Sunbed FAQs – everything you need to know.
Got a question about sunbeds? Find clear answers on booking, sessions, tanning products and what to expect at The Tan Station.
Still unsure? Ask our team in-salon – we’re here to help.
Visiting us
Booking, walk-ins and finding us.
Do I need to book a sunbed session in advance?
No appointment is necessary – walk-ins are always welcome. If you want to guarantee your preferred bed during busier times, you can book online in advance. Monday to Friday tend to be quieter. Weekends fill up faster.
What are your opening hours?
Mon–Fri: 8am–8pm
Saturday: 10am–6pm
Sunday: 10am–4pm
We’re open seven days a week.
Where are you located?
The Tan Station is in Brimington, just outside Chesterfield — a few minutes from the town centre with free parking directly outside. We’re easy to pull into on the way past.
Is there parking?
Yes. Free parking is available directly outside the studio. No time limits, no ticket machines.
Can I walk in without an appointment
Yes. Walk in at any point during opening hours. No account, no app, no booking required for a walk-in session.
Age & eligibility
Who can use a sunbed.
What age do you have to be to use a sunbed?
You must be 18 or over to use a sunbed in the UK — this is a legal requirement, no exceptions. Bring a valid photo ID on your first visit. If you look under 25, we’ll ask for it every time.
Do I need to bring ID?
Yes, on your first visit. Valid photo ID is required for all new customers. We operate a Challenge 25 policy – if you look under 25, you’ll be asked for ID on every visit.
Can you use a sunbed when pregnant?
No. Sunbed use is not recommended during pregnancy. We will not provide a session to anyone who is pregnant.
Can you use a sunbed on medication?
Some medications increase sensitivity to UV light, making sunbed use unsuitable. Always let our team know if you’re taking any medication before your session. If you’re unsure, check with your GP first.
Who shouldn't use a sunbed?
Sunbeds are not suitable for everyone. We won’t provide a session if you are under 18, pregnant, have fair skin that always burns (Skin Type 1), have a history of skin cancer, have a large number of moles or unusual skin lesions, have a medical condition aggravated by UV exposure, or are taking photosensitising medication. Our team will always ask the right questions before your first session.
Full guidance on our Responsible Tanning page
Pricing & minutes
How our pricing works.
How much does a sunbed session cost?
Sessions are priced per minute. Pay-as-you-go rates are £1.30/min for the K11 Air Plus, £1.10/min for the K9S LED, and £0.95/min for the T9 Stand-Up. Buying a bundle of minutes significantly lowers the per-minute cost.
Is it cheaper to buy sunbed minutes in bulk?
Yes. Buying a 60 or 100-minute bundle offers better value than paying per minute. A 100-minute K11 Air Plus bundle works out at £0.92/min versus £1.30 pay-as-you-go – a saving of £38. The same principle applies across all three beds.
Do sunbed minutes expire?
Yes. Minute bundles are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.
Can I use minutes on any bed?
Minutes are specific to the bed you purchase them for. If you’re not sure which bed to commit to, our team will guide you at the desk before you make a purchase.
What's the best option for a first session?
Most first-timers start with a single pay-as-you-go session. It lets you try the bed, understand your skin’s response, and decide which bundle makes sense before committing. Our team will advise on the right starting point.
Your session & results
What to expect from your tan.
How long does a suntan take to develop?
A sunbed tan typically begins developing within 2–4 hours of your session and continues to deepen for up to 24 hours afterwards. This is why we advise waiting before showering after a session. For most skin types, visible colour change is noticeable after the first session — though a full result builds over multiple visits.
How long does a suntan last?
A sunbed tan typically lasts 7–10 days before it begins to fade as skin naturally renews itself. Keeping skin well moisturised daily and avoiding harsh exfoliants between sessions extends your results noticeably. Regular sessions maintain colour consistently over time.
Why is my sunbed tan fading quickly?
The most common reasons are dry skin, exfoliating too soon after a session, showering too quickly after tanning, or leaving too long between sessions. Daily moisturising and a good tanning lotion make the biggest difference to how long your colour holds.
Can you tan every day on a sunbed?
No. UK responsible tanning guidance recommends a minimum of 24–48 hours between sessions – 48 hours for first-timers, 24 hours for regular tanners with an established tolerance. Sessions that are too frequent don’t speed up your tan and increase the risk of overexposure.
How many sunbed minutes do I need?
It depends on your skin type, your goal, and the bed you’re using. As a general guide, first sessions run between 3 and 8 minutes. For building a holiday base, most people need 6-8 sessions over 4-6 weeks. Our team sets your session time at every visit – you don’t need to work this out yourself.
