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What is a sunbed and what types are available in Estonia?

A sunbed is a device designed to produce an artificial tan using special UV lamps. UV lamps divide into the UVA type (which darkens existing pigment immediately — but does not stimulate new melanin production to the same degree) and the UVB type (which stimulates new melanin production and gives a longer-lasting brown tone). Most modern sunbeds combine both types for an optimal result.

Three main types of sunbed are used in Estonia: horizontal (a lie-down bed — the client lies down for the session), vertical (a standing booth — often preferred, because it gives a more even tan and is more hygienic, as the skin does not touch the unit) and "high pressure" — high-pressure sunbeds whose lamps are usually 2–3 times more powerful than in a classic unit, delivering the result in fewer sessions.

Salons and tanning studios such as Floris Ilukliinik in Rapla, Bonare Ilusalong in Räpina, Iluva Ilusalong in Kärdla, El Sel Stuudio in Kohtla-Järve and Belle Ilusalong in Keila offer sunbed sessions alongside other beauty services. In addition, specialised tanning studios ("tan studios") operate in Estonia whose main business is tanning and which often have larger units and higher-quality lamps.

Sunbed prices and how a session works

The price of a sunbed session depends on the length of the session, the type of unit and the salon. A 5-minute session on a classic sunbed usually starts from 5–10 €, a 10-minute session from 8–15 €, and a 15-minute session from 12–20 €. A high-pressure sunbed usually costs 2–3 times more per session. Sunbed packages (5–10 sessions) are usually cheaper — up to 30–40% below the single-session price.

A typical visit starts with a consultation in which the tanning specialist assesses the client's skin type (Fitzpatrick I–VI) and recommends a suitable session length. A first-time client is always advised to have a short session (5 minutes) as a test, to gauge how the skin reacts. A client with a lighter skin type (Fitzpatrick I) must be especially careful — a burn can occur even after a short session.

Before a session the client must have clean skin (no cream or make-up), wear protective goggles (to shield the retina from UV radiation) and, where necessary, cover the intimate area. After a session it is normal for the skin to be slightly red and warm — this settles on its own within 1–2 hours. A moisturiser (after-tan lotion) is recommended, to hydrate the skin and keep the brown tone for longer.

How to choose a tanning studio or sunbed

Salons offering sunbed sessions should be certified with a cosmetology business permit. A quality tanning studio invests in new, high-quality lamps — the lifespan of UV lamps is limited (usually 500–800 hours), after which their intensity drops and quality declines. Ask directly at the consultation when the lamps were last changed. In a sunbed with old lamps the sessions are longer but the result is poorer.

Hygiene is an absolute requirement with a sunbed. An experienced salon cleans the unit with disinfectant between every client and hands out single-use eye protection (goggles). A good tanning salon has fresh disinfectant visibly available everywhere and staff in clean clothing. Warning signs are a dirty booth, stale air or an unpleasant smell.

Favour a sunbed provider that carries out a thorough consultation before your first session — a quality salon asks about your skin type, your medication (some drugs make the skin especially sensitive to UV), your health conditions (thyroid disease, autoimmune diseases, a family history of melanoma) and your previous sunbed experience. Read Google reviews specifically about the tanning results.

Risks, side effects and contraindications

Sunbed use is often a contentious subject, because UV radiation is a proven risk factor for melanoma (skin cancer). The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies sunbed UV radiation as a Group 1 carcinogen (the same class as cigarettes). The Health Board (Terviseamet) and other medical organisations recommend limiting sunbed use and above all avoiding it for under-18s. Moderate sunbed use as an adult is often acceptable, but being aware of the risks matters.

Contraindications are pregnancy (especially in the first trimester — UV radiation can affect folate balance in the baby), an active malignant tumour (especially skin cancer or a history of melanoma), a family history of melanoma, photosensitising medication (isotretinoin, certain antibiotics, St John's wort based preparations), active skin conditions (vitiligo, more severe psoriasis), thyroid disease, a recent chemical peel or laser treatment, and being under 18 years of age.

After a sunbed session, avoid additional sunlight (natural tanning) for 24–48 hours — the skin's sensitivity is high. Moisturise the skin generously and drink plenty of water. If you experience redness, pain, blisters or sensitivity lasting more than 24 hours, contact the salon or a doctor. In the longer term, monitor your skin regularly — new moles and irregular changes in existing moles need to be checked by a dermatologist. An annual mole check with a dermatologist is recommended for every sunbed user.

Sunbeds in Estonia's most popular towns

In Tallinn, many beauty salons and tanning studios offer sunbed sessions. Both classic vertical and horizontal sunbeds and high-pressure sunbeds for a faster result are available in the capital. Given the sheer choice, it is worth looking into the quality of a particular studio's equipment and the age of its lamps before booking.

In Tartu, Pärnu, Narva and salons in the county centres (for example Floris Ilukliinik in Rapla, Bonare Ilusalong in Räpina, Iluva Ilusalong in Kärdla, El Sel Stuudio in Kohtla-Järve, Belle Ilusalong in Keila), a sunbed is often one service alongside a wider range of beauty treatments. Salons in county centres are often smaller and more personal — the same tanning specialist knows the client's skin type and will often recommend a long-term plan. Since sunbed use should be moderate (for example 10–15 sessions in a package 1–2 times a year, no more), geographical proximity is not usually a major factor.