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How to Use a Stand up Tanning Bed


Sunkissed skin never fails to attract anyone’s attention. I would love to have that bronze glowing skin rather than staying with my pale skin.

Considering the weather, time and comfort, sunless tanning is the best option for anyone. But the lay-down tanning bed is not an option for everyone.

People who are claustrophobic (like me) and those with back issues, find a session in lay-down tanning bed nothing less than a torture session! Well, what should we do then? Stay the way we want in summer and be pale during the rest?

Not exactly!

With innovative technologies available today, stand up tanning beds and booths are there to make our day.

Most people get anxious about how to use a stand up tanning bed-the main reason being our unawareness.

Let me tell you that getting tan from a stand up tanning bed is never a complex thing.

We are here to help you.

If you follow the stand up tanning bed tips explained in this article, your journey to that authentic tanned skin would be super fast.

Why Stand Up Tanning Bed?

There are many things that place stand up tanning bed ahead of the normal lay down tanning beds. Since we are used to only the former one, we don’t normally check out the pros of stand up tanning beds.

Who knows you have been using the wrong tanning bed throughout these years?

Let’s have a brief look at the advantages of stand up tanning beds:

  • It provides even coverage as there is more exposure to all body parts simultaneously.
  • It gives the desired results in lesser time! Stand up tanning bed uses bulbs of an average 160 watt compared to the 100-watt bulb in traditional style beds.
  • Too enclosed feeling won’t haunt you anymore. The stand-up bed provides more room and natural environment, apt for claustrophobic tanners.
  • Fear of skin reaction or allergies won’t worry you anymore since you are not touching the acrylic sides. For tanners concerned with hygiene issues stand-up tanning bed is the best option.
  • No need to turn over during your session. All at once tan your full body!
  • Standing up beds with bulbs that have special reflector spread the rays evenly and thus produce better quality tans.
  • No pressure point issues, missed areas, bed creases etc.

Stand Up Tanning Bed Tips

Once you decide on getting the benefit of the stand-up tanning booth, the next thing is to understand how to prep for a joyful tanning experience.

Let me guide you by providing some important stand-up tanning bed tips which will help you to clear all doubts on how to use a standing up tanning bed.

Before Tanning

To get the desired shiny bronze look, you need to prepare before each session. With a well balanced and planned preparation, you can fasten the process of getting tanned.

The following tips on stand-up tanning will help you in getting grater looking skin.

  1. Exfoliate and take down your dead skin cells

As we all know, we are only focusing on the topmost layer of our skin during tanning. If you fail to remove the dead cells before the tanning procedure, you will end up losing the results in a week or so. The tan will stay longer on fresh skin layer.

Before each of you, tanning session (preferably the night before) make sure to have a shower with your favorite exfoliating shower gel or scrub. Don’t overdo it and make your skin dry and patchy. Be gentle as always.

  1. Moisturize your skin

Good amount of oil free moisturizer is a must before and after each tanning session. As stand-up tanning bed uses a more powerful light source, it tends to dry your skin much faster compared to the lay-down model.

So be prepared with your favorite moisturizer, given it is non-oil based and light. Presence of oil in your skin is a barrier for even tanning and results might not be as strong as expected.

  1. No SPF products, please

Before entering the stand-up tanning booth make sure that you don’t use any SPF sun protector lotions or creams in your skin. However, apply an SPF lip balm to protect your lovely lips from getting tanned.

  1. Have a look at your prescriptions

Some medicines tend to increase the sensitivity of your skin when exposed to UV rays. If you are taking related pills, it is recommended to schedule your tanning sessions accordingly.

  1. Take off makeup and deodorants before stepping into the tanning booth

Some ingredients found in the makeup products tend to make your skin sensitive. It might lead to sunburnt skin after tanning.

Deodorants and essential oils are not recommended during tanning because of the presence of SPF in it. For safer and effective tanning do remove makeup and deodorants if any.

  1. Remove any jewelry from your body

Ideally, you should go naked to the tanning bed. Although this may not be acceptable to all of us, you should never wear jewelry items.

If you are wearing anything on your body, you might get an uneven tan on those areas.

  1. Protect your hair

Spray in a good quality conditioner and tie up your long hair in a pony or bun. Secure your hair away from face, shoulders, and neck to avoid uneven tanning and creases in these areas.

  1. Use a good quality Tanning lotion

Application of a tanning lotion is a mandatory step before indoor tanning. Choose the lotion according to your skin type and ask for expert advice from the salon if needed.

You can find some of the best tanning bed lotions here. If you’re a man, you should check out this link: https://tanninggirl.com/best-tanning-lotion-for-men/

A good tanning lotion will enhance the tan and provide deep dark results. It helps to keep your skin hydrated.

Apply it all over the body in circular motion.

  1. Know how to operate the bed.

There is no meaning in visiting a salon if you don’t know how to operate the tanning bed.

I would suggest you have a look at the procedure and operations through YouTube videos. You can even ask your peers about this.

Salon attendant will be there in the salon to help you with setting the time and all. Feel free to clear all doubts.

