Indoor tanning can create a deep, even tan much faster than natural sun exposure — but one of the most common questions people ask is: “How often should I use a tanning bed?”
The right frequency depends on your skin type, your tanning goals, and the type of tanning bed you’re using.
This guide explains recommended schedules, how to avoid overexposure, and how modern equipment like Merican tanning beds helps achieve results safely and efficiently.
Understanding Your Skin Type (Fitzpatrick Scale)
Indoor tanning frequency should be based on the Fitzpatrick Skin Type Scale, which measures how your skin responds to UV exposure.
| Skin Type | Description | Tanning Ability |
|---|---|---|
| I | Very fair, always burns | Does not tan |
| II | Fair, burns easily | Tans minimally |
| III | Light-medium | Tans gradually |
| IV | Medium/olive | Tans easily |
| V | Brown/dark | Tans very easily |
| VI | Deep brown/black | Tans extremely easily |
If you are Skin Type I, professional dermatologists typically advise avoiding tanning beds entirely.
How Often Should You Tan in a Tanning Bed?
1. For Beginners (Building a Base Tan)
Most people start with:
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2–3 sessions per week
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Minimum 24–48 hours between sessions
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Duration adjusted based on skin sensitivity (usually 5–10 minutes at first)
This allows melanin to build gradually without overwhelming the skin.
2. For Maintaining a Tan
Once the base tan develops (usually after 3–6 sessions), reduce to:
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1–2 sessions per week
Maintaining a tan requires less UV exposure than building it.
3. For High-Pressure Tanning Beds
High-pressure tanning beds — including many advanced Merican models — produce quicker tans with less UVB exposure, meaning:
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Shorter sessions
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Fewer sessions per week needed (often 1–2 sessions)
Users generally notice deeper tanning effects longer, allowing safer tanning intervals.
How Long Should Each Session Be?
Average session duration:
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Beginner: 5–10 minutes
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Regular / intermediate: 10–15 minutes
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High-pressure beds: 8–12 minutes
Never exceed the maximum exposure time listed for your tanning bed model.
Signs You Are Tanning Too Much
Over-tanning does not deepen your color faster — it increases risk. Watch for:
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Skin turning red or feeling warm
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Dryness or peeling
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Itching
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The tan fades too quickly (sign of skin stress)
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Feeling fatigued or dehydrated
If any of these occur, increase spacing between sessions.
How Merican Tanning Beds Support Safe Tanning Frequency
Merican integrates professional-grade safety features to help users control tanning schedules more easily and prevent overexposure.
✔ Intelligent Timing System
Automatically limits session length based on skin type recommendations and lamp output.
✔ Controlled UVA/UVB Ratio
Many Merican tanning beds use an optimized light ratio that allows faster, deeper tans with fewer weekly sessions.
✔ Enhanced Cooling Technology
Helps reduce skin stress and irritation, allowing more comfortable, consistent sessions.
✔ Optional Red Light Integration
Red light supports:
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Skin rejuvenation
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Collagen production
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Reduced inflammation
This helps maintain healthier skin even during regular tanning.
✔ High-Pressure Lamps for Longer-Lasting Tans
Users can achieve richer tans with fewer weekly visits, lowering UV accumulation.
Recommended Weekly Tanning Schedule (Example)
Week 1–2 (Base Tan Phase)
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Monday: Session
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Wednesday: Session
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Friday: Optional session
Week 3+ (Maintenance Phase)
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One session every 5–7 days
or -
Two shorter sessions per week
Always listen to your skin — comfort and response vary by individual.
Safety Tips for Regular Tanning
✔ Always wear protective goggles
✔ Use indoor tanning lotions
✔ Stay hydrated
✔ Skip tanning when skin feels sensitive
✔ Avoid consecutive-day exposure
✔ Moisturize daily for best color retention
When You Should Not Tan
Avoid tanning beds if:
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You have a fresh sunburn
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You’re taking photosensitizing medication
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You have very fair, non-tanning skin
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You have a history of skin cancer
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You are pregnant and have not consulted a doctor
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You have active skin irritation
Conclusion
So, how often should you use a tanning bed?
Most people tan 2–3 times per week initially and 1–2 times per week for maintenance.
Your ideal schedule depends on your skin type, tanning goals, and the equipment being used.
With advanced technology such as Merican tanning beds, users can enjoy:
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Faster tanning results
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Reduced weekly sessions
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Better comfort
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Optimized UV exposure for safety
Smart scheduling + high-quality equipment = a safer, more beautiful tan.