If you’re considering whether you should tan before a holiday, this guide is for you. Learn how to get a beach-ready look safely & effectively.

Should I Tan Before My Holiday?

ID and documentation? Check. Clothing? Check. Electronics? Check. Suntan…?

It’s a common question that crops up before people disappear on annual leave: should I tan before my holiday? Whether you’re jetting off somewhere with a hotter climate or you’re simply making the most of a UK heatwave, you may want to arrive sporting a beach-ready appearance. And by that, we mean a radiant, natural glow.

Good news for you – there are many methods of obtaining the sun-kissed look stress- and tan line-free. In this straightforward guide, we’re going to breeze through the various options you have for cultivating a lovely pre-holiday tan, how to get prepped as well as some best practices.

3 Perks Of Tanning Before The Holidays

It’s no surprise that many of us Brits like to spruce up our appearance before taking some time off. It might be a haircut, nails, eyebrows or the pre-eminent holiday tan. Either way, it’s because we want to not only look but feel good alongside our loved ones and friends whilst we enjoy these special moments.

You may be surprised that besides these surface-level benefits, there are actually quite a few perks to getting your glow on before you reach your destination.

1. Gain a needed confidence boost: If you’re heading to the beach or will be spending a lot of time at the poolside in your swimwear, it’s understandable that you might feel a little self-conscious at first. Think of getting a pre-holiday tan as power dressing; it’s an instant confidence booster that will help you enjoy your break, feeling your best.
2. Look high maintenance with low effort: Many of us love to look high maintenance but find the process tedious. Luckily, many tanning methods require little effort from home sunbed rental to the classic DIY spray tan.
3. Prevent panic tanning: Another key reason to give pre-holiday tanning a go is that having golden, dewy skin when you first arrive prevents you from being overwhelmed by the desire to take to the deck chairs and sprawl out under the sun all day and possibly burn your skin.

Methods Of Tanning Before Your Holiday

There are several ways you can develop a healthy-looking tan before you pack your bags before setting off (ideally not on the same day!). These are using a sunbed at home or in a salon, a professional spray tan or applying a self-tanning product DIY. Let’s break down each method by its process.

Sunbeds

With sunbeds, you can either head to a salon or hire a tanning bed for home use. The latter will likely be the most cost-effective option for a longer-lasting tan, but the former may be more convenient for those with limited space.

Either way, the process looks like this:

• First, you choose which type of sunbed is suited to your needs, e.g., lie-down vs stand-up models or additional features like facial tanners and cooling fans.
• You’ll prepare by working out how long your first session should be according to your skin tone (1 minute for fairer skin and 3 for darker skin).
• Then it’s time to book your sunbed, making sure you plan around your holiday admin.
• When the day arrives for your tanning session, prep the skin with some gentle exfoliation, moisturiser and SPF to hydrate it. Also, remove any makeup, jewellery or lotions before entering.
• With protective eyewear on, you can then get into the sunbed for your allotted time and relax in a comfortable position inside. Make sure to set a timer as this is absolutely crucial for avoiding overexposure to the UV.
• Rinse and repeat over the course of a couple of weeks to build up a visible tan.

As per the guidelines from the Sunbed Association, you should begin with short sessions lasting about 1-3 minutes and then increase the duration to 4-8 minutes by your sixth session while your skin gets used to UV exposure. It’s important to wait at least 48 hours between sessions in order to give your skin time to rest and recover.

Professional Spray Tan

A professional spray tan won’t last as long as a tan built up from using sunbeds, however, if UV exposure is a concern, it’s a good second best. Here’s an outline of the general process:

• Exfoliate and remove any body hair 24 hours before going to the salon to ensure an even finish.
• At the salon, discuss the desired tan shade with the technician – it’s probably a good idea to peruse the internet beforehand so you know what you want.
• Undress to your comfort level; disposable underwear/swimwear may be provided.
• Then it’s time to apply barrier cream to dry areas (elbows, knees, ankles) to avoid any darker patches.
• The technician will then direct you to stand in the spray tanning area or booth where you will now follow the technician’s positioning instructions for even coverage.
• Allow tan to dry for a few minutes before dressing and make sure to avoid water, sweating, or tight clothing for 6-8 hours.
• Finally, you can rinse off the bronzer with lukewarm water after 8-12 hours, patting the skin dry gently with a towel.

One last tip: try to avoid hopping into the pool on the first few days after your spray tan. This is because the chlorine in the water may well strip the fake tan pigment from your skin prematurely. Instead of opting for tanning oil, do without, and don’t forget to use a strong SPF when you’re out in the sunshine.

Self-Tanners

Self-tanners come in a whole load of varieties and at a range of different price points. It’s a good idea to do your research before settling on a solution, including reading customer reviews. Once you’re happy you’ve made your choice, you can get into the process. As you might expect, this will vary from product to product, so make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Here are some top tips:

• Exfoliate and remove any body hair 24 hours before you apply the solution as loosened pores may become sinks for the tan, creating dark spots and an uneven finish.
• Moisturise just before tanning to prevent excess tan from clinging to dry areas.
• Be tactical about where you decide to apply your tan to prevent a mess – the bathroom is always a safe bet!
• Always use a tanning mitt, so you apply evenly.
• Ensure that the fake tan has dried before dressing if you opted for a wash-off option (you can ignore this advice for no-rinse tans).

Like with a professional spray tan, avoid swimming in the pool for the first few days after application to prevent premature fading. Also, skip tanning oil and use a strong SPF when outdoors.

Aftercare

With all of the methods above, don’t forget your aftercare. You can keep your skin looking fresh by locking in moisture staying hydrated, moisturising and waiting a short while before taking your first shower after application/sunbed session.

A Word Of Caution On Sun Protection

You may have heard of the concept of a base tan. It sounds reasonable enough at a glance: before going to the beach, you get a pre-holiday tan beforehand to help you avoid burning, plus there’s the added benefit of not looking too pale.

Unfortunately, it’s not quite that simple. True, travelling can boost our mental health, as can spending time outdoors under the sun. But a base tan won’t actually protect you from burning. The only thing that can do this is good old-fashioned sun protection.

Dermatologists say that a tan is the equivalent of wearing an SPF of around level 4, which is the lowest available, so make sure to follow these tips to stay safe:

• Remember to use sunscreen generously, choosing SPF 30 if you’ll be out in the sun for most of the day, and reapply it every two to three hours.
• Wear protective clothing on hot days, such as sunhats, sunglasses, and long-sleeved garments.
• Avoid the sun when it’s at its strongest.
• Stay hydrated and apply after-sun lotion or moisturiser if you get sunburned.

So, Should I Tan Before Vacation?

Of course, it’s up to you. But when there are so many benefits to cultivating a pre-holiday tan, why not?

Whatever you decide, make sure to look after your skin by following the tips we provided earlier. Keep hydrated, stay out of the sun during its peak intensity and enjoy your next adventure. As long as you tan safely and responsibly, you can enjoy a boost of confidence that will shine through those vibrant holiday memories. Enjoy!