Every time you scroll through Xiaohongshu and see those perfectly bronzed, glowing complexions, it's tempting to sprint straight into a tanning bed. But hold up. As a busy professional who's been tanning at SUNBUDDY Bao'an Central for over six months, I've made more mistakes than sessions. And the biggest hidden trap for anyone going straight from the office to the tanning booth? Tanning with makeup on.
Here are three costly mistakes I discovered through trial and error at the Bao'an Central store—read this before your next session and save yourself the regret (and the money).
1. Mistake #1: Tanning with Sunscreen Still On? You're Wasting Your Time
Don't assume you can just lie down and get dark. One time, in a rush, I headed straight from work to the store at Lijing International, Chuangye 1st Road, still wearing my morning sunscreen and foundation. I figured the tanning lotion would cover it. Result? My face came out two shades lighter than my neck—a classic "two-tone" disaster.
A SUNBUDDY staff member explained: Any skincare or makeup with SPF blocks UV rays from penetrating your skin. No matter how expensive your tanning accelerator is, if there's a chemical sunscreen barrier in the way, your melanin won't activate. The right approach: Upon arrival, use the store's complimentary makeup wipes and disposable towels to thoroughly cleanse your face and body. Then apply professional tanning lotion evenly. The Bao'an store is fully stocked with these essentials—don't skip those few minutes.
2. Mistake #2: Spraying Perfume or Deodorant Before Tanning? Expect Uneven Spots
Shenzhen summers mean you might arrive at the store a little sweaty after the metro ride. Many women instinctively spritz on perfume or deodorant before entering the tanning bed. But here's the truth—alcohol and fragrance can trigger photosensitive reactions under UV light. I've seen posts online where people developed red rashes on their necks or uneven dark patches under their arms, all caused by certain perfume ingredients reacting badly with UV exposure.
Veteran SUNBUDDY users follow one golden rule: No scented or alcohol-based products for at least 30 minutes before tanning. Upon arrival, use the store's shower (or disposable wipes at the Bao'an Central location) to gently wipe down your body, especially areas like underarms and neck where you might have applied fragrance. Cleanse with plain water before applying tanning lotion. Keeping your skin in a "bare" state ensures an even, radiant result.
3. Mistake #3: Washing Your Face Right After Tanning? You've Ruined Your Color Development
This was the most painful lesson. After my first session, I was in a hurry to get back to a meeting, so I rushed straight from the tanning bed to the restroom and washed my face with cleanser. The next day, my face was noticeably lighter than the rest of my body, and the color looked muddy and superficial.
SUNBUDDY's pros told me: For about 2-4 hours after tanning, your skin's melanin continues to activate and settle. Washing with cleanser or body wash during this window literally washes away the freshly awakened pigment. The correct approach: Avoid water for at least 4-6 hours post-tanning. Just get dressed and leave. When you get home, rinse with plain water only—no chemical cleansers. The Bao'an Central store is right next to a Tims Coffee, so I usually grab a coffee in the lounge area and scroll through my phone until the color development period passes.
SUNBUDDY Bao'an Central Store Tips:
- Location: 3F-307, Zone A, Lijing International, Chuangye 1st Road (elevator next to Bank of China). Just a few minutes' walk from the metro—perfect for after-work visits.
- Recommended Equipment: Beginners should start with the Ultrasun Collagen Boost Bed for a gentle experience. Advanced users can go straight to the Smart Gold Diamond Pro Bed for maximum results in 15 minutes.
- Booking: Reserve your slot via the "SUNBUDDY" mini-program in advance, especially during peak after-work hours to avoid waiting.
Ready to start your tanning journey from Bao'an? Remember these three rules: Cleanse thoroughly, skip the fragrance, and don't wash too soon. You'll be the office's next proud owner of a gorgeous, sun-kissed glow.
