Getting Started

Yes, everyone starts somewhere, and beginners are completely welcome. If you’ve never used a sunbed before, I’ll guide you through everything: which bed to choose, how long to go on for, what to expect and how to tan safely for your skin type. Your first sessions will always be short and controlled so your skin can build colour gradually without overexposure.

There’s no pressure and nothing to worry about.  I’ll make sure you feel comfortable, confident and fully looked after from the moment you walk in.

You don’t need to bring much — tanning is simple — but a few small things can make your session more comfortable and help you get the best results.

• A towel if you prefer to stand on your own towel or use it afterwards.
• Your tanning lotion if you have one you like (I also have lotions available here).
• Hair ties or clips if you want to keep your hair off your face and shoulders.
• A bottle of water to stay hydrated before and after your session.
• Loose, comfortable clothing for afterwards — it helps avoid marks on freshly warmed skin.

• Goggles — I provide clean, sanitised eyewear for every session.
• Any special equipment — the room has everything you need.

If it’s your first time, just arrive a few minutes early and I’ll talk you through everything so you feel completely comfortable.

 Many fair‑skinned people can tan, it just needs to be done gradually and carefully. 

If you’re naturally pale, your skin produces melanin more slowly, so your first sessions will always be short, gentle and spaced out to avoid overexposure. With the right routine, fair skin often develops a soft, natural colour over time.

However, some people with very fair skin or natural red hair (Fitzpatrick Skin Type 1) have little to no melanin to begin with. This skin type tends to burn rather than tan, even in controlled UV, so indoor tanning isn’t recommended for them. If you’re unsure which skin type you are, I’ll help you work it out before your first session.

My goal is always to keep your skin safe. If your skin can tan, I’ll guide you through a slow, controlled routine. If your skin is the type that doesn’t tan at all, I’ll be honest with you and recommend safer alternatives.

  Preparing your skin properly makes a huge difference to how well you tan and how long your colour lasts.

• Exfoliate the night before to remove dry, dead skin so your tan develops evenly.
• Avoid deodorant, perfume and makeup on the day — some ingredients can block UV or cause patchiness.
• Make sure your skin is clean and dry before you go on the bed.
• Use a proper tanning lotion (not a normal moisturiser). Dry skin reflects UV, so lotion helps you tan faster and more evenly.
• Remove jewellery so you don’t get tan lines.

• Moisturise to lock in hydration — hydrated skin holds colour longer.
• Avoid showering for 2–4 hours so your melanin has time to develop.
• Drink water — UV exposure can dehydrate the skin slightly.
• Avoid SPF immediately after (unless you’re going outside). SPF blocks UV, so it’s not needed indoors, but it’s essential outdoors.
• Don’t exfoliate for 24–48 hours so you don’t scrub away developing colour.

I’ll guide you through everything on your first visit, so you always know exactly what to do before and after each session.

No,  you can tan in whatever you feel comfortable in. 

Some people prefer to keep their underwear on, others choose to tan without it to avoid tan lines. It’s completely up to you.

The room is fully private, and only you are in there during your session. Whatever you choose to wear (or not wear) is your personal preference, there’s no right or wrong way to tan.

If you’re new and unsure, just start with whatever makes you feel most comfortable.

Yes, Radiance is for everyone.

Before opening Radiance, I ran Gauntlett Boxing Club in Epsom, we made sure women felt welcome and comfortable in what was traditionally a male space.  Ive taken that same approach here, just in reverse.  The studio is designed to be calm, private and welcoming for both men and women.

Lots of men tan here, whether its for holidays, events, training or simply to feel good.  If you're new to tanning or you've ever felt unsure about walking into a salon, don't worry.  The space is relaxed and you'll be looked after from the moment you walk in.

No, you don’t need to book. 

I’m a walk‑in studio, so you can come in whenever it suits you. If there’s someone ahead of you, the wait is usually only a few minutes,

If you prefer to have a set time, I'm also happy to book you in - just send a message and i'll reserve a slot for you ,  Whatever works best for you.  

If you'd like to check before you set off, you’re always welcome to message or call us and I’ll tell you how busy it is.

Tanning can help improve skin tone, boost vitamin D levels, and improve mood.

How often you tan depends on your skin type, how quickly you build colour and the strength of the sunbed. Most people start with 2–3 sessions per week, leaving at least 24–48 hours between sessions so your skin has time to rest and your melanin has time to develop. Tanning is a gradual process — your colour continues to deepen even after you’ve left the bed.

Once you’ve reached your desired colour, you can maintain it with 1–2 sessions per week. Because my beds use fresh, high‑quality lamps, you don’t need to come every day or stay on for long sessions — controlled, consistent exposure always gives the best results.

I’ll guide you based on your skin type and how your skin responds, so you tan safely, gradually and effectively.Add an answer to this item.

