How long should I tan?
The McSun sunpass is an easy to follow interactive tool to determine your skin type. Simply read each question and select the most appropriate response to determine the recommended tanning time.
As a first-time solarium user, how long should my first tanning session be?
That depends on factors such as the skin type, the sunbed, the last time you tanned outdoors etc. You should first determine your skin type and follow the recommended exposure time. Generally, build a base tan with 1 to 2 tokens by tanning every 48 hours and increase your exposure time slowly as long as you're NOT burning.
The tanning process
Tanning takes place in the epidermis. about five percent of the cells in your epidermis are special cells call melanocytes. When exposed to ultraviolet B, melanocytes produce melanin – the pigment which is ultimately responsible for your tan. When exposed to ultraviolet A, the melanin darkens.
Your heredity dictates how much melanin your body's melanocytes will naturally produce. For example, the skin of africans contains enough melanin to create a black or brown skin color, while the skin of caucasians has less melanin and is pale.
back