How long does it take to tan

INTRODUCTION

How long does it take to tan? Skin tanning is a natural phenomenon that can happen to anyone and everyone irrespective of skin color or gender.

However, it is believed that people who have a slightly dusky skin tone get tanned easily because of the melanin production in their skin. On the other hand, people who have a slightly fair skin tone do not get tanned very quickly.

As we all know that sun’s rays are important for the body as it gives us the required vitamin D. But do you know that the harmful rays of the sun can also affect your skin negatively?

Apart from providing vitamin D the harsh UV rays of the sun also damage the skin which can result in skin tanning allergies, rashes, acne, etc. This is why a strong emphasis has been laid on applying SPF to your skin before sun exposure.

We will be understanding the science behind skin tan, how to reduce it and how long it takes to tan safely in the sun, in this article.

Table of Contents

What is Tanning?

Tanning is your body’s attempt to protect itself from the harmful UV rays of the sun. Pigmentation is seen in your skin due to tanning. During this, melanin increases, due to which your skin becomes black or dark brown.

What happens is that your skin produces melanin to help absorb UV rays. The more sunlight that falls on the skin, the more your skin produces melanin and your complexion becomes darker. People with dark skin often say that they get tan easily. Tanning is the body’s natural protection against photodamage, which is created by UV radiation.

What is melanin?

Melanin is a natural pigment produced by our body and gives us the color of our skin. Melanin gives the body its natural SPF (which you also see on sunscreen), which is why it is used as a body protection shield.

Causes of Tanning

The biggest reason for tanning is sunlight. Actually, the UV rays coming from the sun damage the skin. Apart from this, aging, not using sunscreen, going out in the sun, and not using goggles and caps also cause sun tanning.

Damage to the skin due to tanning – Effects of tanning on skin

Sun exposure in many people causes immediate tanning. Due to this, the skin becomes black, and many people suffer from acne issues and seasonal pimples.

Other damages it may cause include-

Premature aging appears on the skin.
Tanning can trigger hyperpigmentation.
This can lead to fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging on your skin.
This can also make the skin drier.
Tanning increases your risk of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

How does it take to get a tan safely?

Many people think that being under the sun for a few minutes might not tan their skin. However, that is a misconception if your body is exposed to the sun’s rays for an average of 15 minutes to 1 hour on a sunny hot day depending upon your skin tone it might get tanned. This is why it is recommended to apply for UVA protection above your moisturizer.

If the sun is too hot, avoid being outside for more than 30 minutes to avoid tanning. Otherwise, it is recommended to cover your skin by wearing full-sleeve clothes and reapply your sunblock after 5 hours.

People with dark skin tones take an average of 20 minutes to 1 hour. However, in the case of fair skin shades 1 hour on average takes to get a tan.

Now if you think being under the sun is a sin then you are wrong. Although it does affect your skin, it has positive implications too.

In order to get the maximum vitamin D in your body it is highly recommended to get sunlight in but early morning for 20 to 30 minutes daily so that the body absorbs the good sunlight and gets enough vitamin D.

However, if you stay under the sun on a hot day during the afternoon then, in that case, the scorching heat of the sun may damage your skin and vice versa.

Can you still get tanned after applying SPF‽

Even after applying sunscreen, there is no surety that you won’t get that. Although SPF will protect your skin from harmful rays, it depends upon the composition of the SPF you are applying.

You can indeed enjoy being under the Sun if you are applying a good SPF. But if you are there for a really long time and you don’t apply your sunblock then your skin might get damaged as till then the effect of the sunscreen will start degrading.

How long does it take to get a tan from a tanning bed?

If you are fond of being under the sun, especially near beach areas then tanning beds are your ultimate go-to option. These beds are not only appropriate during winter but also it is a good choice if you are under the sun.

The time taken to get a tan from a tanning bed depends upon various considerations and the quality of the tanning bed you are using.

The maximum time you can lie down on a tanning bed is around 10 to 20 minutes per session and one session per week is indicated.

Tanning depends upon skin tone and genetics but generally for pale skin 10 minutes is enough for getting a tan, and you will get the perfect and after the second or third session depending upon your skin tone.

Very few people know the fact that there is another interesting fact about tanning beds they contain higher levels and lower levels.

Higher levels usually use standing lamps with UVA bulbs to get a faster brownish stone that protects your skin from burns yet provides the best results for a longer duration.

One thing to keep in mind is you must carry a good combination of maximizer tanning lotions and sprays for long-lasting and better effects.

What are the tips to speed up the tanning process using tanning beds?

As we discussed above tanning lotions speed up the tanning process and protect your skin against the effects of the tanning bed lights.

It is indicated to apply 5 minutes prior to entering the tanning session. However, the right kind of tanning lotion should be chosen according to your skin type.

For example, in the case of pale skin, you must not opt for high-level tanning lotions as they can give you extreme and unnatural looks. Usually, salon experts check your skin and suggest you the best cream accordingly.

Tips to prepare yourself for a tanning bed session?

If you want to improve your results from a tanning bed session you must know how to prepare yourself for a tanning bed session.

To get ultimate results you must focus on exfoliating your dead skin cells as they are harder to get brown and then start with the further process.

The best time for exfoliation is the night before your training session. Also, you must try removing all your skin hair so that the cream and lotion to apply later on is observed in your body in the best possible way.

How does a spray tan work?

Spray tans are used to get an instant tan on your skin. You can try express sprays that take three to four hours to set on your skin and show final results.

On average spray tan tends to last up to 10 days depending upon the darkness you are aiming for. lighter spray tans last 5 to 6 days, medium shades last 7 to 8 days and darker ones last up to 10 days.

