Guest blog: the benefits of using lotions on sunbeds

If you have sunbeds in your salon, advising clients to use a lotion can enhance both results and revenue, explains The Sunbed Association's Ireland representative Joe McGlinchey

Hands up if you’ve ever been asked by a client if it’s ok to use an SPF lotion on the sunbed? I guarantee you will be in the minority if you haven’t.

Although similar to tanning in the sun, indoor tanning is a controlled dose of UV, so using an SPF cream on a sunbed would considerably hinder the tanning result.

Your clients will, however, benefit from using a lotion or cream that has been specifically designed for sunbed use and your business will also benefit as indoor tanning lotions represent an excellent revenue generator alongside sessions and courses.

Advising your clients to keep their skin moisturised is important, as drier skin will deflect the UV light. Moisturised skin, on the other hand, will absorb the UV light, helping to influence the tanning process for a faster, deeper, darker tan.  

There are many different lotions offering a range of benefits and as with all elements of your tanning business, training is important to ensure staff are confident with detailed product knowledge to be able to inform and advise your clients according to their individual tanning needs. 

Joe McGlinchey is the Ireland representative for industry body The Sunbed Association, which promotes safe sunbed use and monitors its member salons to ensure they meet safety guidelines. McGlinchey is also sales director for tanning company Bronze Direct