Sunbeds are safe when theyre used properly, in the right time for your skin type, and under guidance.  Like natural sunlight, UV exposure need to be controlled, and thats exactly what we help you do.

The sun produces three types of ultraviolet rays: UVA, UVB and UVC. UVC is the most harmful, but it’s completely filtered out by the earth’s atmosphere and it’s also not used in UK sunbeds. 

UK regulated sunbeds emit a controlled blend of UVA and a small, regulated amount of UVB, designed to mimic natural sunlight but in a consistent, measured way.

With natural sunlight, UV strength changes constantly throughout the day without you realising.  A sunbed gives you predictable exposure, which helps avoid accidental overexposure.

Overexposure to any UV rays whether from the sun or a sunbed can increase the risk of skin damage, premature ageing and other concerns. That’s why we guide you on the right timing and routine for your skin type, so you tan gradually and responsibly. And when you’re outdoors, I always recommend using a good SPF to protect your skin from unpredictable natural UV.

 Many fair‑skinned people can tan, it just needs to be done gradually and carefully. 

If you’re naturally pale, your skin produces melanin more slowly, so your first sessions will always be short, gentle and spaced out to avoid overexposure. With the right routine, fair skin often develops a soft, natural colour over time.

However, some people with very fair skin or natural red hair (Fitzpatrick Skin Type 1) have little to no melanin to begin with. This skin type tends to burn rather than tan, even in controlled UV, so indoor tanning isn’t recommended for them. If you’re unsure which skin type you are, I’ll help you work it out before your first session.

My goal is always to keep your skin safe. If your skin can tan, I’ll guide you through a slow, controlled routine. If your skin is the type that doesn’t tan at all, I’ll be honest with you and recommend safer alternatives.

Yes, eye protection is essential on every tanning session. 

The UV light in sunbeds is much stronger and more concentrated than natural sunlight, and your eyes are one of the most sensitive parts of your body. Closing your eyes isn’t enough; UV can still pass through your eyelids.

Wearing goggles protects your eyes from overexposure and helps prevent long‑term damage, without affecting your tan. The goggles are designed to block UV while still allowing you to relax comfortably, and they don’t leave tan lines when positioned correctly.

I provide clean, sanitised goggles for every session, and you’re welcome to bring your own if you prefer. It’s a small step that makes a big difference to your safety.

A lot of people think tanning lotions are just an upsell, (I used to think that too) but they actually make a huge difference to how well and how evenly you tan.  Dry skin reflects UV light, which means you tan more slowly and unevenly. Well‑moisturised skin absorbs UV more efficiently, helping you build colour faster and more evenly.

Tanning lotions made specifically for sunbeds are formulated to hydrate the skin deeply, support melanin production and protect against dryness caused by UV exposure. They’re very different from normal moisturisers — regular body lotions can contain ingredients that block UV or damage the acrylic on sunbeds.

There are hundreds of lotions on the market, and I've been to salons where there are 50 different ones to choose from, its overwhelming and most people don't know where to start.  So I've personally chosen a small, curated range from Devoted Creations, because in my experience they.re by far the best.  They're high-quality, effective, and designed specifcally for indoor tanning, so you get better results with out the confusion.

Using the right lotion means you tan better, your skin stays healthier, and you get more out of each session.

UVA and UVB are two different types of ultraviolet light, and they each play a different role in tanning. UVA is the deeper‑penetrating light that activates the melanin already in your skin, giving you an immediate, visible colour. UVB works more on the surface and stimulates your skin to produce new melanin, which helps you build a longer‑lasting tan over time.

UK sunbeds use a controlled blend of both UVA and UVB to mimic natural sunlight in a predictable, measured way. This balance helps you tan effectively while avoiding the unpredictable spikes of UV you get outdoors.

Retinol, retinoids and exfoliating acids (like AHA/BHA) can make your skin more sensitive to UV light. These products speed up cell turnover, which means your skin can burn more easily. If you’re using retinol, it’s important to let me know before your session so I can adjust your time and make sure your skin isn’t over‑exposed.

If your skin feels irritated, peeling or extra sensitive, it’s best to avoid tanning until it settles. You can still tan safely, we just need to be more cautious and build your colour gradually.

Yes, you can tan with tattoos, but it’s important to protect them. UV light can cause tattoo ink to fade over time, especially if the tattoo is new or brightly coloured.  

For fresh tattoos (under 6 weeks old), you should avoid tanning completely until the skin is fully healed.

For older tattoos, simply cover the area with a tattoo‑safe SPF or a small cloth barrier during your session. This keeps the colours vibrant while still allowing you to tan everywhere else.

If you have any moles that look unusual, have recently changed, or you’re worried about, it’s important to get them checked by a healthcare professional before tanning. The same applies to rashes, broken skin, infections or any irritation — these areas shouldn’t be exposed to UV until they’re fully healed.

