Sunbed skin types follow a six-point system called the Fitzpatrick scale that categorises skin by how it responds to sun (UV exposure). Each type, beginning at 1 (very fair, burns easily) to 6 (deeply pigmented, rarely burns), will determine recommended session times on a sunbed, how quickly a tan builds, and which sunbed is best suited for you.
Not sure what skin type you are for tanning? You’re not alone, and most people walk into their first session unaware of their sunbed skin type, which is why at The Tan Station, there is a full registration process before you start tanning. We aim to clarify any misconceptions, and our team is on hand to answer any questions to ensure you feel confident in your tanning journey.
What is the Fitzpatrick scale?
The Fitzpatrick scale is named after dermatologist Dr Thomas Fitzpatrick, who invented the classification system in 1975. It is widely used across professional tanning, dermatology, and the aesthetics industry to assess how different skin types respond to UV exposure. Dividing skin types into six types 1-6, also often written as I-VI, the scale begins with fair skin that typically burns easily (type 1), through to deeply pigmented skin that rarely burns at all (type 6).
Based on your natural skin tone, eye and hair colour, and how your skin typically reacts to the sun, this scale provides a foundation for our trained team to determine where to start your session. The initial registration and consultation gives us a picture of your tanning goals based on the skin type you select. The Tan Station is a member of The Sunbed Association, which uses the Fitzpatrick scale as a core part of its code of practice for responsible tanning guidance.
The six sunbed skin types
The Fitzpatrick scale is categorised by how each skin type responds to UV exposure, so it requires tailored advice for sunbathing or sunbed tanning. Here’s what the scale looks like and what it means for your tanning experience.
Skin Type 1 – Very fair skin
Skin description: Typically very pale skin, often with red or sandy coloured hair, blue or grey eyes, and often skin with lots of freckles. Skin burns quickly and doesn’t tan.
UV response: High burn risk; skin typically turns red and peels.
Sunbed guidance: We do not recommend sunbed use for Type 1 skin. If you’re not sure whether this is your type, come in, and we’ll assess you properly. If sunbeds are not the right fit for your skin, we’ll tell you honestly. Red light therapy is a non-UV alternative that is available as a standalone session on the K11 Air Plus – an option to consider if you’re in this category.
Skin Type 2 – Fair skin
Skin description: Fair to light skin, possibly with freckles, often blonde or light brown hair, and blue, green or grey eyes. Skin can still be prone to burning.
UV response: With a high burn risk, great care should be taken in tanning, as tanning tends to be minimal, light and slow.
Sunbed guidance: Type 2 skin needs a gradual approach to sunbeds, as there is still a risk of sunburn, and so we suggest starting with short sessions. Our team can tailor your sessions based on your skin’s response.
Skin Type 3 – Fair to light brown skin
Skin description: Olive or medium skin tone, often with no freckles, and dark blonde or brown hair and grey or green eyes.
UV response: With a medium risk of burning, skin type III tans gradually and can develop a moderate tan.
Sunbed guidance: Type 3 skin responds well to a consistent routine, building at a steady pace when exposed to sunlight. Good preparation, sunscreen, and aftercare make the most difference here, keeping your skin protected and hydrated when exposed to the sun.
Skin Type 4 – Light brown skin
Skin description: Light or medium skin tone, often with dark brown hair and brown or hazel eyes, rarely burns as skin has more natural pigment and generally tans quickly.
UV response: Generally burns minimally and tans easily and evenly.
Sunbed guidance: Type 4 skin generally tans easily, and longer sessions or greater sun exposure are well tolerated, so the focus tends to be on maintaining and protecting the skin with a paced approach to reduce the risk of burns or hyperpigmentation.
Skin Type 5 – Deep brown skin
Skin description: Brown to dark brown skin with dark eyes and hair, typically with high natural melanin levels that provide natural protection, meaning the skin is well-equipped to tolerate UV exposure with a low risk of burning.
UV response: Seldom burns, with rapid, deep tanning.
