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First Tanning Bed Session Checklist & Tips
First Tanning Bed Session Checklist & Tips
Everything you need to know before, during, and after your very first session — in one place.
Your first tanning bed session should last 5–8 minutes (less if you have fair skin). Always apply an indoor tanning lotion before you tan, wear FDA-approved eye protection, and moisturize right after. Skip the session if your skin is irritated or sunburned.
Scroll down for the full step-by-step guide and our free printable checklist — or jump straight to the First Tanning Bed Session Checklist if you’re in a hurry.
5 Questions Every First-Timer Asks
If you’ve ever scrolled through r/tanning on Reddit, you’ve seen the same five questions pop up again and again — every single day, from nervous beginners just like you. This guide answers all five, plus gives you a printable checklist to take to your first appointment.
The questions first-timers always ask are:
- How long should my first tanning bed session be?
- Do I actually need a tanning lotion?
- What do I wear — or not wear — inside the bed?
- How do I prepare my skin beforehand?
- What should I do after my session?
We’ll answer all of them. Keep reading — this is your complete guide to a great first tanning bed session.
How to Prepare for Your First Tanning Bed Session
What you do the day before your session matters just as much as what happens inside the bed. Follow these four steps to set yourself up for the best possible first result.
Exfoliate 24 Hours Before
Gently scrub your skin the day before. This removes dead cells that would otherwise block UV light. Your color will look more even and last longer.
Moisturize Dry Patches
Dry skin tans unevenly. Focus on knees, elbows, and ankles. Use a regular body lotion the night before — not right before your session.
Skip Perfume and Heavy Makeup
Fragrance on your skin can cause dark spots or burns inside a tanning bed. Rinse it off before you go. A light tinted moisturizer is fine; heavy foundation is not.
Choose Your Lotion Before You Go
Tanning without lotion is one of the biggest beginner mistakes. Dry skin reflects UV light instead of absorbing it. Always bring lotion — more on this below.
One More Prep Tip
Shave or wax at least 24 hours before your session, not right before. Freshly shaved skin is more sensitive and may burn more easily. If you’re on any medications — especially antibiotics or Accutane — talk to your doctor before tanning. Some medications make your skin much more sensitive to UV light.
Need a complete primer on how to prepare your skin for indoor tanning? Check out our indoor tanning safety guide for a deeper dive into skin prep and risk reduction. Understanding indoor tanning safety precautions is essential for achieving the best results while minimizing potential health risks. Always apply a quality sunscreen or tanning lotion specifically designed for use in tanning beds. Additionally, it’s vital to follow the recommended exposure times to avoid sunburn and long-term damage to your skin.
How Long Should Your First Tanning Bed Session Be?
This is the number-one question beginners ask — and the honest answer is: it depends on your skin tone. The chart below gives you a safe starting point for your first few sessions. But the most reliable advice will always come from the staff at your salon. They know their equipment and will guide you based on your Fitzpatrick skin type.
| Skin Type | Description | Session 1 (Max) | Sessions 2–4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type I | Very fair, always burns, never tans | 3–4 min | 4–5 min |
| Type II | Fair skin, burns easily, tans lightly | 4–6 min | 6–8 min |
| Type III | Medium skin, sometimes burns, tans easily | 6–8 min | 8–10 min |
| Type IV | Olive or light brown, rarely burns | 8–10 min | 10–12 min |
Wait Between Sessions
Give your skin at least 24–48 hours between sessions. Tanning every single day won’t speed things up — it will just irritate your skin. Melanin (your skin’s natural tanning pigment) needs time to develop and rise to the surface. Most beginners see their base tan fill in within 1–2 weeks of consistent, spaced sessions.
What to Wear (and Not Wear) in a Tanning Bed
You have full control over what you wear in the tanning bed — it’s a private room. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you decide.
- Nothing (most popular choice)
- Bikini or underwear for tan lines
- Tanning goggles (required — see safety section)
- Hair up in a clip or bun
- Tanning lotion applied to skin
- Jewelry and metal accessories
- Heavy makeup or foundation
- Perfume or cologne
- Sunscreen (blocks UV — defeats the purpose)
- Regular sunglasses (not enough UV protection)
Many first-timers feel nervous about undressing in the salon. Don’t be — tanning rooms are completely private. Each room has a lock, and salon staff will never enter without knocking first.
Which Tanning Lotion Should Beginners Use?
Tanning without lotion is the most common beginner mistake. Here’s why: dry skin reflects UV light instead of letting it absorb. A good tanning lotion does two things — it hydrates your skin so UV can penetrate deeper, and it helps your skin produce more melanin (your natural tanning pigment) faster. The result is a deeper, longer-lasting color in fewer sessions.
