How to Get the Best from Your UV Sunbed Session

Achieving a golden, even tan is not just about stepping onto a sunbed. It also depends on how you prepare your skin, how you approach each session, and how you care for your skin afterwards. At Barbers & Bronzing in La Cala Hills, Mijas, we focus on practical tanning advice that helps clients build colour more evenly and maintain it for longer.

How to Prepare Your Skin Before UV Tanning

Exfoliate 24 Hours Before Your Session — Gently exfoliating removes dead skin cells that can cause patchy tanning. Do this the day before your sunbed session — never immediately beforehand — to allow the skin to settle and avoid sensitivity.

Hydrate Your Skin Properly — Well-hydrated skin tans more evenly and holds colour longer. Use a light, non-oily moisturiser daily in the lead-up to your session. Avoid heavy creams on the day of tanning.

Remove Makeup, Deodorant & Perfume — Always arrive with clean, bare skin. Makeup, deodorants and fragrances can block UV rays, cause uneven tanning, or increase the risk of skin irritation during UV exposure.

What NOT to Do Before UV Tanning

  • Do not use oils: Oils intensify UV exposure unevenly and increase the risk of skin irritation
  • Avoid perfumed products: These can react under UV light
  • Don't exfoliate on the same day: Freshly exfoliated skin is more sensitive

Tips During Your UV Sunbed Session

  • Follow recommended exposure times based on your skin type
  • Wear protective eyewear at all times
  • Relax — stress can affect circulation and tanning results
  • Use a salon-approved tanning accelerator if recommended by staff

Why You Shouldn't Shower Straight After UV Tanning

One of the most important — and often overlooked — tanning tips is to avoid showering immediately after your UV sunbed session.

UV tanning stimulates melanin production within the skin. This process continues for several hours after your session. Showering too soon — especially with hot water or soap — can interrupt this process, reducing colour development and longevity.

Ideally, wait at least 4–6 hours before showering to allow melanin production to fully develop.

Aftercare: How to Maintain and Build Your Tan

Moisturise, But Keep It Gentle — After your session, use a fragrance-free, gentle moisturiser. Harsh or scented products can irritate UV-exposed skin and lead to dryness or peeling.

Avoid Harsh Products:

  • No heavily scented shower gels or lotions
  • Avoid exfoliating for at least 48 hours
  • Skip products containing alcohol or strong actives

Why Consistent Session Spacing Matters

When building a base tan, consistency matters. Leaving long gaps between sessions can make it harder to build colour evenly, especially if your skin has already started to shed dry surface cells.

A regular routine can help deepen colour gradually while keeping the tone more even, always within the exposure guidance recommended for your skin type.

Professional UV Tanning in La Cala Hills, Mijas

At our tanning salon in La Cala Hills, part of Barbers & Bronzing, we combine expert advice, clean facilities, and advanced UV equipment to help you tan responsibly and effectively.

Whether you're preparing for a holiday, special event, or simply want a healthy glow year-round, following these tips will ensure you get the best possible results from every UV sunbed session.