Summer is finally here! It’s time to relax outdoors, soaking up that sunshine for a lovely seasonal tan. However, a natural tan takes hours to set outdoors in the sweltering heat.
If you can’t spend the time getting a natural tan, tanning beds are a quick and indoor solution to getting that golden, sun-kissed look, minus the time outdoors.
Some of your questions might include how to prepare when using a tanning bed, what kind of eye protection you’ll need, and other tanning tips.
Don’t worry! Read on to learn more on how to use tanning beds!
How Do Tanning Beds Work?
Indoor tanning beds emit a controlled amount of ultraviolet or UV rays, which mimic the sun’s natural rays of sunshine. These rays are what cause the tan color in the skin.
When stimulated with ultraviolet light, the epidermis reacts and, in defense, starts mass-producing melanin to counteract the rays. It makes your skin darker and more tan.
When you lie under a tanning bed, the lamps emit UV light to stimulate the epidermis to produce melanin, a dark pigmentation on the skin.
The longer the exposure to the tanning bed’s UV rays, the more melanin produced and the darker one’s tan would become.
Essential Things to Remember Before, During, and After Using a Tanning Bed
A tanning bed may seem like a daunting piece of modern technology; a small mistake would result in consequences.
We’re here to help you understand how to keep safe before, during, and after using a tanning bed.
What to Do Before Your Tanning Session
Before your first session or a session after a hiatus, it is crucial to prepare your skin, so it doesn’t become overwhelmed from the UV exposure. Here are some tips to help:
- Know Your Skin Type
Before using a tanning bed, you must know which skin type you belong to. This is so the UV intensity can be adjusted to suit your needs.
Tanning salon professionals can help you determine your skin type. Skin types range from Type 1, very light skin, to Type 5, very dark skin.
Your skin type will help you determine how long your tanning bed session will be and how frequently you must tan to maintain that sun-kissed look.
- Check With Your Dermatologist About Safety
It’s crucial to discuss your safety regarding tanning bed treatments with your dermatologist if you have any preexisting skin disorders or sensitive skin.
Additionally, some drugs and medical procedures could increase your skin’s sensitivity to UV rays. Ask your doctor if it’s safe before going to a tanning salon.
- Exfoliate and Shave Your Skin Beforehand
To prepare for your tanning session,make sure to shower and exfoliate the day before. Exfoliating your entire body can assist in providing a more even, long-lasting tan.
However, a good scrub with a loofah should work if you are short on time to complete a thorough exfoliation.
Shaving your body hair one to two days before your visit is also advised to get the most out of your tanning session.
- Moisturize Your Body Thoroughly
Apply a moisturizer over your entire body after exfoliating or washing with a loofah to avoid coming to your session with dry, flaky skin.
Ensure your lotion isn’t oil-based, as it can interfere with the spray tan you’ll be applying shortly before your session.
What to Do During Your Tanning Session
Now that your body is prepared and ready to get tan, it’s time for your tanning session! Here are a few tips to keep in mind while in the tanning bed:
- Protect Your Eyes, Lips, and Private Bits
The most sensitive parts when tanning are the eyes and lips. Depending on if you will be tanning nude, your private parts will be vulnerable as well.
When tanning, always wear protective goggles, no matter what. The ultraviolet (UV) rays emitted by indoor tanning beds are incredibly harmful to your eyes.
Only specially made tanning goggles will protect your eyes; do not close your eyes or wear regular sunglasses or wear different goggles inside a tanning bed.
UV rays are also more reactive to your lips. Apply an SPF lip balm before entering; it might be the difference between healthy lips and cracked lips.
Tanning bed customers can tan in a swimsuit, undergarments, or go commando. If you go naked, you should cover the areas that wouldn’t be exposed to the sun.
- Use a High-Quality Tanning Lotion
Tanning lotion is essential for getting the most out of your tanning session and extending the duration of your tan.
A tan lotion application can achieve stunning results in as little as six hours. Because it can last for a week, it’s the ideal supplement for a rapid boost of color.
Administer the tanning solution to all regions in a circular pattern. The best way to extend the duration of your tan is to use the correct skin care products.
The tanning lotion contains bronzers and intensifiers explicitly designed for indoor tanning.
CAUTION: It should be noted that lotions not designed for indoor tanning might damage the tanning beds and may be harmful to the skin when exposed to UV.
- Don’t Rush or Stay for Too Long.
Though it may appear that the longer you spend in a tanning bed, the more tanned you will become, you also risk damaging your skin if you stay on for too long.
Your initial tanning treatment should last between 5 and 7 minutes. Even during later sessions, those with sensitive skin may spend the same amount of time.
Individuals having darker complexions can add a minute to each session until they achieve the desired amount of time on the tanning bed.
REMEMBER: Listen to your body. Pay attention to how you feel when tanning. Leave the tanning bed if your skin becomes hot, itchy, or uncomfortable.
What to Do After Your Tanning Session
Your skin may feel sore after lying in a tanning bed. Here are a few tips for maintaining your healthy skin and your new beautiful tan:
- Rest and Recuperate
Because the tanning process does not stop when you exit the tanning bed, your skin requires time to build pigmentation appropriately.
As recommended by the FDA, a 24-hour recovery interval between treatments will allow you to get the most out of your pigment and health care.
- Use a Quality Tanning Extender
One of the best ways for long-lasting results is to use a tanning extender. You can use one after your session to keep your beautiful look for weeks after.
However, the best approach to retain your sun-kissed look is to return to the tanning salon for regular sessions.
- Schedule Your Next Appointment
Depending on your skin tone, you can take at most three weekly tanning sessions to keep your optimum hue.
Schedule Your Next Tanning Session Today!
Now that you know how to take care of your beautiful skin when using a tanning bed, why not schedule your next appointment and show off your gorgeous tan?
Always remember not to overdo it. Overexposure to UV rays can be harmful regardless of whether they come from the sun or an indoor tanning bed.
Remember that your skin’s health will always outweigh your outer beauty. Listen to your body, especially when tanning.
Leave a Reply