I can’t assess skin conditions, but if something doesn’t look right, I’ll always advise you to speak to your GP or a dermatologist before using the sunbed. Your safety comes first, and it’s always better to be cautious with anything that looks new, changing or irritated.

Many people wonder about this, and the safest approach is always to check with your midwife or healthcare professional before using a sunbed during pregnancy. Some women choose to avoid tanning because pregnancy can make the skin more sensitive, and hormones can increase the chance of pigmentation changes.

If your healthcare professional is happy for you to tan, I’ll make sure your session is short, cool and comfortable. Your wellbeing always comes first, so just let me know how you’re feeling on the day.

How often you tan depends on your skin type, how quickly you build colour and the strength of the sunbed. Most people start with 2–3 sessions per week, leaving at least 24–48 hours between sessions so your skin has time to rest and your melanin has time to develop. Tanning is a gradual process — your colour continues to deepen even after you’ve left the bed.

Once you’ve reached your desired colour, you can maintain it with 1–2 sessions per week. Because my beds use fresh, high‑quality lamps, you don’t need to come every day or stay on for long sessions — controlled, consistent exposure always gives the best results.

I’ll guide you based on your skin type and how your skin responds, so you tan safely, gradually and effectively.Add an answer to this item.

Session times vary depending on your skin type and the strength of the sunbed, but modern, well‑maintained beds don’t require long sessions. Most people tan effectively in 6–12 minutes on a high‑quality bed with fresh, regulated lamps.

If a sunbed needs 15–20 minutes to make any difference, it usually means the bulbs are old or the output is weak — which can lead to people staying on far longer than they should. At Radiance, all lamps are kept within their recommended lifespan, so your sessions stay short, controlled and effective.

I’ll always guide you on the right timing for your skin type, ensuring you tan gradually and avoid unnecessary exposure.

Yes, lots of people like to build a base tan before going away. A controlled indoor tan can help your skin start producing melanin gradually, so you’re less likely to burn the moment you step into strong holiday sun. It’s not a replacement for SPF, but it can give your skin a head start.

I’ll guide you on the right timing and session length for your skin type so you build colour safely and steadily. Most people do a few short sessions in the weeks leading up to their trip.

Even with a base tan, you should always use a good SPF on holiday, natural sunlight contains unpredictable levels of UVA and UVB, and SPF is essential for protecting your skin in strong outdoor UV.

Different sunbeds are designed with different lamp types, layouts and intensities, which is why session times vary. 

Some beds focus more on UVA for fast, immediate colour, while others include a slightly higher UVB output to help you build a deeper, longer‑lasting tan. The number of lamps, the wattage, the design of the canopy and even the airflow all affect how strong a bed feels.

This is why two salons can have completely different session times — it’s not about “stronger” or “weaker,” it’s simply how each bed is engineered. I’ll always guide you to the right bed and the right timing for your skin type.

Session length is directly linked to lamp quality. When lamps are old or weak, salons often run 15–20 minute sessions just to achieve a result. 

Fresh, high‑quality lamps don’t need long exposure times, they deliver consistent, controlled UV output, so you tan more effectively in less time.

At Radiance, I keep all lamps within their recommended lifespan, which means your sessions stay short, safe and effective. You get better results without unnecessary exposure, and your skin benefits from a more controlled tanning routine.

No, you cannot share a room. 

For safety, privacy and hygiene reasons, tanning rooms are always used by one person at a time. Each room is designed to give you complete privacy, and only the person tanning is allowed inside while the bed is in use.

If you’re visiting with a friend or partner, you’re welcome to wait in reception while the other person tans, and then take your turn afterwards, but the tanning rooms themselves are strictly one‑person only.

I accept all major payment methods, including:

• Debit & credit cards
• Contactless
• Apple Pay
• Google Pay
• Chip & PIN
• Cash

I’m a firm believer that cash is still important, so you’re welcome to pay in cash if that’s your preference.

No, you don’t need to book. 

I’m a walk‑in studio, so you can come in whenever it suits you. If there’s someone ahead of you, the wait is usually only a few minutes,

If you prefer to have a set time, I'm also happy to book you in - just send a message and i'll reserve a slot for you ,  Whatever works best for you.  

If you'd like to check before you set off, you’re always welcome to message or call us and I’ll tell you how busy it is.

If you’re running a few minutes late, don’t worry — I’ll always do my best to fit you in. Your session may just start a little later if someone else is booked or already waiting.

If you’re the last appointment of the day and you’re late, I may need to shorten the session or reschedule, depending on how late it is. I’ll always let you know what’s possible when you arrive.

I keep things flexible and fair, so just come in when you can and if you think you’ll be more than a few minutes late, a quick message helps.