Does a sunbed tan look natural?
Yes, when built gradually and matched to your skin type. A sunbed tan that’s set too long for your skin can look uneven. The right session time on the right bed, built over multiple visits, gives a clean, natural result.
Sunbeds & tanning alternatives
Comparing your options.
Sunbed vs spray tan – what's the difference?
A sunbed tan develops in your skin through UV exposure and builds gradually over multiple sessions. A spray tan sits on the skin’s surface and washes off as skin renews — typically lasting 5–7 days. Sunbed tans tend to look more natural and last longer. Spray tans give immediate colour with no UV exposure. The right choice depends on your timeline, skin type, and preference.
Is a sunbed tan better than sunbathing?
A sunbed session offers controlled, consistent UV exposure set to your skin type – something outdoor sun cannot replicate. You’re not at the mercy of weather, cloud cover, or unpredictable UV levels. For building a base tan before a holiday, sunbed sessions offer a more reliable, guided result.
Stand-up vs lay-down – which is better?
Neither is universally better – they suit different needs. A stand-up sunbed like our T9 gives full-body coverage with no surface contact, shorter sessions, and is ideal for quick top-ups. A lay-down bed, like the K11 Air Plus or K9S, is more relaxing, better suited to longer sessions, and offers more advanced features. The Tan Station team will recommend the right option based on your skin and goals.
Tanning products
Lotions, accelerators and aftercare.
Do I need to use a lotion on a sunbed?
You don’t have to, but it makes a real difference. Dry skin reflects UV light — moisturised skin absorbs it more effectively. A good tanning lotion helps your skin respond to UV rays, builds colour more evenly, and extends how long your results last between sessions. Most regular tanners use one on every visit.
What is the best tanning accelerator for sunbeds?
The best tanning accelerator depends on your skin type and experience level. For beginners, Australian Gold Dark Tanning Accelerator and Pro Tan Bare Essentials Accelerator are clean, reliable starting points – no tingle, no heavy bronzer. Intermediate tanners get stronger results from Pro Tan Bare Essentials Bronzer or Hempz Hydro Max Ultra Dark Maximizer. Advanced tanners use tingle formulas like Hempz Blazing’ Hot Tingle Bronzer for maximum intensity. Our team will match you to the right product at the desk.
What is the best tanning cream for beginners?
Start with a clean accelerator formula – no tingle, no heavy bronzer. Australian Gold Dark Tanning Accelerator Lotion or Pro Tan Bare Essentials Accelerator are both strong beginner choices. If you have tattoos, Devoted Creations White 2 Bronze Ink Protecting Accelerator helps protect your ink during sessions. Our team will confirm the right starting point based on your skin type.
What's the difference between a tanning accelerator and a bronzer?
A tanning accelerator works with your skin’s natural melanin to intensify and speed up your tan. A bronzer adds an immediate layer of colour — some formulas wash off, others continue developing for hours after your session. Many intermediate products combine both. Accelerators suit beginners; bronzers suit tanners with an existing base.
What is a tingle tanning cream?
Tingle creams increase surface blood flow to intensify your skin’s UV response during a session. The warming or tingling sensation is normal — but the effect can be strong. These are for experienced tanners with an established base only. Not suitable for beginners. Our team will tell you when you’re ready.
Can I bring my own tanning lotion?
Yes, provided it’s formulated specifically for use on sunbeds. Avoid products containing oils or ingredients that can damage the bed surface, and avoid the products on the list we don’t accept. If you’re unsure whether your lotion is compatible, ask our team before your session.
Red light therapy
Non-UV light sessions.
What does red light therapy do?
Red light therapy uses non-UV wavelengths of light focused on skin appearance. It’s widely used in skincare and wellness settings and is chosen by people seeking a non-UV session. It produces no tan. At The Tan Station, red light sessions are available on the K11 Air Plus and are cosmetic in nature – we make no medical claims.
Is red light therapy the same as a sunbed?
No. Red light therapy uses non-UV light and does not produce a tan. A sunbed uses UV light to develop colour. They are completely different sessions. Some beds, like the K11 Air Plus, offer both as separate options.
Can I do red light therapy before or after a sunbed session?
Speak to our team at the desk – they’ll advise on the best approach based on what you’re looking to get from each session.
Is red light therapy worth it?
Red light is a non-UV cosmetic option available on the K11 Air Plus. Whether it’s right for you depends on your goals – our team at the desk can walk you through what to expect.
Do I need goggles for red light therapy?
Yes. Eye protection is required for all light-based sessions in the studio, including red light therapy.
Full details on our red light therapy page.