Pick any two tanning beds and there’s a good chance they work a little differently. Skin is the same way. That’s partly why searching tanning beds near me can leave people more confused than when they started. What really matters is how someone’s skin reacts to UV light and what they hope to get out of tanning.
Olive and medium skin that tans without much trouble usually handles short sessions on a regular or high pressure bed. Very fair skin that burns fast isn’t a good match for UV tanning, and a spray tan makes more sense. Darker skin hardly ever burns, but it still picks up UV damage, so short, spaced out sessions are still a good idea. No matter the skin type, indoor tanning comes with real health risks, and a slow, light glow is a smarter goal than going as dark as possible.
Know the Skin Type First
Before looking at beds at any tanning salon near me result, it’s worth figuring out the skin’s type. Dermatologists use something called the Fitzpatrick scale for this. Roughly, it breaks down like this:
Type 1: Very fair skin; burns easily; no tan
Type 2: Fair skin; burns easily; slight tan
Type 3: Light to medium skin; sometimes burns; tans gradually
Type 4: Olive or light brown skin; rarely burns, easy tan
Type 5: brown skin that burns only once in a while
Type 6: very dark skin that almost never burns in the sun
A decent salon will ask about this on the first visit. It’s worth being honest, since the answer decides where to start.
The Kinds of Beds Out There
Low pressure beds are the ones most people think of. They give off UVA plus a bigger dose of UVB. UVB is what starts new color, but it’s also what burns. They’re everywhere and usually the cheapest option at a tanning salon, so a lot of beginners start on them.
High pressure beds work mostly with UVA. The tan tends to come out deeper and faster, and quick burns are less common. That’s not the same as safe, though. UVA goes deeper into the skin and has a lot to do with wrinkles and early aging.
Stand up booths are basically beds turned on their side. Sessions are often shorter and nothing presses against the body, which some people like.
Then there are newer units that add red light to the mix. The red light itself won’t tan anyone. The color still comes from the UV lamps, so nothing changes on the safety side.
Which Bed Fits Which Skin
Type I skin doesn’t tan. It just burns. Most dermatologists would steer this group away from UV tanning completely, and a spray tan does the job without the damage.
Type II can get a light tan, but it takes time. For anyone here who still wants to use a bed, the lowest level and the shortest time on the chart are the place to start.
Types III and IV tan the most easily. Low or high pressure beds both tend to work fine with short sessions that build color slowly.
Types V and VI rarely burn, but UV still harms the skin and ages it faster. People in this group often use beds to even out their tone, and keeping sessions short still matters.
Not sure which group fits? Staff at any good tanning salon near me option can usually help sort that out on the first visit.
What’s the Goal?
People tan for all kinds of reasons. Some want to look a bit healthier before a trip. Some want to get rid of tan lines or feel better in summer clothes. Others just like the warmth and a few quiet minutes to themselves.
Knowing the reason helps a lot. Someone looking up tanning near me for a light glow before a wedding doesn’t need the strongest bed in the place. A few short sessions on a lower level bed over a couple of weeks usually does it. And someone who mostly wants to relax might find a red light session or a spray tan works just as well, with no UV involved.
The Safety Side
It’s better to go in knowing the facts. The International Agency for Research on Cancer, which is part of the World Health Organization, puts UV tanning devices in its top cancer risk group. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends against indoor tanning because of its link to melanoma and other skin cancers. The FDA also requires tanning beds to carry a warning that they shouldn’t be used by anyone under 18.
For people who still choose to tan, some habits help:
- Wear the goggles every single time. Closed eyes don’t block UV.
- Don’t go past the posted time limit for the bed.
- Leave time between sessions instead of going every day.
- Skip tanning while on medicine that makes skin more sensitive to light.
- Get any new or changing moles looked at by a dermatologist.
Picking a Good Salon
Searching tanning beds close to me usually turns up more than one option. The better ones tend to have a few things in common. Staff ask about skin type before the first session. Beds get cleaned between every client. Time limits are posted clearly, and goggles aren’t optional.
It pays to visit a couple of places before buying a package. In busy beach towns, like the many tanning salons in Virginia Beach, the equipment and staff training can be quite different from one spot to the next.
Going Sunless
For people with very light skin and for those who just want to avoid the dangers, sunless tanning is a good idea. With spray tans and self-tanning lotions that contain FDA-approved DHA, you can tan the outermost layer of your skin. This tan lasts for around a week, but won’t stop sunburns, so you should always wear sun protection. Many tanning salons provide a spray tan booth along with beds for tanning services.
Final Thoughts
There isn’t one best tanning bed for everyone. It depends on the skin, the goal and how much risk someone is comfortable with. Fair skin needs extra care or a sunless option. Medium and olive skin usually does well with short sessions. Darker skin still needs limits. Anyone comparing tanning beds near me will have a much easier time once they know where their skin stands.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which tanning bed is suitable for newbies?
Almost everyone begins with a low pressure bed that takes the shortest period of time from the schedule.
- Can fair skin tan safely in a tanning bed?
Very fair skin that always burns doesn’t really tan and is more at risk from UV. Dermatologists usually point people with this skin type toward spray tans or self tanning lotions instead. - What is the difference between low pressure and high pressure beds?
Low pressure beds emit more UVB and hence, are responsible for building up the tan but burning easier. High pressure beds depend mostly on UVA and hence, are responsible for getting deep tan in shorter periods, although UVA is highly associated with skin aging.
- How often should someone tan?
Many salons suggest waiting at least 48 hours between sessions so the skin can fully show how it reacted. Going every day makes burning more likely and adds to long term damage. - Do goggles have to be used?
Yes, since UV rays can damage your eyes even if your lids are closed. FDA suggests using goggles for every session, and almost all the salons provide them at the reception for their clients.