A first salon visit comes with a lot of new stuff at once: unfamiliar equipment, confusing lotion names, questions about timing. Before you book, know this. Indoor tanning exposes you to ultraviolet radiation and increases the risk of skin cancer. People under 18 should not use tanning beds. Not tanning indoors is always an option, and sunless products give you cosmetic color without a bed session.
These tips are about reading the instructions and skipping the guesswork. They don’t make indoor tanning riskless. We at Golden Coast Beauty would rather you read the labels, ask staff direct questions, and treat the shade you want as a preference, not a reason to rush.
Even if you follow every instruction, FDA notes you are still at risk for skin cancer if you use indoor UV tanning devices.
Start with the exposure schedule
Every visit starts with the exposure schedule for that specific bed and your skin type. Ask the staff to walk you through it before you go into the room.
Don’t copy a friend’s session length. Two beds can have very different settings, even in the same salon. If anything’s unclear, sort it out first.
Start short, within the exposure schedule. Do not use the maximum exposure time for your first session. The max on the timer isn’t a starting point or a goal. Follow the bed’s posted instructions and what staff tell you, and don’t add time just because you haven’t seen color yet.
Wear snug, uncracked tanning goggles
Wear protective eyewear made for indoor tanning. Every time. Before each session, check that the goggles fit snug and have no cracks or damage. If a pair doesn’t fit right, get that fixed before you use the bed.
Closing your eyes doesn’t count. Neither does a towel over your face or regular sunglasses. Keep the goggles on the whole session, and if they slip or get uncomfortable, stop and ask for help. Make the goggle check part of your routine before the timer starts.
Don’t rush your next session
Follow the session spacing in the bed’s exposure schedule and your salon’s rules, and never tan more than once in the same day. Sunburn can take 6 to 48 hours to show up, so don’t judge your skin right after a session. FDA advises that once a tan is developed, you tan no more than once a week. Do not book back-to-back sessions to catch up before a vacation, party, or photo session.
Tell staff about any recent UV exposure, including time outside, before you talk about another appointment. A calendar note helps you remember your last session, but it shouldn’t override the exposure schedule or how your skin feels. If you notice redness, discomfort or other worrying changes, stop tanning and see a healthcare professional.
Ask questions before choosing a lotion
Lotion labels describe different cosmetic finishes and intended uses. An indoor tanning lotion doesn’t make UV exposure riskless, and you shouldn’t assume it contains sunscreen. Read the actual label and ask staff if a product is right for their equipment. The name on the bottle can’t answer that.
For the terms, read bronzer versus no bronzer tanning lotion. For a broader shopping overview, see how to choose indoor tanning lotion. We stock Devoted Creations lotions, but your pick should come from each product’s directions and what you like. Formulas within one brand can have different ingredients, finishes and instructions.
Skip tingle lotions at first
I’d skip tingle lotions when you’re starting out. You’re already learning new equipment, timing and application directions. A product marketed around a tingling feeling just adds another variable. Keep it simple, and ask staff to explain any label term you don’t know before you buy or apply anything.
Follow the directions for whatever you use, including any patch test guidance. A sensation doesn’t mean a product is working better, and don’t keep using something that bothers you. Questions about a reaction go to a healthcare professional, especially if it lingers or you’re not sure what caused it.
Make the first visit about understanding the process
Show up early enough to read the instructions without rushing. Ask staff how to stop the bed, how the timer works and what to do if you get uncomfortable. Know those controls before you start. You don’t have to buy anything or start a session while you still have questions.
Mention any medications or products that might affect your sensitivity to light, and talk to your pharmacist or healthcare professional about them before tanning. Salon staff know their equipment, but they can’t give you medical advice. Keep your expectations loose, too. A first appointment doesn’t promise a certain shade, and quick color isn’t a reason to add more exposure.
FAQ
Can someone under 18 use a tanning bed?
People under 18 should not use tanning beds. Parental permission or an upcoming birthday isn’t a workaround. For a cosmetic glow, try a sunless product used according to its label instead.
Should my first session use the bed’s maximum time?
No. Start short and follow the exposure schedule for your skin type and that bed, with guidance from staff. The maximum isn’t a beginner setting. Never add time because someone else did a longer session.
Are goggles still necessary if I close my eyes?
Yes. Wear snug, uncracked protective tanning goggles for every session. Closed eyes and regular sunglasses don’t replace them. Ask staff to check the fit if you’re not sure, and swap out damaged eyewear before you start.
How soon can I return?
Follow the spacing in the bed’s exposure schedule and your salon’s rules. Sunburn can take up to 48 hours to appear, so wait and check your skin. FDA advises tanning no more than once a week once a tan is developed. Avoid further exposure if you have discomfort or concerning skin changes.
About indoor tanning lotions (including the Devoted Creations lotions we carry):
Warning—This product does not contain a sunscreen and does not protect against sunburn. Repeated exposure of unprotected skin while tanning may increase the risk of skin aging, skin cancer, and other harmful effects to the skin even if you do not burn.
Indoor tanning: Ultraviolet radiation can cause skin cancer, premature skin aging and eye injury. Follow your tanning unit’s exposure schedule, always wear FDA-compliant protective eyewear, and do not tan if you burn easily or use medications or products that increase sensitivity to UV light. Not for use by anyone under 18.