Sunbed guidance: Sunbed sessions for skin type 5 tend to focus more on deepening and maintaining existing colour, with a priority on consistency while still exercising caution during initial exposure, which should begin at a moderate level. Your session plan can reflect this.
Skin Type 6 – Very dark skin
Skin description: Naturally deep brown to black skin, with dark eyes and dark hair.
UV response: Never burns in natural sunlight. Skin type 6 has the highest natural UV tolerance of all the skin types.
Sunbed guidance: Type 6 has strong natural sunlight protection and builds colour easily and quickly. Caution is still advised on initial exposure.
What if you’re between two skin types?
You might naturally fall between two sunbed skin types, especially between Type 2-3 and Type 3-4, which share similar characteristics. During the initial consultation at The Tan Station, we look at the full picture: your natural colour, how your skin reacts to sunlight, your previous tanning history, and your tanning goals, taking into account your pre-selected skin type. We’ll guide you toward the more cautious option to begin with and adjust from there. The Tan Station always advise a minimum of 48 hours between your sessions to see how your skin reacts.
Your skin type consultation at The Tan Station
When you come in for the first time, one of our tan technicians will conduct a brief consultation while you complete the registration documents before your session. It covers your natural skin tone and how your skin typically reacts to sun exposure, along with relevant history, and takes a few minutes.
We’ll then track your sessions through our in-house booking systems and can help you with a tailored Tan Plan based on your tanning goals, which we can adjust as you go, giving you a clear plan that suits your skin type.
New to sunbeds? Read our first-time sunbed guide that covers everything else you need to know before you arrive. You can also take a look at our responsible tanning guidance to see how we run each session.
Which megaSun bed suits your skin type?
Session timings are important, but so is the bed you use. All three of our megaSun bed types are LED and deliver instant, consistent UV output from the moment sessions begin. No warm-up time and no variation across the session mean consistency, which is very important when building a tan – especially in those early sessions where precision counts!
So whether it’s the flagship K11 Air Plus, K9SL lay-down beds, or the brand-new T9L stand-up arriving later this year, the bed you choose can be tailored to your skin type and tanning goals. Our team can answer any questions you might have before your sessions start, when you come in. Explore our megaSun beds.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, any reputable tanning studio will insist on a skin-type registration before your first session, regardless. Your skin type describes your response to UV exposure and determines your starting session time and how quickly you build. Getting this wrong from the get-go can result in no tan or, worse, burning. At The Tan Station, we run through a skin consultation with you before you step into a tanning bay for the first time.
Can fair-skinned people use a sunbed?
It depends on how fair. Type 2 skin types can tan with care, using sunbeds with a gradual, closely monitored approach. Whereas skin type 1, which always burns and never tans in sunlight exposure, is not suited to sunbed use. If you’re unsure of your skin type (and a lot of people are for the first time), pop in and see one of our team members. We’ll always be honest with you before you commit to anything.
How many minutes should I start on a sunbed for my skin type?
We set the actual time in the studio depending on the bed, your skin type, and your history. As a rough starting guide: Type 2 – conservatively, around 3-4 minutes. Type 3 – around 4-5 minutes, and Types 4-6 could be 5+ minutes. For a full breakdown, see our guide on how many sunbed sessions you need.
Ready to find out your skin type?
Come in, and we’ll complete your skin-type registration before your first session. It takes minutes and means every session from that point on is set correctly for your skin. While no appointment is necessary and you can just walk in, to avoid any waiting during our busier times, just contact us for an appointment, and we’ll see you soon.
Please note: The information on this page is intended as general guidance only. Skin type classifications are based on the Fitzpatrick scale and determined by the client’s admissions upon registration – your session times and suitability for sunbed use will always be confirmed by our trained team in the studio based on your selected skin type category. As a member of The Sunbed Association, The Tan Station adheres to the association’s full code of practice, which includes a skin-type registration process for all new clients. If you are unsure about your suitability for sunbed use, please speak to a member of our team before booking.
