A bronzing bed is a type of tanning bed that uses a much higher ratio of UVA rays and a much lower ratio of UVB rays compared to a standard tanning bed. That difference in UV output changes how your skin responds — the tan develops deeper in the skin, produces a richer colour, and tends to last noticeably longer than a tan from a regular bed.

If you’ve been using standard tanning beds for a while and your results have plateaued, or you’re after that deeper, more intense colour, a bronzing bed is usually the natural next step. But they work differently — and they’re not the right starting point if you’re new to tanning beds.

Here’s a full breakdown of how bronzing beds work, how they compare to regular tanning beds, who should use them, and how to get the best results.

Key Takeaways

A bronzing bed uses more UVA and less UVB than a standard tanning bed — this is the key difference
UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and darken existing melanin, producing a richer and longer-lasting tan
Regular tanning beds are better for building an initial base tan; bronzing beds are better for deepening it
Bronzing beds carry a lower risk of burning, but they are not risk-free — UV exposure always carries cumulative skin risks
You need an existing base tan to get the most out of a bronzing bed — starting without one produces underwhelming results
Using a bronzing lotion, exfoliating beforehand, and staying moisturized all improve your results significantly
Always wear proper tanning goggles — UVA light from bronzing beds can cause serious eye damage over time
Bronzing beds and high-pressure tanning beds refer to the same core principle — high UVA, low UVB output

What Is a Bronzing Bed?

A bronzing bed is a tanning bed that has been designed — or tuned — to emit a higher proportion of UVA rays and a lower proportion of UVB rays than a standard tanning bed. The practical effect is a tan that develops more gradually, goes deeper into the skin, and lasts longer once it’s built.

The term “bronzing bed” is partly a marketing label used by tanning salons. In technical terms, most bronzing beds are high-pressure tanning beds, which use specialised lamps capable of producing up to 99% UVA output. You may also hear them referred to as level 5 or level 6 beds in a salon’s tiered system. The terminology varies, but the principle is consistent: more UVA, less UVB, and a deeper result for tanners who already have colour to work with.

For a full overview of the different types of tanning beds available, including how levels and pressures differ, our tanning beds section is a good place to start.

How Does a Bronzing Bed Work?

To understand what a bronzing bed actually does, it helps to understand UVA and UVB rays — and what each one does to your skin.

UVA rays (320–400 nm) penetrate deep into the dermis, the second layer of skin beneath the surface. When UVA light hits the melanin already present in your skin, it triggers a process called oxidation — darkening the existing pigment and producing that deep, brownish colour. The effect can appear within a few hours of a session, though it often fully develops over the following day or two.

UVB rays (280–320 nm) work at a more surface level, primarily affecting the epidermis — the outer layer of skin. UVB is what actually stimulates your melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) to produce new melanin. It’s also the ray most associated with sunburn and surface redness.

So the key practical difference is:

UVB — stimulates new melanin production, works at the surface, higher burning risk
UVA — deepens and darkens existing melanin, penetrates further, lower burning risk

Bronzing beds lean heavily on UVA. Research has shown that UVA-induced tanning works primarily by oxidising and redistributing existing melanin in the skin, rather than generating significant new pigment. [Miyamura et al., Photochemistry and Photobiology, 2015] This is why having a solid base tan before using a bronzing bed matters — if the melanin isn’t there to work with, results will be slow and limited.

Bronzing Bed vs Tanning Bed — What’s the Difference?

On the surface, a bronzing bed and a standard tanning bed look identical. The difference is in the lamps and the UV output they produce — and that changes everything about the result you get.

Standard Tanning Bed

Emits a broader mix of UVA and UVB, with more UVB than a bronzing bed
Faster visible results — colour often appears after just a few sessions
Stimulates new melanin production over time
Higher risk of surface redness and burning if sessions are too long
Tan fades faster than a bronzing bed tan
Best suited to beginners and people building an initial base tan

Bronzing Bed

High UVA output, significantly less UVB
Results develop more gradually — the colour deepens over multiple sessions
Works primarily by oxidising and deepening existing melanin
Much lower risk of burning at the surface
Produces a richer, deeper, longer-lasting colour
Best suited to experienced tanners who already have a base tan

The simplest way to think about it: standard tanning beds build the tan, bronzing beds deepen it. Many regular salon tanners use both — building their colour on standard beds and then switching to bronzing sessions to intensify and extend the result. For tips on building that initial colour, our guide on how many tanning sessions to get a base tan covers what to expect.

Who Should Use a Bronzing Bed?

