Unlock Your Best Tan: Why Levels, UVA/UVB & Lotion Matter!

If you’ve ever visited a tanning salon and heard words like “levels,” “UVA,” “UVB,” and “plateau,” you’re not alone! It can definitely feel like a foreign language if no one has broken it down for you. Let’s clear up the confusion so you can get the best tan possible.

🌞 What Are Tanning Levels?

Not all salons use levels, but they’re an easy way for staff to explain packages without listing every single bed name (which can get overwhelming).

Levels help group beds by intensity, features, and results. For example:

• Salon A may call a certain bed Level 4.

• Salon B might have that same bed, but call it Level 5 because they have a wider variety of equipment.

👉 The level number doesn’t always mean one salon's bed is stronger than another’s. It's just their way of organizing packages.

🌞 UVA vs. UVB: What’s the Difference?

Both UVA and UVB are found in all tanning beds, but the amount of each varies depending on the bed's wattage and type.

UVB:

• Builds melanin (aka, your pigment).

• Found more in 100-watt beds (also called "base beds").

• More UVB = higher chance of burning if you overdo it.

• Ideal when starting out or building your base tan.

UVA:

• Penetrates deeper and bronzes the melanin you already have.

• Found in high-pressure beds (up to 99% UVA).

• Won’t burn you, but it also won’t bronze skin that doesn’t have any pigment built up yet.

💡 Pro Tip: Even if you're already dark, hopping into a base bed once a week keeps your skin active and prevents plateauing.

🌞 Why Are Max Times Different on Beds?

Ever notice some beds max out at 20 minutes, while others cut you off at 9? Here's why:

• 100-watt beds: Max time = around 20 minutes.

• 200-watt beds: Max time = around 9 minutes.

💡 It takes 11 more minutes to get full exposure in a 100-watt bed vs. a 200-watt. Less time doesn’t mean less tan—it’s actually better for your skin. Max times protect you and make sure you're getting the best results safely.

🌞 What’s So Important About Stand-Up Beds?

Stand-ups aren’t just for fun. They’re key for an even tan, especially if you struggle with:

• White sides.

• Neck or chest areas.

• Pressure points from laying down.

Stand-ups tend to be stronger, so adjust your time!💡 Example: If you're doing 10 minutes in a lay-down bed, try 5 minutes in a stand-up.

🌞 Why Should You Switch Beds Regularly?

Just like changing up your workout keeps your body from getting bored, switching beds keeps your skin from hitting a plateau.

Why?Your body gets used to the same bulb output over and over, and eventually, your melanin production slows down. Changing beds every other session (or every couple of sessions) keeps your skin guessing and your color building.

👉 And remember: UV light activates your tan, but lotion is what takes it to the next level! The right lotion doesn't just moisturize—it supercharges your tanning process by stimulating melanin production, boosting color development, and helping you tan faster and darker in fewer sessions. Without lotion, you're leaving results on the table!

🌞 Why Don’t Facial Tanners Seem to Work?

Facial tanners are mostly UVA, so they’re bronzing—not building. If you don’t already have color, they won’t create much pigment.

Quick fix:Slide down in the bed a bit so your face is under the long body bulbs (which have more UVB) for a few sessions. Just be mindful not to overdo it—body bulbs are stronger and you want to avoid burning.