Common Sunbed Myths – What Is Actually True?
A lot is said about sunbeds, and much of it is passed on without explanation. Here we calmly work through the most common myths and what actually lies behind them.
Solportalen · 11 min read · 27 July 2026
In this article
Much of what is said about sunbeds rests on simplifications: that the heat is what makes the skin tan, that a shower washes the colour away, or that perspiring prevents pigmentation. These claims sound plausible, but they do not describe how the skin actually works.
In this article we go through eleven common myths, one at a time, and explain what is true. The tone is factual and descriptive – no promises and no shortcuts. If you would like to understand the underlying process, you can also read What Happens in the Skin When It Tans?.
The short answer
Heat does not tan the skin
Pigmentation is a response to UV light. Heat is a sensation in the skin, not the cause of the colour.
A shower does not wash the colour away
The pigment forms inside the skin. Water and soap do not affect that process.
Perspiration does not block pigmentation
Sweat sits on the surface. It does not stop the melanin forming beneath it.
The rest of the article works through the myths in order, with a short explanation of why each one arose and what actually happens in the skin.
Heat and UV light
Myth 1
“It is the heat that makes the skin tan”
What is true: Pigmentation develops as a response to ultraviolet radiation, not to heat.
A sunbed can feel warm, and that sensation is easily confused with what makes the skin darker. But heat and UV light are two different things. Heat is felt immediately at the surface, while pigmentation takes place in the pigment-forming cells of the skin.
It is the UV light that activates melanin. A warm environment without UV light, such as an infrared sauna, produces no tan at all.
Myth 2
“If it feels hot, I will tan faster”
What is true: How warm it feels says nothing about how much pigment the skin forms.
How warm a sunbed feels depends on airflow, body position, room ventilation and how sensitive your skin happens to be that day. None of these factors govern pigmentation.
The colour develops from the skin's own ability to form melanin, combined with the UV exposure. That is why two people can experience the same sunbed very differently and still get quite different results.
Showering afterwards
Myth 3
“You should not shower after a sunbed, the colour disappears”
What is true: The pigment forms inside the skin and cannot be washed off with water.
Melanin is formed and distributed within the skin, not as a layer on top of it. Showering, washing or applying moisturiser does not affect that process.
The myth most likely comes from self-tanning products and bronzers, which colour the surface temporarily. Those can be washed off – genuine pigmentation cannot.
Myth 4
“You have to wait several hours before showering”
What is true: There is no waiting time that makes the pigmentation stronger.
Since the colour develops from within the skin, it makes no difference whether you shower straight afterwards or later in the day. Choose whatever feels most comfortable.
If you use cosmetic products designed to stay on for a while, follow the manufacturer's instructions – but that concerns the product, not the pigmentation.
Pigment in the skin and cosmetic colour on the surface
Pigmentation in the skin
- Develops as a response to UV light.
- Is formed by the skin's own pigment cells.
- Is unaffected by water, soap or cream.
- Fades slowly as the skin renews itself.
Cosmetic colour on the surface
- Comes from self-tanning products or bronzers.
- Sits on or in the outermost layer of the skin.
- Can be washed or rubbed off.
- Does not affect the skin's own pigmentation.
Perspiration and pigmentation
Myth 5
“If you perspire, you will not tan”
What is true: Sweat sits on the surface and does not prevent pigmentation beneath it.
Perspiration is the body's way of regulating temperature. It does not interfere with the work of the melanocytes in the skin.
Wiping the skin can feel pleasant and comfortable, but it is a matter of comfort rather than something that changes the result.
When the colour appears
Myth 6
“You should see the result immediately after the first session”
What is true: Some of the colour can appear quickly, but much of the pigmentation develops over the following days.
Existing melanin can darken fairly quickly, while newly formed pigment takes longer to become visible. The skin tone can therefore keep changing after the session has ended.
Not seeing a clear difference straight away does not mean nothing has happened. Read more in What Happens in the Skin When It Tans?.
