*This post may contain affiliate links. please look at minedisclosureLearn more.
Some people prefer the tan they get from the sun and are convinced that a natural tan beats an everyday self-tanner. Tanning beds offer a quick and easy way to get a natural tan without leaving home.
Remember that tanning beds emit the same UVA and UVB rays as the sun and therefore can damage your skin just as much as the sun does.
If you decide to tan in a solarium, how do you do it safely?Take precautions before, during and after your tanning session. Shower, exfoliate and moisturize your skin before tanning, use a tanning accelerator suitable for your skin in the solarium and do not tan more than once in 24 hours.
While you can never completely protect your skin from damage when using a tanning bed, there are ways to lessen the harmful effects and leave your skin nourished and glowing rather than dry and red.
How to safely tan in a solarium
If you have been using a tanning bed for some time, or are planning to start developing a tan in a tanning bed, these tips are very important to ensure your skin stays as healthy and protected as possible.
What to do before tanning
You can't just come tanning unprepared.
You should start preparing your skin in the days leading up to the tanning session to ensure that your skin is ready for a safe tan and that you can keep your tan longer too.
- It's always a good idea to shower, exfoliate, and shave a day or two before your tanning session.Exfoliating the skin helps remove any excess dead skin cells and if not removed it can cause flaking which would remove the tan anyway.
- Shaving beforehand is a good ideabecause if you shave after tanning, it can take away your new tan.
- After peeling, showering and shavingYou should apply an oil-free moisturizer for extra moisture.
- Check your medications before tanning on a tanning bed.Some prescription medications can make skin sensitive to UV rays, leading to sunburn instead of tanning.
- Apply SPF lip balm to your lips right before tanning.Many people forget to protect their lips and end up with a nice tan but dry and chapped lips.
- Before you leave the roomRemove all makeup, jewelry, and do not use essential oils or heavy perfumes.This can act as a barrier to an even tan on your skin.
What to do during the tanning session?
When your skin is perfectly primed for the tanning bed, there are a few more things to keep in mind to tan safely.
- Once in the privacy of the solarium, undress as far as you are comfortable. The less clothing you wear, the more tan you will get. Although,If you choose to sunbathe nude, be sure to protect areas not typically exposed to the sun.
- You need to apply tanning lotion to your skin.These help your skin tan safely, contain moisturizing ingredients that prevent your skin from drying out, and help your skin turn golden brown instead of red. Apply the tanning lotion all over the body in circular motions.
- Do not get into a tanning bed unless you have eye protection.Your eyes will be damaged if you use a tanning bed where your eyes are not covered. Most salons rent eye protection, or you can buy your own, which is more hygienic and you can take it with you to any appointment you wish.
- Do not tan more than is recommended for your skin type.
What to do after the solarium?
The work is not done yet. You may have prepared your skin well and made sure it stays safe in the solarium, but you still need to put in some effort after the tanning session to keep your skin protected, hydrated and glowing and to allow your tan to stay put. . longer before disappearing.
- Don't even think about going back to the tanning salon the day after your tanning session.Most tanning salons loudly reject them24 hour tanning policy.The tanning process does not stop when you leave the solarium and your skin needs more time to develop color and recover from UV radiation. You should wait at least 24 hours before your next tanning session, but wait 36-48 hours to be safe.
- Use a good tan extender to ensure long lasting results., keeps skin hydrated and glowing, allowing tan to show through.
- Maintain your tan by tanning 1-3 times a week.Most tanning salons will sit with you to develop a personalized tanning plan and tailor tanning sessions to your skin tone and tanning preferences.
- Keep your skin hydrated, use a tan extender and a good moisturizing lotion daily. It's best to do this after a bath or shower to lock in extra moisture.
Safety facts about tanning
AccordinglyAmerican Academy of Dermatology:
Tanning beds are no safer than the sun.The notion that tanning in a tanning bed is safer than tanning in the sun is wrong. Your skin continues to be exposed to UV rays, which can cause permanent damage and increase your risk of skin cancer. For this reason, the FDA requires warning labels to be placed on all tanning beds.
Solariums cause your skin to age faster.Anyone who tans frequently in the sun or in the solarium has faster aging skin. Wrinkles, age spots and loss of firmness make the skin appear older than it is, and this is often irreversible.
A basic tan does not prevent sunburn.A shorter stay in the solarium is recommended for a basic tan, but this does not mean that you will not get sunburned. A base tan is something that a deeper color builds upon, it does not protect your skin from damage during longer tanning sessions.
Tanning beds do not provide enough vitamin D.Tanning beds cannot absorb the recommended dose of vitamin D, they mainly emit UVA rays, but your body needs more UVB rays to produce vitamin D. To compensate for this, you need to eat healthy.
Tanning can become addictive.Many people don't realize that some people are addicted to tanning. Without a constant dose of UV rays, some people can feel depressed or restless.
Tanning beds don't help hide stretch marks.Tanning on a tanning bed can make stretch marks more visible.To hide stretch marks, you should use a self-tanner.
A safer tanning option: self-tanner
Considering the damage tanning beds can do to your skin, you might want to look into an alternative option.The best solution to give your skin a beautiful tan while protecting it from damage is to applya self-tannerI marry
Self-tanning lotions are available at most drug stores or can be purchased online. Choose a self-tanner with added moisturizing ingredients and use extra lotions daily, as self-tanners can sometimes dry out your skin.
Aside from drying out your skin, self-tanners are a much safer option for getting a beautiful tan without the damage caused by UV rays.
related questions
How long should I tan for my first session?
You should start your tanning program slowly to avoid sunburn. This is especially important for people with lighter skin tones.During the first few sessions, spend only 10 to 15 minutes in the solarium.
After doing this a couple of times, you can add 15-20 minutes to the session time. This allows for a safe exposure time, but you can still develop a dark tan over time.
Why should I use a tanning lotion?
You should only use a tanning lotion that is specifically designed for tanning beds. These contain ingredients that help achieve maximum tanning results by accelerating skin darkening.
Tanning lotions also contain ingredients that help replenish important minerals, moisture, and nutrients lost during a tanning session.Many contain antioxidants that protect skin from damage and promote firmness and aging. A tanning lotion will help you tan faster in less time.
Why do I have to wear eye protection in the solarium?
Closing the eyelids does not provide sufficient protection in the solarium,ThenYou must wear eye protectionto avoid further eye damage.
Your eyelids are very thin to prevent ultraviolet light from reaching your eyes and damaging them.
Safety in the solarium: conclusion
If you want to use a solarium, you need to practice safe tanning. Prepare your skin in the days leading up to your tanning session and be sure to use a tanning lotion to revitalize and fully nourish your skin.
Don't spend more time in the tanning bed than is necessary, and make sure your skin is moisturized in the days and weeks after using the tanning bed.
Kate
I have loved tanning since I was little. Over time, I realized that if I wanted to maintain a beautiful tan and not damage my skin, I had to learn how to use self-tanner. This blog is a place to share everything I've learned! Curious what my absolute favorite self tanner is?Find out here.