Are Tanning Beds Hot?

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Tanning beds offer such a great alternative to sitting out in the hot sun, possibly on the sticky beach sand or next to a pool, hoping the weather doesn’t turn any time soon.

However, to tan, you need to be exposed to UV rays, and these usually come from the hot sun.

Tanning beds emit the same UV rays as the sun, but usually in a more concentrated form, which can be uncomfortable to lie in.

Are tanning beds hot?

There is no clear answer as to whether the tanning bed will be hot, as several factors determine this. The type of tanning bed you are using, the treatment you are having done, as well as the condition of the tanning beds.

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Generally, a tanning bed should not get so hot that you feel uncomfortable, and it should not cause your skin to burn.

If you are considering trying a tanning bed for the first time, read on to find out whether they get hot and what you can expect.

How Hot Do Tanning Beds Get?

It is natural to be nervous about how hot a tanning bed might get, especially if it is your first time.

We all know that tanning in the sun leads to becoming hot and sweaty, so it would be safe to assume the same in a tanning bed.

However, this isn’t entirely true, as it is not the sun’s heat that tans your skin, but rather the UV rays, which are replicated by the special light bulbs in the tanning bed.

These will heat up during your tanning session, but not to the point of becoming uncomfortable.

It is important to note that there are a few factors that determine how hot a tanning bed might get, so have a look through the below to know what to expect:

Age Of The Tanning Bed

Older tanning beds tend to get warmer than newer ones, and it has taken some time for tanning beds to reach a point where less heat is generated.

However, you still receive the optimal amount of UV exposure.

More modern tanning beds reach a temperature of around 80°F, and this can sometimes rise to 90°F, depending on the age of the machine.

This is a comfortable temperature for tanning, and it will not cause you to feel uncomfortable while you tan.

Fan Performance

Tanning beds feature fans that help circulate airflow, which is crucial in reducing the amount of heat and stuffy air you experience while tanning.

If the tanning bed has a proper, functioning ventilation system, you should not experience excessive heat. Some even emit cool air, which further helps you feel cooler in the tanning bed.

The Intensity Of The Tanning Bed

Tanning beds range in intensity, with some emitting lower levels of UV light for longer tanning periods, and others offering higher levels of UV rays for quicker tanning sessions.

The intensity of the tanning bed does have some effect on how hot it gets in the actual bed, but it is not so intense that you might burn or feel too hot.

Does Skin Type Affect How Warm A Tanning Bed Feels?

Knowing your skin type is crucial when using a tanning bed, as it helps you determine the type of tanning bed to use and the optimal time spent in the tanning bed.

Different skin types all burn or tan differently, and those with fair skin may feel their skin becoming warm much quicker than those with darker skin.

Skin types 1 and 2, and sometimes even skin type 3, burn easily, which means it is risky to use a tanning bed.

When using a tanning bed with these skin types, limit your exposure and spend only 1 to 3 minutes in the tanning bed during the first few sessions.

You might notice that your skin feels warm or uncomfortable even before the tanning session is over, and if this happens, you should end the session immediately.

This is a sign that your skin is starting to burn, so it’s time to give it a break.

Skin types 4 and above can handle tanning beds for longer periods, but also need to be aware of how their skin feels.

If it begins to feel uncomfortably warm, they should end the tanning session.

Can I Shower Immediately After Using a Tanning Bed?

You will likely feel somewhat warm and sweaty after spending some time in a tanning bed, and you might want to jump into a shower straight after your tanning session, but this isn’t necessarily the best idea.

When your skin is exposed to UV rays, it produces more melanin, which is responsible for darkening the skin.

This process starts in the tanning bed, but it also continues after your tanning session.

Jumping into the shower too soon after a tanning bed session can interrupt this process somewhat, preventing your tan from developing as dark or evenly as you would hope.

You should wait at least 2 hours before showering after tanning in a tanning bed, as this gives your tan enough time to develop uninterrupted.

However, if you are not using tanning accelerators or lotions (which we highly recommend), then you can shower 20 minutes after your session.

It is actually better to shower before your tanning session, as this will open up your pores and prepare your skin to tan evenly.

You can also gently exfoliate your skin before tanning and moisturize once you have stepped out of the shower.

Do Tanning Beds Get Hot Enough To Burn Your Skin?

A tanning bed should never get hot enough to burn your skin on contact. If this happens, you should exit the tanning bed immediately and contact the technician for assistance.

Tanning beds can lead to sunburn on the skin, but it should never be a burn caused by actual contact. Hopefully, this is not something you would experience in a tanning bed.

You might feel warm and sweaty after your tanning session, and maybe even when in the actual bed, but it should never feel so hot that you cannot place your skin against the tanning bed.

If you feel that the tanning bed is too hot on your skin, it may be too high-intensity, and you might need to consider a lower-intensity tanning bed or opt for self-tanner or spray tans instead.

Will I Still Tan In A Cold Tanning Bed?

You might be surprised to find that your tanning bed is actually cold, and you may worry that this means you won’t actually get a tan.

There is no need to worry, as the temperature of the tanning bed has nothing to do with how well you tan.

The heat from the sun is not what tans your skin; it is instead the UV rays that do not carry much heat.

Therefore, you will tan just the same in a cold tanning bed as you would in a hot one.

You are more likely to experience a cold tanning bed if you are one of the first customers to use it during the day, and the sunbed hasn’t had time to heat up yet.

Final Thoughts

Tanning beds can be slightly warm, and they might cause you to break a sweat near the end of your tanning session, but they should never be so hot that you are uncomfortable.

If you’re trying a tanning bed for the first time, don’t worry too much about how hot it might get, as the temperature should not be too dramatic.

You can also book an early morning session when the tanning beds are at their coolest.

If you are nervous about using a tanning bed, it is worth chatting with the technician at the salon, who will be able to answer your questions more accurately and help you address any concerns you may have.