Always follow the advice and instructions from the staff of the tanning salon
These consultants are trained in indoor tanning and will advise you on how your skin may react to the UV light of the beds in the salon.
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How old do I need to be to use a sunbed?
By UK law, people under the age of 18 are not allowed to use a UV tanning device and you may be asked for proof of age such as a driving licence, passport or birth certificate. 
Sunbeds (Regulation) Act 2010 : https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/20/section/2
 
 
How long should I tan for?
This is wholly dependent upon your individual skin type and the type of beds in the salon. Your salon consultant will be able to advise you on this. When tanning, it is recommended you aim for a tanning goal and visit at least 2 times a week.
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**Please note, these are only general guidelines and the salon consultant will advise you, depending on your actual skin type, on the ideal amount of tanning time and sessions to attain your desired results**
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Very Fair / Sensitive Skinned - 3-4 times a week at 6/9 minutes.
Fair Skin - 3-4 Times a week at 9/12 Minutes.
Medium Skin Type - 2-3 times a week at 15minutes.
Dark Skinned - 2-3 times a week at 15minutes.
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Do I need to protect my eyes?
Yes! It is essential that you wear eye protection/goggles during any UV exposure from a tanning machine. If you don’t do this, continued exposure could damage your retina and lead to other eye issues such Photokeratitis (Cornea Sunburn), Cataracts, Pterygium (Abnormal tissue growth) and damage to the Cornea.
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Also, it is recommended to remove contact lenses before a tanning session as they may cause irritation. 
Sunbeds (Regulation) Act 2010 : https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/20/section/6
 
 
Always use a salon approved tanning lotion
A premium tanning lotion helps protect your skin from ageing. Specific moisturisers, bronzers and accelerators are formulated for indoor tanning to enhance the skin’s reaction to UV light and to maintain moisture.
There will be a wide selection of products available in the salon, specially developed for indoor tanning.
 
When you use a tanning lotion, do not shower for 60 – 90 minutes after the session. This allows your skin to maximise the results of the cream. The tanning lotion should be applied liberally to all areas that will be exposed to the UV.   It is also safe to use in sensitive areas as well.
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What about my face?
The skin on your face is different to your body as it is thinner and much more sensitive. To maximise the tanning results on your face we recommend specifically designed face creams that can also be purchased in the salon. Sometimes, body lotions can also cause irritation if they get in your eyes.
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Can I use an indoor tanning lotion outside?
Although these tanning lotions give excellent results when used in conjunction with indoor tanning systems, they do not protect against sunlight. Therefore, never use indoor tanning lotions as a sunblock as they do not contain any SPF.
 
Can I use my own lotion?
Products that aren’t approved by the salon cannot be used as they may contain ingredients such as SPF filters that will inhibit your skins’ natural tanning ability and can also cause serious damage to the bed’s acrylic.
 
 
I’m taking medicines, can I still tan?
Some medications can increase your sensitivity to UV light and therefore might cause sunburn. Some of these medications include but are not limited to:

• Antibiotics

• Diuretics

• Anti-Depressants

• Drugs for blood pressure

• Antimalarials

• Some Analgesics (in treatment for Rheumatism & Arthritis)

• Some Contraceptive pills

• Psoralens (for Psoriasis)

• Eosin (Lipstick)

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Conditions such as Diabetes, Epilepsy, Migraine and Asthma may be affected by exposure to UV light.
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**Please also note that with some skin disorders UV light can help, for example, Eczema and Acne. Always consult your doctor when you’re taking medication or contact your dermatologist about whether it is all right for you to enjoy indoor tanning**
 
Can I wear cosmetics when tanning?
Perfume, make-up, deodorant and other cosmetics can influence the effect UV light has on your skin.
It is common that these cosmetics increase the sensitivity of your skin and can also increase the chance of getting sunburned. Some cosmetics also contain SPF’s that will block the UV from the bed.
Therefore, make sure your skin is clean and you are not wearing any cosmetics before you start your tanning session.
The only exceptions are tanning lotions approved by the salon.
 
Should I exceed the tanning time?
No. To prevent overexposure, never exceed the tanning time recommended by the salon. The tanning time depends on your skin type and the type of UV lamps inside the device. A good rule of thumb is not to overdo it and listen to your body.  If your skin becomes irritated, then for the next time you should reduce the session.
 
Know where the stop button is!
The Emergency button on our lie down beds is directly above your head in Red and our stand up emergency button is located on the grey panel.
Immediately stop the tanning session if your skin reacts strangely, for instance, if you get a rash, itch or start to burn rapidly.
Therefore, you should be sure that you know where the stop button is on the tanning device. It would be best if you looked for this stop button before you start the session and be sure to do this every time you enjoy a session in a new sunbed.  If after the tanning session the rash or itch doesn’t disappear, the best thing to do is to consult a doctor or dermatologist.
You may also have this reaction is a customer before you has used a tingle cream (which we do not allow on our lie down beds) if this is the case the burning, itchy feeling will subside after a few hours.
 
