UV Tanning in Ireland: Your Complete Sunbed Guide

Thinking about trying UV tanning, but not sure where to begin? You’re in the right place. At The Tanning Shop Ireland, we believe a great tan starts with great knowledge. In this tanning guide for beginners in Ireland, we share our expert advice on how to tan responsibly and confidently.

You’ll find everything from skin preparation and aftercare tips to tanning bed insights and session timing guidance, all written in line with sunbed legislation in Ireland.

First things first – what even is UV tanning? Unlike other forms of indoor tanning, such as spray tans or self-tanning lotions, UV tanning involves controlled exposure to UVA and UVB light. These UV rays boost melanin production within the skin’s outer layer, temporarily darkening the skin’s appearance – similar to natural sun exposure.

Understanding your skin type is key to deciding if sunbed tanning is right for you. All our Irish Tanning Shops use the Fitzpatrick skin type scale to assess your skin condition and suitability for tanning:

• Skin Type 1: Very fair, sensitive skin prone to easy burning. If you have this skin type, we recommend seeking medical advice before using a sunbed.
• Skin Type 2: Fair to medium skin that often burns and doesn’t tan naturally.
• Skin Type 3: Medium to olive skin that sometimes burns but usually tans.
• Skin Type 4: Dark olive to medium brown skin that tans easily and rarely burns.
• Skin Type 5: Brown skin that always tans and almost never burns.
• Skin Type 6: Dark brown or black skin that never burns and always tans.

If you are sensitive to light, taking certain medications, or have diabetes, consult your doctor before using a sunbed. Anyone under the age of 18 or who is pregnant will not be permitted to use sunbeds. Read our customer care guidance for more information about who can use sunbeds and when to seek medical advice.

To reduce the risk of overexposure, all our advanced tanning beds are equipped with timing controls that our team sets after consultation. Once we’ve discussed your skin type, tanning history, and goals, we’ll recommend the best session time and pre-set this on your bed before your session begins.

We’ll also help you choose the best tanning bed for you. All our beds boast unique features, but the question we get asked most is whether lay-down or stand-up sunbeds are best. It’s down to personal preference, but here’s a quick tanning bed guide showing the main differences between the two types.

Recommended sunbed times depend on your skin type, bed type, and tanning history. Beginners should start with shorter sessions (usually just a few minutes) and gradually increase, following staff guidance. Remember never to exceed your allocated minutes.

You must wait at least 24 hours between sessions to allow your skin to recover and your natural tan to develop fully. You will not be permitted to book multiple sessions within a 24-hour period at any Tanning Shop location.

If you’re building your colour, then we recommend leaving no more than 72 hours between tanning sessions. Your skin regenerates every three days, so if you leave any longer between appointments, you risk losing any tanning progress you’ve made so far.

No sunbed tanning guide would be complete without mentioning tanning lotions. We often get asked whether you need to use a lotion before UV tanning. Our answer is always the same: “yes!” If your skin is dry, it will reflect rather than absorb UV rays. By applying a UV-specific lotion before tanning, you’ll ensure skin is healthy and hydrated, perfectly prepped for beautiful results.

Our nourishing, vegan-friendly sunbed lotions from leading brands Australian Gold and Vital cater to all skin types. From tan intensifiers and accelerators to bronzers, extenders, and tanning shots, we’ve got the ideal lotion for you.

When considering how to tan properly and responsibly, don’t forget the importance of at-home prep. To ensure you’re expertly primed, follow these simple steps before visiting your local Dublin tanning salon:

• Gently exfoliate 24-48 hours before your appointment to remove dead skin cells.
• Shave at least 24 hours before your session to give your pores time to close.
• Use an oil-free moisturiser the day before to keep skin soft and hydrated.
• Arrive at your appointment with clean skin that’s free from lotions, deodorant, perfume, and makeup.
• Undress to a level that’s comfortable for you – our tanning rooms are entirely private, so feel free to wear a swimsuit, underwear, or go nude.
• Apply your chosen UV tanning lotion and put on your complimentary protective eyewear before beginning your session.

Keeping skin healthy and hydrated between appointments is key to a long-lasting, buildable glow. Here’s what The Tanning Shop Ireland team recommend:

• Moisturise daily with a gentle, hydrating lotion, or opt for a tan extender to prolong the life of your glow even further.
• Avoid hot showers as these can dry out the skin.
• Delay exfoliating your skin right after your tan – you can exfoliate lightly in preparation for your next session.
• Drink plenty of water to hydrate and protect your skin from the inside.

Now you’ve read our in-depth guide to tanning, why not visit your nearest Tanning Shop? Champions of responsible tanning, all our locations and staff adhere to the latest sunbed regulations Ireland outlines, so you can rest assured you’re receiving the best, compliant service.

With premium salons in Clarehall, Dundrum, Finglas, Greystones, and Tallaght, we’ll help you learn how to use a sunbed responsibly and answer any questions you may have about our tanning and wellness services. Contact us, book a session, or learn more about your local tanning shop today.

Got more queries? Check out some of the most commonly asked questions about our Dublin sunbeds and UV tanning services.