However, if you are planning to use a spray tan, you must take care of a few things. You must prepare your skin before tanning and pay extra attention like removing dead skin cells as they might block the action of the tanning process.

Try removing your body hair and avoid taking hot showers before the session. Also, you must avoid using any deodorants before the session as they may cause adverse effects on your body.

Tips to follow after spray tanning-

Use baby shower
Wear breathable clothes and undergarments and avoid wearing tight clothes
Avoid using oil-based products
Moisture your skin well and avoid creams that contain chemicals and dry alcohol

How do self-tanners work?

Self-tanners exist and many people are still unaware of them. Although traditional self-tanners can be quite harmful to the skin they can result in aging and cause skin problems.

If we talk about the time it takes to affect your skin then it depends upon the type of product you choose and the instructions indicated on the same. On average it takes 6 to 10 hours to see the best results but still, it is recommended to try alternatives to self-tanners.

Alternatives for self-tanners –

The best alternative in replacement of traditional self-tanners can be to wash off bronzes that are nothing but tinted body luminizer that give you instant delivery tan until your next wash.

This instant tanning effect will go away when you take the next shower but still, they are very convenient, efficient, and smell better. However, the duration and quality of these hours might differ from brand to brand.

How can tanning be reversed?

As is often said, prevention is far better than cure. While reading about skincare all over the internet and social media. It is often suggested that before stepping out of the house, always apply sunscreen on the skin.

A sunscreen with SPF30 is usually considered to be very good but your dermatologist may also recommend sunscreen with an SPF of higher composition depending on your skin type.

Other ways to prevent skin tanning-

Take proper care of the skin –

Make sure to follow a good skin care morning as well as night routine that consists of all the products that suit your skin and help to brighten up the skin as well as remove the tan.

Skincare products that have ayurvedic ingredients like turmeric, sandalwood, etc are excellent for removing tan from the skin.

Avoid strong sunlight –

Avoid scheduling outdoor activities between 10 am to 4 pm to prevent tanning. Because during this time the UV rays of the sun are the fastest.

Avoid being around surfaces such as snow, water, sand, and concrete close to the equator, especially during the spring and summer months, especially at high altitudes.

Wear full clothes –

Wearing full clothes can protect you from the effects of UV rays. Also, for this, you wear light-colored clothes. Do not wear bright or dark-colored clothes.

They have a high ultraviolet protection factor (UPF). So wear light clothes that are densely woven. So wear clothes with long sleeves. As for shirts, a collared shirt can also help protect your neck from tanning.

Use the right kind of sunblock-

Use some kind of SPF (sunscreen to be specific )every day to avoid sun damage and tanning. Choose a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.

If you have fair skin, you should consider choosing an SPF of 50 or above. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside and then apply sunscreen every 2 hours.

Also, be careful to apply sunscreen all over your body, especially in the most neglected areas like the ears, back of the neck, lips, hairline, and above the feet.

Wear a Hat and Goggles

Wear a wide-brimmed hat that protects the face, neck, and ears as well as the hair from sunlight. Use an umbrella when you are outside. Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 every day.

Home Remedies to remove skin tan-

Multiple DIY home remedies can help in removing skin tan easily and is the best option for people who don’t like spending much.

So here are some budget-friendly home remedies that can help you remove your skin tan –

Exfoliate the skin with a scrub.
Use aloe vera.
Use turmeric as it is antiseptic
Take the help of some face masks.
Use Vitamin C and Glycolic Acid.
Use retinoids like retinol etc.
Use lemon and honey.
Use coconut milk and oats.
Use apple cider vinegar.
Use Yogurt and Orange Peel.
Use mild toners post your face wash
You can try the very famous sandalwood paste

Although these home remedies are totally natural and organic still if you have sensitive skin or you belong to the acne-prone skin type you must do a patch test before.

Also if you suffer from any skin allergy or disease do not try remedies that contain strong ingredients such as lemon, vinegar, etc.

To reduce tanning, you can use substances that slow down melanin production. Apart from this, try to take any treatment under the supervision of a dermatologist if there is irritation or swelling in the face.

How long does it take to get a tan safely?

Bonus tips –

Hydrating your skin well –

Hydration is extremely important not just for the internal body but for your skin as well. Try drinking at least 2.5 – 3 liters of water every day.

You can also include fresh juices and a liquid diet that will help your body to stay hydrated for a longer time before you go out for sunbathing exposure. You can also try cool showers.

Exfoliation –

We have already discussed the importance of exfoliation and how dead skin can make your skin look dull and dry. Before you opt for a sunbathing session.

It is recommended to gently exfoliate your skin around 2-3 days before. You can do this exfoliation process through body scrubs, loofah, or soaps and this will eventually help your tan to stay longer.

Use sodium PCA-based moisturizer –

Using sodium PCA-based moisturizer is not only highly nourishing for the skin but also prevents your skin from extreme dryness and Dullness.

They are extremely hydrating and make your skin look fluffy and healthier.

Don’t forget the lip balm –

Your entire skincare routine is incomplete if you are not using a good lip balm or a lip gloss. People think that UV protection is only important for the skin.

However, it is a misconception. Using lip balms not only moisturizes your lips but also of them includes UV protection. If you use lip balms prior to sunbathing it will protect your lips and make them softer.

Conclusion and extra advice-

We have already covered all the tips and tricks to get a tan safely and also how to remove tanning through various methods and home remedies. Needless to say, tanning is completely different from sun exposure. So if you think that getting yourself tanned is not good then don’t worry it is absolutely the right thing.

But you just need to make sure you are doing it the right way. If you take all the necessary precautions and be sure then it will not harm your skin in any way.

Beauty