Relieve pressure points by moving your position on the sunbed
When enjoying a tanning session, it is important to change your position on the bed.  When lying down, the pressure points you have on your shoulder blades and tailbone may cause white spots.  By moving your body, you can prevent this.
Another way to prevent this is to alternate your tanning sessions between lay-down and our stand-up machines.
 
Stick to the tanning intervals
Your skin needs time to utilise UV exposure from the sun as well as from the tanning device. The melanocytes in your skin need time to produce melanin which gives your skin that tan colour. Thus, keep intervals of 48 hours between sessions.
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How to Achieve a Darker Tan using our Tanning Beds.
Tanning on a Sunbed is an effective and safe way to achieve the desired golden brown colour and increase your Vitamin D levels. Nowadays, more and more people resort to indoor tanning, especially in countries where there is limited exposure to the sunlight throughout the year.
Many people wonder what they have to do to get a darker tan.
 
Here are some tips to help you tan faster within a sunbed and make your tan last longer!
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1.Exfoliate your Skin prior to Tanning
Exfoliation is the first thing to do before tanning, at least once a week. In this way, you remove the dead cells from the skin’s surface ensuring that your skin is clean and ready to tan. The light penetrates easier the exfoliated outermost layer of the skin and activates the production of melanin . There is a wide range of products and scrubs available on the market today.
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2.Keep your Skin Hydrated and Moisturised
Taking care and moisturising your skin can lead to better tanning results as it can prolong your tan.
A moisturised and healthy skin tans easier and faster compared to a dry skin which reflects the UV rays. Drink a lot of water prior and after tan to keep you skin hydrate and moisturised. These products add moisture and improve your skin’s condition. At Flamingo Bay Tamworth, we offer a range of professional moisturisers. 
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3.Apply a sunbed cream or tanning accelerator prior tanning
Sunbeds creams not only keep your skin moisturised while tanning but also intensify the production of melanin for a darker tan. There is a great number of sunbed creams, varying from accelerator and coolers to bronzers and creams with tingle factors (80% of customers will be to sensitive to tingle creams). All these products are specifically formulated in a way that enables you to tan faster and get a darker colour. Make sure you use products suitable for your skin type. If you are a beginner tanner, avoid some of those products such as bronzers and tingles .
What is more, use products suitable for sunbed use only. Discover Flamingo Bay's Sunbeds wide collection of Sunbed Creams. 
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4.Remove any kind of makeup and other cosmetic products
Make-up and other cosmetics can block the pores of your skin as well as the UV rays for penetrating it. What is more, many people claim that they have noticed white spots on their skin when they tried to tan wearing makeup or other cosmetics. Not to mention that cosmetics may contain some ingredients that can react to UV light. This can make the skin more sensitive causing allergies or other adverse effects. For this reason, it is preferable to use make up removal wipes to remove any forms of make-up, perfume or cosmetic and keep your skin completely clean.
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5.Choose foods that accelerate tanning
Studies has shown that eating lots of vegetables and fruits (especially those that are orange and yellow in colour) not only can result in a healthier skin,  but also give a natural tan to your skin. Such fruits and vegetables are carrots, tomatoes, mangos, apricots, peaches, spinach etc. They contain pigments like carotene and can increase your skin’s pigmentation. At Flamingo Bay, you can also find and try our TanShots.  These are a refreshing beverage containing specially formulated ingredients (Vitamins, carotene) that stimulate your body’s natural tanning process. It also increases collagen production and the skin’s elasticity and freshen your skin by removing wrinkles. 
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6.Avoid Shaving or Waxing after each Tanning Session
Shaving and waxing can cause exfoliation of the outermost layer of the skin. Exfoliation can be useful prior to tanning. After tanning it results in the removal of the top layer of your already tanned skin.
 
Extend your results by maintaining your tan
Take care of your tan by using a tan extending moisturiser.  These products have been specifically formulated to help lock in moisture while indoor tanning.  As well as improving the condition of your skin they also help to keep your melanin accelerated between your tanning session which will result in a constantly improving tanning result.
Also, if you cannot use a sunbed for an extended period of time, a tan extender is ideal to help maintain your colour!
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The most important rule for Responsible Tanning is: don’t sunburn! 
 
This applies to both indoor tanning as well as enjoying the sun outdoors. The skin may develop sunburn after excessive exposure.  Excessively repeated exposure to UV light from the sun or the tanning machine may lead to premature ageing of the skin and other skin related outcomes.