So, how long does a tan from a tanning bed last? Typically, you can expect your glow to stick around anywhere from 7 to 30 days. That wide range should tell you one thing: plenty of factors are at play.
The type of tanning bed, your skin type, how well you care for your skin afterward, and even your hydration levels all make a difference. In this guide, you’ll learn how long a tan from a tanning bed usually lasts, how different beds affect that timeline, and the smart moves you can make to stretch it out as long as possible.
How Long Does a Tan From a Tanning Bed Last?
A base tan from a tanning bed typically lasts around 7 to 10 days. If you build your tan gradually with 2 to 3 sessions per week, it can stick around for 2 to 4 weeks.
Base tans fade faster because they only affect the surface of your skin. Your body naturally sheds its outer layer every week or so, which takes that surface-level color with it. When you build up your tan over time, your skin produces more melanin, which leads to deeper, longer-lasting color.
It’s also important to notice that if you maintain your tan with regular sessions after that gradual buildup, you can keep it going well beyond 4 weeks. As long as you’re doing maintenance, your tan won’t fade away.
Gradual Tanning vs. One Session
Here’s a quick comparison of how long your tanning bed results can last depending on your approach:
| Type of Tan | Number of Sessions | Duration |
| Base Tan | 1 session | 7 to 14 days
*On fair skin, it may fade in 1 to 2 days or barely show at all. |
| Gradual Tan | 2-3 sessions per week for 2-3 weeks | 2 to 4 weeks |
Before you start indoor tanning, it’s smart to consult with professionals. At SunsUp Tan & Wellness Spa, our experienced staff can help guide you through how many sessions you need and how much time you should spend in the bed, based on your skin type.
How to Make a Tan From a Tanning Bed Last Longer?
Here’s what actually works if you want your tanning bed glow to last longer.
Moisturize
Dry skin flakes faster, which means your tan fades faster. Use a good, hydrating lotion daily. Ideally, something made for post-tanning that doesn’t contain heavy oils, which can clog pores.
Drink Water
Staying hydrated helps your skin stay healthy and hold onto that color longer. Dehydrated skin will shed faster, and your glow will disappear with it.
Don’t Over-Exfoliate
Scrubbing your skin too much right after tanning? Bad idea. It strips away the top layer where most of your tan lives. Exfoliate before your first session, then go easy after that.
Use a Tan Extender
These lotions are made to help maintain your tan and sometimes even include a little self-tanner to give your color a boost. Not essential, but definitely helpful.
Avoid Long Hot Showers
Hot water dries out your skin and speeds up fading. Stick to lukewarm water and skip harsh soaps that strip your skin.
Keep Up with Maintenance Sessions
Once you’ve built your base, keep the tan alive with regular touch-ups. One session every week or so should do the trick.
Different Tanning Beds and the Impact on Tan Longevity?
The type of tanning bed you use can make a big difference in how fast you tan and how long that glow lasts.
High-Pressure Tanning Beds
High-pressure beds mostly emit UVA rays with very little UVB. They give you color fast, which makes them perfect for a quick glow, but the tan fades faster, usually within 7 to 14 days.
High-pressure beds (like Super Bronze: Maximum Bronzing) are ideal if you:
- Want a fast tan before a trip or event
- Prefer shorter sessions
- Are prone to burning from extended UV exposure
Low-Pressure Tanning Beds
Low-pressure beds emit mostly UVB with some UVA. These sessions take longer, but they trigger more melanin production, which leads to a deeper, longer-lasting tan that can hold for 2 to 4 weeks.
Low-pressure beds (like Super VIP: Instant Color) are ideal if you:
- Want to build your tan gradually
- Have time to commit to multiple sessions
- Can handle longer exposure without burning
Comparison Overview – How Long Does a Tan From a Tanning Bed Last
Here is a comparison of high-pressure and low-pressure beds and how long your tan can last.
| Factors | High-Pressure | Low-Pressure |
| UV Type | More UVA | More UVB |
| Sessions Needed | 1-2 | 2-3 per week for 2-3 weeks |
| Risk of Burning | Lower | Higher |
| Tan Longevity | Shorter (7-14 days) | Longer (2-4 weeks) |
Tanning Beds vs. Outdoor Tanning – Which One Lasts Longer?
If it feels like your outdoor tan lasts longer, you’re not imagining things. Outdoor tanning, especially when done gradually, can last anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks, sometimes even longer.
However, the sun isn’t consistent. UV levels change throughout the day, and UVB is strongest around midday. While that spike can boost melanin production, it also increases the risk of burns.
Outdoor tanning gives you a more natural-looking glow, but tanning beds offer way more control. You can fine-tune session length, intensity, and frequency to suit your skin type and goals. With the sun, you’re at the mercy of the weather and UV index.
With all that in mind, don’t expect one long day in the sun to give you a long-lasting tan. More likely, you’ll end up with a sunburn. The approach is the same as with gradual build-up in a tanning bed. Shorter sessions, over a few weeks, will bring the best results.
Final Thoughts
A great tan doesn’t have to be short-lived. Do it right, and it can stick around for weeks. Use the right tanning bed for your goals, ease into it with multiple sessions, and treat your skin well. Hydration, moisture, and maintenance go a long way. And if you’re unsure where to start, talk to a tanning expert who can help you map out a plan that actually works for your skin.
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