Bronzing beds aren’t for everyone, and knowing whether you’re in the right position to use one makes a real difference to the results you’ll get.

Good candidates for a bronzing bed:

Tanners with an established base tan already in place
Regular tanners whose colour has plateaued on standard beds
People looking for a deeper, more intense result than standard beds produce
Anyone who wants their tan to last longer between sessions
Skin types 3–6 who have already been tanning for a few weeks or more

Not ideal for:

Beginners who have never used a tanning bed before
Very fair skin types (types 1–2) without any existing base
Anyone who burns easily or has sensitive skin
People who haven’t spent at least a few weeks building colour on standard beds first

Because bronzing beds work by oxidising the melanin you already have, starting without a base tan means there’s little for the UVA to work with. The sessions won’t be dangerous, but you’ll be disappointed with the results. If you’re new to tanning beds, our tanning bed tips for beginners is the better place to start.

How to Get the Best Results from a Bronzing Bed

Build your base tan first

Spend at least 3–5 sessions on standard tanning beds before switching to a bronzing bed. This gives your melanocytes time to produce new pigment, which the bronzing bed can then deepen and extend. Going in without a base gives the UVA less to work with and produces underwhelming results.

Exfoliate 24–48 hours before your session

Removing dead skin cells before your session helps UV light reach fresh, live skin more evenly. It also helps the tan develop more uniformly and last longer. Use a gentle body scrub or exfoliating mitt, and avoid harsh exfoliants directly before your session as they can leave skin sensitive.

Use a bronzing or accelerator lotion

Tanning lotions designed for bronzing or high-pressure beds can noticeably improve your results. They help attract UV light to the skin, keep it moisturized during the session, and often contain melanin-supporting ingredients. Apply your lotion just before getting into the bed for the best effect. For more on this, our guide on how to tan faster in a tanning bed covers how lotion factors into results.

Moisturize consistently

Well-moisturized skin holds a tan longer and fades more evenly. In the days after your bronzing session, moisturize at least once daily. Dry skin sheds faster, which means your tan fades faster too. Keeping skin hydrated is one of the simplest things you can do to extend your results.

Follow your salon’s session time guidelines

Bronzing beds — especially high-pressure models — are powerful. They don’t require long sessions to produce results. Most bronzing bed sessions run between 8 and 12 minutes, though your salon will give you a specific recommendation based on the bed and your skin type. If it’s your first session in that particular bed, always start at the lower end of whatever range they suggest.

For a detailed guide on session timing by skin type, see our tanning bed time chart.

How Often Should You Use a Bronzing Bed?

For most tanners, 2 sessions per week in a bronzing bed is a solid maintenance and development schedule. Some experienced tanners mix in one standard tanning bed session per week alongside their bronzing sessions — using the UVB exposure to keep melanin stimulation going while the bronzing bed deepens the result.

Always leave at least 24–48 hours between sessions. This gives your skin time to recover and the tan to fully develop before your next session. The FDA also recommends never taking two tanning bed sessions within a 24-hour period. For more detailed guidance, our article on how often you should tan in a tanning bed breaks this down by skin type and experience level.

Are Bronzing Beds Safer Than Regular Tanning Beds?

Bronzing beds carry a lower risk of burning than standard tanning beds, because of their reduced UVB output — and UVB is the primary driver of surface redness and sunburn. In that specific sense, yes, bronzing beds are gentler on the skin’s surface.

However, lower burning risk does not mean safe. All UV exposure carries cumulative skin risks, and UVA is not without its own concerns. Research has consistently linked indoor tanning — including high-UVA exposure — to an increased risk of melanoma and long-term skin damage. [Wehner et al., JAMA Dermatology, 2012]

There’s also a common misconception worth addressing: a bronzing bed tan does not offer meaningful sun protection. One study found that UVA-rich tans failed to provide even a minimal SPF of 1.5 — meaning the colour you build in a bronzing bed offers almost no protection from further UV damage. [Miyamura et al., Photochemistry and Photobiology, 2015]

Practical steps to protect yourself:

Always wear goggles designed for tanning beds — UV light causes serious cumulative eye damage including cataracts
Never exceed recommended session times for your skin type
Avoid sessions if your skin is irritated, sunburned, or recently exposed
If you have a personal or family history of skin concerns, speak with a dermatologist before starting
If you ever do experience a tanning bed burn, our guide on tanning bed burn relief covers what to do

How Long Does a Bronzing Bed Tan Last?

