FAQ

Frequently asked questions

UK law states that persons under the age of 18 are prohibited from using UV tanning equipment or entering any rooms containing UV tanning equipment.

If you are lucky enough to look under 21, we will ask you for proof of age in store before we will allow you to use UV tanning equipment. Please don’t be offended if you are asked, this is for your safety. This would need to be photo ID in the form of a passport, driving license or PASS card and include a date of birth.

Moisture is key to tanning and a UV lotion is designed to replace moisture lost during the tanning session. However, this is not it’s only function. Many lotions contain Tyrosine, an ingredient that stimulates the tanning process.

Other lotions contain cosmetic bronzers, or DHA (the main ingredient of fake tan). The new generation of lotions contain ingredients that refine and enhance the skin as well as ingredients that push the tanning process beyond the natural tanning plateau.

Dry skin reflects light and sheds more frequently. Any tan that develops is shallow and does not last. Moisturising is key to developing a deeper, darker tan. A week before your first session, thoroughly exfoliate and moisturise. Ensure that you moisturise after every bath or shower and use a UV specific lotion during your session.

The amount of time left between sessions varies depending on skin type and whether you are building or maintaining a tan. Our policy states that no more than one session can be used in any 24-hour period. The reason for this being that the tanning process takes 24 hours to complete and as such, this reduces the risk of over-exposure and maximises your tanning potential.

When building a tan, it is important to not leave more than 72 hours between sessions as after this time, the tan will begin to recede.

While we do allow children in our reception area, this is only if they are deemed able to care for themselves. Please note we do not accept any responsibility for any children left in the reception area. Under no circumstances can a child under the age of 18 accompany you into the individual tanning cubicles.

Session length is determined by skin type and tanning history. The first session with us is usually the minimum session length suitable for your skin type.

The 0.3 process is a slower, more gentle way to tan. The tanning result is deeper, darker and lasts. 0.3 compliant lamps emit a lower amount of UV per square metre than standard lamps (Erythmically weighted) and this dramatically reduces the risk of over-exposure.

While there is no research to indicate UV light would have a negative effect on an unborn baby, our policy is to prohibit the use of UV tanning equipment.

We are always happy to place an active tanning package "on hold" for the duration of a pregnancy. Packages are reactivated for the amount of time remaining on the package at the time of placing it "on hold".

Building a tan is dependent on skin type and the condition of the skin. Dry skin reflects light and as the cells shed more frequently, any tan developed does not last. Fair skin tans more quickly whereas medium and dark skin types are more resistant to the tanning process, requiring more sessions. The time taken to build a tan varies depending on many factors, but on average, a base tan can be developed between 3 and 5 sessions.

You are able to maximise your tanning potential by ensuring that the skin is fully exfoliated and thoroughly moisturised. We stock a wide range of UV lotions that encourage the tanning process as well as replace moisture lost during your session

Yes! There is a wealth of research citing responsible use of UV light as the best source of Vitamin D. All life on earth is in some way reliant on sunlight to thrive and humans are no different. Vitamin D is essential for development, maintenance and function of many systems in the human body as well as for the prevention of chronic illnesses and the promotion of health and well being.

Outdoor sunlight is in short supply in the northern hemisphere, we even joke about the lack of the British summertime! This in turn leads to an increased risk of Vitamin D deficiency. Using a responsible indoor tanning package is not only tailored to your skin type, it is an efficient use of time. A recent study stated that we would need to be in outdoor sunlight for 130 minutes in Autumn and Winter in order to produce this essential hormone!

Using a UV tanning bed regularly for a session length suited for your skin type is a great way to help promote and boost your Vitamin D levels.

We advise that clients consult with their GP before undertaking any UV tanning package to treat a specific condition. Whereas UV light is believed to kill the bacteria associated with Acne, new developments in treatment of this skin condition and many others underlines the necessity to consult with a health professional.

However, UV tanning equipment is absolutely fantastic for the production of Vitamin D. Experts believe that having a vitamin D deficiency might limit the body's ability to keep skin healthy and as such, conditions such as Acne, Psoriasis and Eczema may be indirectly helped by ensuring that Vitamin D levels are maintained. Talk with your health professional about the different options you have available.

Individual preference! Beds are as varied as users and the main difference between stand-up and lay-down tanning is individual preference. Some clients like to pop in for a short session on a stand-up on their way to work whereas others like to enjoy a longer session on a lay-down to relax and unwind!

Modern beds are designed to tan all over through the careful design of the lamp array, client position and reflectors.

What you wear on the bed is personal preference, most customers like to tan naked to avoid any tan lines, whereas some customers may wear a bikini. It's totally up to you – no one can see in your room!

You don’t need to bring anything to the tanning session apart from yourself. Eye protection is provided for you and wipes and deodorants are available to freshen up after your sunbed in every sunbed room.

A general guide we recommend for those who are new to sunbeds.

Always start from the bare minimum number of minutes and slowly build your way up to the tan you want. (Especially those with fair skin)
Whilst building a base tan you don’t want to leave any more than 3 days between, once you see changes you can leave a little longer between tans.

With years of experience in UV tanning we have knowledge of which lotions are harmful to our equipment, which are not relevant for use and which can affect all of our customers experience.

Therefore, to protect the integrity of our beds and to ensure we maintain our standards and our customer experience we have rules around which lotions can be used on our sunbeds. This is for the benefit of all our customers;

Certain products are banned as they can damage bed acrylics
For our customers safety lotions that are not made specifically for sunbeds cannot be used. They do not contain UV specific ingredients or the appropriate skincare needed to care for the skin whilst tanning
Oils, Gels, Butters, Sprays are banned at The Tanning Lodge
Certain brands are banned at The Tanning Lodge also, see posters displayed within our salon.

We sell a wide range of UV specific lotions to suit every skin type that can enhance your tanning results buy up to 50%.

Our Tanning Course Terms & Conditions

ALL COURSES ARE VALID FOR 6 MONTHS FROM PURCHASE DATE. UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE ON OUR OFFER / PROMO COURSES.
THEY ARE NON-REFUNDABLE AND NON-TRANSFERABLE.
TANNING COURSES CAN NOT BE SHARED.