Achieving a rich, even tan from a tanning bed is fast and convenient—but many people wonder: “How long will my tanning bed tan last?”
The answer depends on your skin type, tanning habits, and aftercare routine.
In general, a tanning bed tan lasts between 7 to 14 days, but with proper care and the right equipment (such as advanced Merican tanning beds), your tan can stay deeper and last longer.
This guide explains how long indoor tans typically last, what affects fading speed, and how to maintain your color for as long as possible.
How Long Does a Tanning Bed Tan Usually Last?
Most indoor tans last:
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7 days for fair or sensitive skin
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10–14 days for medium to deeper skin tones
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Up to 3 weeks for those with naturally darker pigmentation
This fading happens because your body continuously sheds dead skin cells. As these outer layers slough off, the melanin in them disappears—causing your tan to lighten gradually.
Why Tanning Bed Tans Fade Over Time
1. Natural Skin Exfoliation
Your skin regenerates about every 28 days. The top layer (where melanin is stored) naturally sheds, causing gradual fading.
2. Hydration Level
Dry skin flakes faster, which makes color fade more quickly.
3. UV Exposure Levels
A shallow tan fades faster.
A deeper tan (with proper UV ratio balance) typically lasts longer.
4. Skin Type
Darker skin tones retain melanin longer.
Lighter tones fade more quickly due to thinner epidermal layers.
5. Tanning Bed Type
High-pressure tanning beds produce deeper, longer-lasting tans than traditional low-pressure units.
How Merican Tanning Beds Help Tans Last Longer
Merican tanning beds are engineered to produce richer melanin activation with optimized UVA and UVB output. This helps users achieve deeper, more durable tans in fewer sessions.
✔ Optimized Spectral Technology
A precise UVA/UVB balance boosts melanin oxidation and production, helping tans penetrate more deeply and last longer.
✔ High-Pressure Lamp Technology
High-pressure Merican beds create a tan that can last 2–3 weeks, significantly longer than standard beds.
✔ Consistent Lamp Output
Many lower-end tanning beds fade in effectiveness as bulbs age.
Merican’s advanced lamps maintain stable UV intensity, ensuring even, high-quality tans.
✔ Optional Red Light Therapy
Red light can:
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Improve skin elasticity
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Maintain hydration
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Reduce skin stress
Healthier skin retains pigment longer.
How to Make Your Tanning Bed Tan Last Longer
Even with the best equipment, your aftercare routine determines how long your color stays vibrant.
1. Moisturize Daily
Hydrated skin retains melanin better.
Use:
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Aloe vera gels
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Tan-extending lotions
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Hyaluronic acid moisturizers
2. Avoid Exfoliating Too Soon
Scrubs, loofahs, and chemical exfoliants remove the top layer of tanned skin.
Avoid them for at least 5–7 days after tanning.
3. Take Lukewarm Showers
Hot water dries out the skin, causing faster fading.
4. Use Indoor Tanning Lotions
These products help deepen your tan during sessions and prolong pigment retention afterward.
5. Limit Chlorine Exposure
Pools and hot tubs strip moisture and cause rapid fading.
6. Eat Skin-Friendly Nutrients
Vitamins A, C, E, and fatty acids help maintain healthy, glowing skin.
How to Know When Your Tan Is Fading
Signs include:
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Loss of depth or richness
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Patchy areas
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Flaking or dryness
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Dulling of skin tone
You can re-tan every 5–7 days to maintain an even color.
How Often Should You Tan to Maintain Color?
Most people maintain their tan with:
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1–2 sessions per week
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Shorter sessions using high-pressure beds (like Merican models)
Regular maintenance prevents dramatic fade-outs and supports more consistent pigmentation.
Does a Sun Tan Last Longer Than a Tanning Bed Tan?
Not necessarily.
Tanning bed tans often:
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Last as long or longer than natural tans
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Are more even
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Are less damaging when using modern controlled UV technology
High-pressure tanning beds especially create long-lasting results due to deeper melanin stimulation.
When Your Tan Starts Fading, What Should You Do?
You can prolong it by:
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Hydrating more
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Using tan-extender lotions
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Scheduling a gentle maintenance session
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Avoiding harsh exfoliants
If the fade becomes uneven, a short, well-timed indoor tanning session can quickly restore a smooth tone.
Conclusion
A tanning bed tan typically lasts 7–14 days, but with good care and advanced tanning equipment like Merican’s high-performance tanning beds, you can maintain a deeper glow for up to three weeks.
To keep your tan longer:
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Moisturize daily
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Avoid hot showers and harsh exfoliants
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Use proper indoor tanning lotions
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Maintain a healthy tanning schedule
With the right routine, your indoor tan can stay rich, radiant, and long-lasting.