AbstractPurposeDespite the established causal links to skin cancer, skin ageing and eye inflammation, people continue to use indoor tanning devices (hereafter ‘sunbeds’). Understanding the reasons underlying the use of sunbeds is essential for developing effective interventions. The purpose of this study was to collate all existing evidence from qualitative papers published to date that had assessed motivations for using sunbeds.MethodsSix databases were searched from inception to February 2020 for qualitative studies that explored adults' experiences of using sunbeds. Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria, and a narrative evidence synthesis was used to collate findings from each primary study.ResultsUsers of sunbeds were motivated primarily by aesthetic concerns but also by perceived psychological benefits (well‐being, confidence and ‘fitting in’) and physical benefits (improvement in skin conditions such as acne, acquiring vitamin D and preventing sunburn). People also chose indoor tanning over alternatives such as fake tans because they considered the alternatives unacceptable and did not consider indoor tanning a serious health risk. To date, no studies have explored alternatives to meeting non‐aesthetic needs related to the use of sunbeds.ConclusionsThis comprehensive explanation for the practice of indoor tanning provides the basis for development of complex interventions to reduce the harm caused by using sunbeds. Effective interventions should include promotion of alternatives, such as different methods of relaxing, to satisfy underlying motivations, changing social norms and correcting misperceptions about health benefits.