Because bronzing beds deepen existing melanin rather than stimulating new pigment production from scratch, the tans they produce tend to last longer than those from standard tanning beds. With good aftercare — daily moisturizing, avoiding harsh exfoliants immediately after sessions, and staying hydrated — a bronzing bed tan can hold well for 2–4 weeks.

Keeping up with 1–2 sessions per week means you’re topping up the colour before it fades significantly, rather than having to rebuild from a lighter base each time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a bronzing bed the same as a high-pressure tanning bed?

Essentially yes. High-pressure tanning beds use specialised lamps that emit up to 99% UVA light — which is the same core principle behind bronzing beds. Many salons use these terms interchangeably, though the exact UV ratio can vary slightly between specific bed models.

Can you get burned in a bronzing bed?

It’s much less likely than in a regular tanning bed, but burning is still possible if you overdo session times or use a bed that’s more intense than you’re used to. Always follow your salon’s session guidance and start conservatively if you’re in a new bed. See our guide on tanning bed burn and how to get relief if you do experience irritation.

Do bronzing beds work for pale or fair skin?

Not as effectively as they do for tanners with an existing base. Bronzing beds darken melanin that’s already there — very fair skin types (types 1–2) often lack enough existing pigment for the UVA to work with. If you have fair skin, build a base on a standard low-pressure tanning bed over several weeks before trying a bronzing bed.

Can you use regular tanning lotion in a bronzing bed?

You can, but a lotion specifically designed for high-pressure or bronzing beds will typically give better results. These formulas are engineered for UVA-dominant exposure and often contain different activating ingredients than standard tanning lotions.

How many sessions does it take to see results from a bronzing bed?

Most tanners notice a clear deepening of their colour after 2–3 bronzing bed sessions. The change is more gradual than with a standard tanning bed, but the results hold longer once built. Consistency across several weeks produces the best outcome.

Is it safe to use a bronzing bed without a base tan?

It’s not dangerous to try, but you’re unlikely to see much result. Bronzing beds work by oxidising existing melanin — without a base, there’s little melanin to deepen. You’ll get more out of your sessions (and your money) by spending a few weeks on standard beds first.

Do you need eye protection in a bronzing bed?

Yes — always. UVA light from bronzing beds penetrates deeply and can cause serious damage to your eyes over time, including cataracts and other UV-related conditions. Always use proper goggles designed specifically for tanning bed use, not sunglasses. Your salon should provide these or have them available.

Can bronzing beds replace standard tanning beds entirely?

For experienced tanners with a solid base tan, many people do shift primarily to bronzing beds to maintain and deepen colour. However, mixing in the occasional standard tanning bed session helps keep new melanin production active alongside the bronzing effect, which tends to produce the best long-term results.

The Bottom Line

A bronzing bed is one of the most effective ways to take a tan from decent to genuinely deep and long-lasting — but it’s a next step, not a starting point. The higher UVA output works best when there’s existing melanin to deepen, which is why building a solid base tan on standard beds first is always the recommendation.

Once you’re there, bronzing beds offer real advantages: lower burning risk, richer colour, and a result that holds longer between sessions. Come in with exfoliated, moisturized skin, use the right lotion, and follow your salon’s guidance on session times. The results are worth the patience.

For more on how to get the most out of your tanning sessions, check out our guide on how to get the best tan in a tanning bed and our full tanning bed tips for beginners guide.

References

UVA Tanning and Melanin Photoprotection:
Miyamura, Y., et al. (2015). Photochemistry and Photobiology. “Photobiological Implications of Melanin Photoprotection After UVB-Induced Tanning of Human Skin but Not UVA-Induced Tanning.” Study comparing UVA- and UVB-induced tans, finding that UVA-rich tans provide minimal photoprotection (below SPF 1.5) and work primarily through oxidation of existing melanin rather than new pigment synthesis.

UVA Tanning and Photoprotection — Further Research:
Petit, L., et al. (2010). Photochemistry and Photobiology. “The Deceptive Nature of UVA-Tanning versus the Modest Protective Effects of UVB-Tanning on Human Skin.” Research highlighting that UVA-induced tans provide little meaningful sun protection and raising concerns about the assumption that bronzed skin from UVA-rich sources is protective.

Indoor Tanning and Skin Cancer Risk:
Wehner, M. R., et al. (2012). JAMA Dermatology. “Are Tanning Beds Safe? Human Studies of Melanoma.” A review of human studies examining the relationship between indoor tanning bed use and melanoma risk, noting that commercial tanning beds have historically used high UVA to UVB ratios and discussing associated skin cancer risk.