But with regular visits to a tanning bed, you can keep this sun-kissed glow all year round, even in the depths of winter. Provides some relaxation: For many, tanning beds are a chance for relaxation and self-care, both of which are more valuable than ever when you're feeling the drag of cold weather.
It is possible to build up, and maintain, a beautiful sun tan during your winter holiday. Take an evening out for a real pampering session and give your skin a refreshing exfoliation treatment before you start your tanning process.
Sun damage is still a risk during colder months
Ultraviolet (UV) levels (the amount of damaging rays from the sun) are lower in the winter because the earth tilts away from the sun. However, temperature and UV levels are less connected than you might think.
The Benefits of using Sunbeds during colder months
Exposure to UV light can also aid in a healthy sleep cycle. Boosts Immune System – UV Light reduces your chances of getting the cold & flu and can prevent several types of autoimmune diseases.
If you are returning from a holiday in the sun to a colder environment with little sun, you may notice that your tan will fade even faster. This is because, as the tanned skin cells are shed, the production of melanin (which causes a tan) decreases due to the lack of UV radiation from the sun.
UV radiation is generally highest between 10 AM and 3 PM, during the summer, on a cloudless day. Some countries broadcast a UV index for each day on the weather report. However, this does not mean that a scorching hot sunny day is the best day to get a tan.
During winter your skin may get a lighter skin tone due to less sun exposure, decreased melanin production, less sun-damage and humidity. And that's why you may need to change your Foundation shade!
Ten minutes in a sunbed can be roughly equivalent to 1-2 hours in natural sunlight, depending on factors like sunbed intensity and skin type. However, this varies widely based on geographical location, time of day, and weather conditions. Always adhere to recommended exposure times to minimise skin damage risks.
This happens because “Each of us produces a different quantity and quality of melanin. Melanin is a pigment produced by our cells found in the basal layer of the skin,” explains Dr Puig. The cells that produce melanin are called melanocytes.
“In the right winter weather conditions, you can sustain sun damage just as easily as during the summer.” UVB rays, the main cause of sunburn, are the strongest in the summer. However, UVB rays can burn and damage your skin year-round, especially at high altitudes and on reflective surfaces such as snow or ice.
SEASONS affect UV radiation, which peaks in spring and summer (April to August), declines in fall, and is lowest in winter. TIME OF DAY affects UV radiation, which peaks at midday (with the sun highest in the sky), and lessens in the early morning and late afternoon.
You can get a tan at any temperature. People out in the sun at the South Pole at -20°C can get a tan, even a sunburn. Temperature hasn't anything to do with tanning. Instead it is all about the exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light of the proper wavelengths.
Sunless tanning products can give your skin a tanned look without exposing you to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Most sunless tanning products contain Dihydroxyacetone which reacts with dead cells on the skin's surface to temporarily darken the skin and give the illusion of a tan.
Currently, no safe or proven method exists to increase melanin – the pigment, or color, in a person's skin, hair, and eyes. A person's genetics determine their natural melanin levels and skin color. In general, people who have darker skin tones have more melanin than those with lighter skin tones.
It is a myth that the winter sun cannot tan our skin. We've heard a lot of theories about the sun not being strong enough in winter. Is it harder to tan in the winter? The truth is, even on the cloudiest days, UV radiation can still reach our skin.
Getting enough vitamin D from tanning beds isn't possible.
You may have heard that your body makes a lot of vitamin D when you use a tanning bed. It doesn't. The bulbs used in tanning beds emit mostly UVA light; however, your body needs UVB light to make vitamin D.
Yoghurt and Gram Flour
For effective tan removal at home, add Yoghurt to a spoonful of Gram Flour and combine them to form a thick paste. Apply the mixture all over your body and leave it on for 20 minutes before hopping into the shower.
Recommended Frequency of Tanning Bed Use
Each session should be brief, around 3-10 minutes, depending on your skin type. After the initial week, if your skin is responding well (no burns or excessive redness), you can gradually increase your sessions to three to four times per week.
Avoid using harsh or fragranced products immediately after tanning, as they may further irritate the skin.
It's all about moisture. Because winter's cold air contains less of it, your skin has to work harder to maintain its elasticity. Without proper care, skin can become dry and itchy, and in some cases, even crack and bleed. Dry skin also makes fine lines and wrinkles more noticeable.
If you've been wondering, "Why is my skin becoming darker?" without obvious sun exposure, it's essential to understand that several factors could be at play. Your skin can react to many triggers, both internal and external. These include hormonal changes, medications, ageing, and stress.