Indoor Tan Blog

The beauty industry is all about the next new big thing. First it was the invention of makeup. Then came cosmetic surgery. And these days more are into tanning. Previously people had to depend on the good old sun for a tan. But not anymore. Thanks to science and technology you can get a tan by going to a tanning salon.

The tanning salons have tanning beds. All you have to do is lie on the tanning bed or stand and you get a cosmetic tan in a very short time.

The tanned skin may add the exotic beauty to your look, but the question is, are they safe? Many people complain that they have rashes and other skin irritation after having a cosmetic tan. That is not something unusual. Many times the skin can react to the tanning bed. Now I know all the salons and the companies that sell tanning beds will promise you zero side effect, but unfortunately that is not true. Both the sun as well and the tanning beds are equally dangerous and harmful. In most cases you might end up having a heat rash.

So what are heat rashes? They are red patches or bumps on the skin. This occurs due to cosmetic tanning. People might argue that your skin is too sensitive to undergo such a process, but the truth is, there is more than one reason behind heat rash due to using a tanning bed.

The first reason is, you could be allergic to the tanning bed, or the UV ray to be more specific. In this case it is better to wait and see if the condition improves or not.

Another common reason to have the heat rash is if the machine becomes too hot. If the machine is too hot then you will sweat more. If you are opting for a cosmetic tan then make sure that the salon has a good fan attached to the machine that will prevent the machine from getting too hot.

Tanning involves heat. This means there is a big chance of the skin becoming dry. Make sure you use a good moisturizing cream or lotion to keep the skin well hydrated.

Last but not the least; you need to know your skin type before you opt for a tan. If you have sensitive skin, then cosmetic tanning is a big no because then you might have more than just a heat rash.

To obtain maximum benefits from indoor tanning, it is necessary to know the steps to retain the effects of the process. One important consideration is the optimum time lag that should be maintained between tanning session and the subsequent shower. Contrary to the popular view of not taking a shower for several hours after tanning, the fact is, a shower is necessary. It helps your skin get rid of excess tanning triggers, such as oils, dirt, salts, or perspiration. Make sure to use herbal, moisturizing, or other mild soaps or body wash, which are free of any harsh chemicals, parabens, or dehydrating agents. Also, keep the temperature of water at ‘normal’ or lukewarm. Shower at high temperatures reduces tanning effect and can damage your skin through excess dehydration. Indoor tanning fundamentally makes use of three elements, tanning bed, tanning spray, or cream base products, which, in turn, influence the said time gap. Following is a guide to your aid:

• Tanning Bed
It is now established that the process of tanning continues for one to two hours after leaving the tanning bed. Therefore, you must wait for minimum three hours after tanning session to get the desired results. However, this is truer in the case of Bronzers, as an immediate shower can wash them off before producing the desired results. In all cases, remember to use a good moisturizer immediately after tanning, as this procedure leaves your skin dehydrated and dull.

• Tanning Spray
On similar line as in case of tanning bed, it is advisable to take a shower after three or four hours. In addition, since the tanning spray is an externally used substance, use a mild, preferably herbal body cleanser and avoid the use of bathing sponge or other scrubbing agents. Scrubbing or exfoliating can remove the upper most layer of tanned epidermal layer, reducing the tanned appearance of your skin.

• Tanning cream or lotion
Cream or lotion based products require that you take a shower before the session mandatorily. However, post-session do not get into the bath, until the lapse of four hours. Use mild toiletries and avoid using scrubs or rough towels.

In case you chose to tan your skin the natural way, i.e. sun tanning, take a shower immediately after exposure to sun. Sun tanning brings with it a lot of heat and perspiration. Human sweat contains salts, which when mixed with tanning lotions become dirt. To remove this dirt, an immediate shower is recommended more so, as the removal of traces of the lotion do not affect the tanning results in this case. Nevertheless, in the case of sun tanning also, you should take a gentle shower at normal temperature.