Session length and skin type
Myth 7
“Longer sessions always give more colour”
What is true: Pigmentation is governed by the skin's ability to form melanin, not by time in itself.
The skin's capacity for pigmentation is largely genetic. Once that capacity is used, additional time does not automatically produce more colour.
Recommended session lengths are set out in the exposure schedule on site, based on skin type and the equipment in question. If you are unsure, ask the staff before you begin.
Myth 8
“Everyone can get equally tanned”
What is true: Skin types differ, and not everyone develops the same pigmentation.
Some skin types develop colour relatively easily, while others show lighter or more gradual pigmentation. The difference comes from the biology of the skin, not from effort.
The same session length therefore does not suit everyone. Start from your own skin type rather than from someone else's result.
Differences between sunbeds
Myth 9
“All sunbeds are the same”
What is true: Different models and lamps give different light distribution and a different experience.
Equipment differs in construction, lamp type, light distribution and maintenance. That affects both how a sunbed feels and how the exposure is distributed across the body.
This is why recommended session lengths are given per sunbed, and why the same length can feel different in two rooms. You will find Solportalen's rooms and models on the sunbeds page.
Creams and bronzers
Myth 10
“Cream or bronzer stops you from tanning”
What is true: Products affect the surface and the comfort of the skin, but they do not replace the skin's own pigmentation.
Bronzers and moisturising products give a temporary cosmetic tone or a softer feel. They do not take the place of the pigment the skin forms itself.
Use products intended for the purpose and follow the manufacturer's instructions. If you are unsure what suits your skin, ask the staff.
What affects the result?
Myth 11
“You have to go red before you can go brown”
What is true: Pigmentation can develop without the skin first becoming visibly red.
Redness is a sign that the skin has had more exposure than it tolerated at that moment. It is not a necessary step towards colour.
Calm, gradual exposure adapted to your skin type is the starting point – both for comfort and for a more even result.
Heat and UV light – two different things
Heat
- Felt immediately as a sensation in the skin.
- Influenced by airflow, ventilation and body position.
- Produces no pigmentation.
UV light
- Activates the skin's pigment-forming cells.
- Produces both immediate and delayed pigmentation.
- Is dosed according to the exposure schedule on site.
What actually affects the result
- Skin type and the skin's genetic capacity to form pigment.
- Previous UV exposure and how recently it occurred.
- Which equipment is used and how the light is distributed.
- Session length according to the schedule for that sunbed.
- How often you visit and how well the skin recovers in between.
- The general condition of the skin, such as dryness and cell renewal.
Frequently asked questions about sunbeds
No. Pigmentation is a response to UV light, not to heat.
A warm room without UV light produces no tan.
Yes. The pigment forms inside the skin and cannot be washed away.
There is no waiting time that makes the colour stronger.
No. Sweat sits on the surface and does not prevent melanin forming beneath it.
Wiping the skin is a matter of comfort.
Some pigment can darken quickly, while newly formed melanin develops over the following days.
The skin tone can therefore keep changing after the visit.
No. The skin's capacity to form pigment sets the limit.
Follow the exposure schedule on site and ask the staff if you are unsure.
No. Skin types differ and pigmentation capacity is largely genetic.
The same session length therefore does not suit everyone.
No. Models, lamps and light distribution differ.
Recommended session lengths are therefore given per sunbed.
No. Pigmentation can develop without the skin first becoming visibly red.
Redness is a sign of too much exposure on that occasion.
Tanning at Solportalen
Solportalen in Uppsala has seven rooms with different sunbeds, from lie-down to stand-up models. Staff are present during opening hours and are happy to help with the exposure schedule and the choice of room.
To prepare for your visit, see Before your visit, and for the underlying process read What Happens in the Skin When It Tans?.
Tanning, calmly and in order
Read more about Solportalen's rooms and sunbeds, or prepare for your visit at your own pace.