For your first tanning bed session, stick to an intensifier (also called an accelerator). These lotions have no added colorants, so there’s no risk of streaks or unexpected color. They simply boost your natural tan. You can explore our full guide to best tanning lotion for beginners for more options.
Our Top Pick for Beginners: JWOWW Fearless
JWOWW Fearless is one of the cleanest starter lotions you’ll find. It’s a pure intensifier — no bronzer, no DHA, no guesswork. That means the color you build is 100% your own natural tan. It’s gentle enough for a first session, yet effective enough that you’ll see results quickly.
What makes it especially good for beginners is the Ink-Drink™ Complex (Shea Butter, Raspberry, and Beeswax), which keeps skin deeply hydrated throughout your session. Skin that’s well-moisturized doesn’t reflect UV — it absorbs it. The added Protein and Caffeine blend also helps firm and tone while you tan, and Vitamin E locks in softness after the session ends.
- Pure intensifier — no bronzer
- Ink-Drink™ Complex protects tattoos
- Shea Butter & Vitamin E hydration
- Protein + Caffeine tightens and firms
- Great for first-time tanners
- No fake color — builds real tan
The Value Step-Up: Designer Skin Valor
After a few sessions, when you’re ready to boost your results even further, Designer Skin Valor is an excellent upgrade. It’s available for $49.99 at Sunol Valley — and given its premium melanin-boosting formula, it delivers serious value for the price. *Price subject to change.
Valor uses Algin and Magnesium to stimulate melanin production at the cellular level. That means faster, deeper, more even color with every session. It also includes a Tattoo Protection blend (Licorice and Green Tea Extract) to preserve your ink under UV exposure — and an ATO (After Tan Odor) inhibitor using Cedarwood and Cypress so you smell great walking out of the salon.
Melanin-boosting Algin + Magnesium formula. Tattoo protection. ATO inhibitor. Meadowfoam Seed Oil moisture barrier. Perfect for tanners ready to level up their color.
Pick up your first session starter kit at Sunol Valley. Free shipping available on qualifying orders.
Pick up your first session starter kit at sunolvalley.com →First Tanning Bed Session Checklist (Printable)
This is the checklist we’d hand you at the salon front desk. Check off each item before and after your session. Click Print Checklist to save or print a copy.
First Tanning Bed Session Checklist
Check off each item before your session begins
- Exfoliated full body with a gentle scrub
- Moisturized knees, elbows, and ankles
- Shaved or waxed (if applicable)
- Confirmed I’m not on photosensitizing medications (antibiotics, Accutane, etc.)
- Skipped perfume, cologne, and deodorant sprays on skin
- Skipped sunscreen completely (it blocks UV)
- Packed my tanning lotion (JWOWW Fearless or Designer Skin Valor)
- Packed FDA-approved tanning goggles (or planning to buy at the salon)
- Told the staff this is my first tanning bed session
- Confirmed session time with staff based on my skin type
- Removed all jewelry and metal accessories
- Applied tanning lotion evenly over my body
- Put on tanning goggles — worn both inside AND outside the lid
- Moisturized immediately after toweling off
- Drank a full glass of water (tanning is dehydrating)
- Checked for any unusual redness or irritation
- Noted my session time to repeat or adjust next visit
- Scheduled my next session at least 48 hours out
What to Do After Your First Tanning Bed Session
Aftercare is often the step beginners skip — and it directly affects how long your color lasts and how good your skin feels. Follow these steps as soon as you leave the salon.
- Moisturize immediately. Apply a rich body lotion right after your session. Hydrated skin holds onto color much longer than dry skin. Look for something with aloe, shea butter, or hyaluronic acid.
- Drink plenty of water. UV exposure dehydrates your skin from the inside out. A big glass of water right after your session helps your body recover and keeps your skin plump.
- Avoid the shower for 2–3 hours. Melanin keeps developing after you leave the bed. Showering too quickly can slow the process. If you need to rinse, use lukewarm water only — no hot showers.
- Skip chlorine pools and salt water. For the rest of the day, avoid swimming in chlorinated pools or the ocean. Both strip moisture and can fade your developing tan prematurely.
- Don’t tan again for 48 hours. Your skin needs time to recover. Tanning too soon leads to dryness, peeling, and uneven color — not the bronzed glow you’re going for.
- Watch for over-exposure signs. Some pinkness within 2–4 hours is normal for new tanners. But if your skin feels hot, looks very red, or starts to itch intensely, treat it as a burn — cool the area with aloe and take a break from the beds.