During Stand up Tanning

I don’t have to tell you that this is the most crucial part of using a stand up tanning bed. If you don’t follow the general tips suggested by your technician, there will be adverse effects.

Let me guide you through some of the important things one should follow while using a stand up tanning bed.

  1. Always Protect Your Eyes

Eyesight is a very precious gift. I need not explain the short and long-term harm of UV rays for eyes.  Tanning without goggles is never a good idea.

Take good care of it while tanning procedure by using a pair of goggles.

Usually, the salon provides you with one. You can have one of your own if you wish.

  1. Lesser is better

When it comes to the time period per session, it is always better to set less time. Stand –up tanning beds emit stronger waves and tans your body quickly.

So consider this while setting the time(maximum of 15 minutes with breaks). Gradually increase the time, if needed as your skin adapts.

  1. Dress appropriately

The more your skin exposed to rays better will be the finished look. Disrobe to your level of comfort. Lesser the cloth, better it is.

You can go for swimsuits.

Every salon provides privacy while tanning. If you prefer being nude, you must make sure that your sensitive private parts (areas that are not typically exposed to sun) are covered with a piece of cloth.

  1. Stand in the middle of the booth

What is the best way to stand in a stand up tanning booth?

Knowing this is essential to achieve the desired results. The fact is that just standing in the tanning booth will never give you a great tan.

You need to find out the best way to stand in there.

Let me explain it to you.

Once you step in and close the door, stand in the center of the booth.

Ever wondered what are those X markings on the floor of the tanning bed in the salon? It’s the place where you should stand.

For better, even tanning experience standby parting your legs slightly.  And switch it on once you are ready for the procedure.

  1. The positioning of arms

You will find some bars on the ceiling or sides of the stand-up tanning booth. It is intended to support your arms during tanning.

Hold on to it to ensure that light hit your underarms. In case there are no bars raise your arms high for a streak-free tan.

You are more mobile inside the booth. Adjust your posture to your comfort. Lift your arms up and down, ease yourself accordingly.

After the Stand Up Tanning Session

If you’re thinking you will get that astonishing glowed skin after the tanning session, you’re wrong. The effort is not over yet.

You need to make sure that the time and money you spent for that 20 minutes of tanning session pays off.

Below are the things you should do after a session in a stand up tanning bed:

  1. Moisturize

Your skin loses moisture during the tanning procedure. Hydrate your skin using a light moisturizer. Repeat the application as needed (or twice a day).

  1. Avoid immediate shower

Don’t just wash away all of your efforts in one go. Wait at least an hour or two before hitting the shower as the immediate shower will slow the spread of tan.

Use neither hot nor cold, preferably lukewarm water for shower. And don’t forget to apply an oil-free moisturizer.

This article on showering after tanning is a good read. It will give you some of the most important things one should focus on while showering after a tanning session.

  1. Hydrate hydrate!

To avoid flaky dry skin, drink plenty of water. It is highly beneficial not only in retaining the golden glow but also in maintaining your health.

  1. Scrub away old skin cells

Use sponges or brushes for gentle exfoliation once every week. Make sure to remove only dead skin cells and not the tan.

  1. Chart your next session

Give yourself amble break in between each tanning sessions. Standing up tanning booths provides stronger results under lesser time. You must wait a minimum of 24 hours before hitting the salon again.

That’s it guys!

These tips will ensure your long-lasting golden glow.

Finding the Best Stand Up Tanning Bed near Me

Choosing the perfect salon is yet another factor for proper tanning.

During my earlier days of tanning, I was very confused about where to go. I used to search online for the best stand up tanning bed near me and always ended up with a number of options.

It was always hard to find the best.

But slowly I came to know what factors make a tanning salon the best and trustworthy.

I have jotted down about finding a good tanning salon in this article.

Fortunately or unfortunately, you don’t have the luxury of tanning salon options when it comes to stand up tanning. Most of the salons use the conventional tanning beds.

When I decide on the stand up salons near me, I value a couple of things.

Location of the salon is the primary factor. The closer the salon is, the cheaper the trip to it. However, when you are getting better quality treatment, distance doesn’t matter much.

As mentioned earlier, privacy is an important factor to consider along with the experience and name of the salon.

Salons which use quality products will provide great results and value for money. Going through customer feedbacks and having short chats with them helps in choosing the best stand-up tanning bed near you.

Ready to Tan in a Stand Up Tanning Bed?

Once you are satisfied with the tannery, for the deep, dark and natural look, plan wisely during each session. Folks, do remember these tips.

  • Prepare your skin by exfoliating and moisturizing.
  • Set timer accordingly.
  • Wear tanning lotion prior to all sessions.
  • Protect your eyes by wearing goggles.
  • Adjust your posture for proper tanning.
  • Keep hydrated and use only trusted quality products.

Happy tanning!

Stella Cristin

I'm Stella. I have always been drawn to beauty and health products that make a change in our life. I have been working in various tanning salons in my neighborhood to help people like me to get a beautiful and healthy tan. My passion is to help people learn about safe tanning.

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