’s our five-step guide:

Work out your skin type by assessing its response to sun.
Read the manufacturer’s guidelines for the tanning bed, as they often provide custom exposure advice based on skin type.
Begin with a short exposure of 3-5 minutes if you’re new to tanning or have fair skin.
Carefully observe your skin’s response and consider increasing exposure by 1-2 minutes per session if needed.
Get expert advice from a doctor or an experienced tanning salon technician about tanning products and the right exposure time for your skin type.

Exiting the Tanning Bed

To exit the tanning bed with ease after a glowing session, use the following tips: start by carefully sitting up, avoiding any abrupt movements that may cause dizziness or discomfort.

Next, apply soothing lotion to hydrate and cool your skin. And finally, give the bed a quick wipe down to ensure a clean experience for the next user.

Carefully sitting up

Turn off the tanning bed. Slide to the edge, keeping your feet flat. Push up gently with your arms. Wait to stand until you feel steady.

Sudden moves can cause dizziness. Hydrate and wait before dressing up. These tips will give you a safe and comfy tanning experience.

Avoiding abrupt movement

To stay safe, be mindful when exiting the tanning bed. Sudden movements can lead to discomfort or injury. So, sit up slowly and stand up slowly.

Regain balance before taking more steps. Avoid quick turns or stops. Drink water before and after to replace fluids and avoid dehydration.

Applying soothing lotion

Post-tanning care is essential for skin health. Right after your tanning session, use a restorative moisturizer to soothe and hydrate the skin while it’s still warm.

Pick an oil-free, non-comedogenic lotion, like one with aloe vera for its cooling and calming effects. Rub the lotion all over your body, focusing on dry areas like elbows, knees, and feet.

Also, choose a moisturizer with SPF protection. UVA and UVB radiation exist even when tanning indoors.

Let the lotion sink in before getting dressed or continuing your day, so your skin can get the most out of it. Taking care of your skin post-tanning will help keep your beautiful bronze while avoiding UV damage.

Tips for a Comfortable Tanning Experience

To have a comfortable tanning experience, use these simple tips that will ensure you don’t feel hot and uncomfortable.

Wear comfortable clothing and use a timer to avoid overexposure to UV rays. Staying hydrated during the session is essential, and you should avoid products that may cause skin irritation.

Wearing comfortable clothing

Choose breathable, loose clothes for tanning. Lightweight fabric stops you feeling too hot. Tight clothes can cause skin irritation and take longer to heal – so avoid them.

Natural fibers like cotton stop sweat sticking to your skin. Keep a spare set of clothes for after tanning.

Bringing a timer

Time tracking devices can make tanning more comfortable. Here’s how to get one:

Select a device that fits your needs.
Set the timer for the suggested exposure time for your skin type.
Make sure it’s accessible and you can hear/feel the alarm.

It’s important to limit sun exposure during peak hours and wear protective gear like hats and sunscreen. Also, avoid tanning beds to lower the chance of skin damage.

Staying hydrated

Hydration is key to a successful tanning session. So, drink up! Have at least 8 glasses of water daily to keep skin healthy. Bring a bottle to the tanning spot for easy access.

Frequent, small amounts of fluid are better than gulping down lots of water in one go.

Fruits and vegetables are great natural sources of hydration. Grab a cucumber or tomato, a melon, some strawberries or oranges. Snack on them throughout the day to keep hydration levels high.

Avoiding other products that may cause skin irritation

For a comfy tan, it’s vital to dodge products that may lead to skin irritation.

Do not use harsh soaps or cleansers either pre- or post-tanning.
Don’t use makeup, fragrances, or deodorants. They can affect your tan and cause irritation.
No hair removal products should be used for 24 hours after tanning as these can make your skin sensitive.
If using topical treatments for acne, eczema, or psoriasis, consult your doctor first.

Hydrating and moisturizing before and after tanning is also key. Sunburn prevention is essential, too. Wear sunscreen with enough SPF to protect yourself.

What Is the Best Laying Position in A Tanning Bed to Get an Even Tan?

The best laying position in a proper tanning bed is to lay flat on your back and then on your stomach for equal amounts of time. This will ensure both sides of your body get equal exposure and help achieve an even tan.

How Can I Avoid Tan Lines While Laying in A Tanning Bed?

To avoid tan lines, it’s essential to wear minimal clothing or use a strapless bikini.

Make sure to adjust any fabric or straps on your body during the tanning session to prevent uneven tanning, and lay on your back rather than lay on your stomach, so if you do get any tan lines, they’ll be on your back rather than the front.

What Are Some Crucial Tanning Tips for Proper Indoor Tanning?

Some crucial tips for indoor tanning include exfoliating your skin before you tan properly inside the tanning bed, using a high-quality indoor tanning lotion, wearing tanning goggles to protect your eyes, and gradually increasing your tanning time to avoid burning your skin.

How to Ensure a Perfect Tanning Bed Position for The Best Tan?

Ensure a perfect tanning bed position by laying flat, either on your back or stomach, with your arms and legs slightly spread apart.

Make sure to frequently change positions and avoid touching the sides of the tanning bed to get the best possible beautiful tan.

Are There Any Essential Items to Use in A Tanning Bed for A Flawless Tan?

Yes, essential items to use in a tanning bed include: use tanning lotion, tanning goggles, and a towel.

The tanning lotion helps speed up the tanning process, goggles protect your eyes, and a towel helps keep the tanning bed hygienic and clean.

Can I Get Tan Lines from Different Tanning Bed Laying Positions?

Different laying positions may create various tan lines. To avoid this, rotate and evenly tan all areas while changing postures occasionally throughout your tanning session.

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