How Soon Will You See Color?
Most people notice their first visible color within 24–48 hours after their session. Melanin takes time to surface. Don’t panic if you walk out of the bed and feel like nothing happened — that’s completely normal for session one. With consistent sessions (every 48–72 hours), you’ll typically build a noticeable base tan within 2–3 weeks.
Safety and Eye Protection: What You Need to Know
Indoor tanning is a legal adult activity, and salons in the U.S. are regulated by the FDA. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself on your first tanning bed session — without overthinking it.
- Eye protection is required by federal law. The FDA mandates that all tanning salons provide customers with UV-blocking eye protection. Your eyes can sustain serious damage from tanning bed UV — even with your eyes closed. Always wear FDA-compliant goggles inside the bed. Regular sunglasses are not sufficient.
- Minors are restricted. Many states require parental consent or prohibit tanning bed use for people under 18. Salons are required to post warnings about UV risks.
- Skip tanning if your skin is sunburned. Burned skin is already damaged. Tanning over a sunburn increases your risk of peeling, blistering, and longer-term damage.
- Check your medications. Dozens of common drugs — including many antibiotics, acne medications (especially Accutane), and some antidepressants — increase photosensitivity. If you’re unsure, ask your pharmacist before your first session.
A Note on Skin Cancer Risk
Indoor tanning does increase UV exposure, which is associated with skin cancer risk. This guide isn’t here to scare you away from tanning — it’s here to help you do it responsibly. Always start with short sessions, build gradually, never burn, and see a dermatologist annually for a skin check if you tan regularly. For more detail, see our indoor tanning safety guide.
First Tanning Bed Session — FAQ
Most beginners should start at 5–8 minutes on a standard low-pressure bed. If you have very fair or sensitive skin (Fitzpatrick Type I or II), start at 3–5 minutes instead. The exact time should always be confirmed with your salon staff — they know their equipment and can guide you based on your skin type.
See the full guide: how many minutes for fair skin.
The only thing you must wear is FDA-approved eye protection. Everything else is optional. Many people tan without clothing for a full, even tan. Others wear a swimsuit or underwear to preserve tan lines. Whatever you choose, the room is completely private — it locks from the inside.
No. Regular sunscreen blocks UV radiation — that’s its job. Using it inside a tanning bed means the UV cannot penetrate your skin, so you won’t tan. Worse, some sunscreen ingredients can cause dark splotching or irritation when heated under a tanning lamp.
Use a dedicated indoor tanning lotion instead. Options like JWOWW Fearless are formulated specifically for tanning bed use and actually help you tan faster and more evenly.
Possibly — but don’t count on it after session one. Melanin takes 24–48 hours to surface after UV exposure. You might notice a slight warmth or glow the next morning. A visible base tan usually develops after 3–5 consistent sessions spaced 48–72 hours apart.
Using a quality intensifier lotion like JWOWW Fearless from your very first session speeds this process up noticeably.
Great question. Here’s the simple version:
- Intensifier (accelerator): Has no added color. It just boosts your skin’s natural melanin production so you tan faster. Best for beginners — zero risk of streaks or uneven color.
- Cosmetic bronzer: Contains temporary color pigments (like self-tanner or DHA) that add an instant glow. These wash off in the shower. Better for intermediate tanners who know how to apply lotion evenly.
- DHA bronzer: Contains DHA (dihydroxyacetone), a sugar-based ingredient that reacts with your skin to create long-lasting color. Takes 4–6 hours to fully develop. Can streak if applied unevenly — not ideal for your very first session.
For your first tanning bed session, stick to an intensifier. JWOWW Fearless is an intensifier — it’s the safest and most foolproof starting point.
Start with every other day (or every 48–72 hours) during your first two weeks to build a base tan. After that, most people maintain their color with 2–3 sessions per week. Never tan two days in a row when you’re just starting out — your skin needs time to recover and for melanin to develop between sessions.
Before: A shower is fine, but avoid heavy soaps that strip skin moisture right before your session. Pat dry and apply your tanning lotion before getting in the bed.
After: Wait at least 2–3 hours before showering after a tanning session. Your melanin continues to develop after you leave the bed. Use lukewarm water, not hot. Moisturize immediately after toweling off.
Ready for Your First Tanning Bed Session?
You’ve got the checklist, the tips, and the product recommendations. Now all you need is the lotion. Pick up your first session starter kit — JWOWW Fearless or Designer Skin Valor — and walk into your salon with confidence.
Pick up your first session starter kit at sunolvalley.com →
