After sun exposure, your skin begins to produce melanin, which is responsible for the tan. This process can take up to 48 hours to fully develop. So, don't be discouraged if you don't see immediate results. Once your tan has developed, it will be at its peak for about two weeks.
The real sunless process, however, takes up to 8 hours to develop, so while you will leave the tanning place with some color, the real color will develop darker as the day goes on, peaking at around 24 hours. It will develop with time and will settle in as the exact shade.
These fluorescent lamps range anywhere from 100-watt bulbs to 140-watt bulbs. Because of their power – and the fact that they simulate UVA rays vs. UVB rays – they can actually penetrate the skin on a deeper level than the sun. This is why ten minutes in a tanning bed equates to about two hours of direct sun exposure.
Either way, with the appropriate level of sun protection, you can usually see yourself begin to tan in 1 to 2 hours in moderate sun and acquire a noticeable summery glow across several days of exposure.
Is 30 minutes a day enough to tan? It depends on your skin type. Those with fair skin likely need a bit longer, while people with darker skin may only require 15-20 minutes daily. Start slow and gently build UV skin tolerance over multiple sessions for the best color development.
A rapid tan is a type of spray tan that accelerates the development process compared to traditional formulas. Unlike standard spray tans that can take 8 to 12 hours to fully develop, rapid tans allow you to rinse off after as little as 1 to 6 hours, depending on the shade you're aiming for.
Indoor tanning speeds up skin aging
Indoor tanning is known to cause wrinkles, brown spots and thick leathery skin. Indoor tanning ages your skin 3 times faster than sunlight: indoor tanning can emit up to 15 times more UV radiation than sunlight.
It doesn't. The bulbs used in tanning beds emit mostly UVA light; however, your body needs UVB light to make vitamin D. To get vitamin D safely, board-certified dermatologists recommend that healthy adults get vitamin D from their diet.
Papaya: Like carrots, orange fruits and vegetables, such as papaya, help to enhance your tan naturally thanks to its high beta-carotene levels. Melon: This refreshing fruit, rich in antioxidants and beta-carotenes will help you to keep your golden skin tone.
Today, having a tan is associated with people that have an active, outdoor lifestyle. A tan therefore makes people look healthier and fit. Pale skin is often associated with sickness (e.g. anaemia) which is another, indirect reason why a tan makes people seem healthier.
Why won't my tan go away? When the cells become damaged with pigment, discoloration that doesn't fade occurs, leading to a tan that doesn't fade. In fact, it tends to stay dark unless you choose to have this hyperpigmentation treated professionally.
You don't necessarily tan faster in water or laying out. This is because water reflects UV rays, so you may not be getting as much exposure as you think if you're actually in the pool.
Your Sunscreen Doesn't Have Enough UVA Protection
However, it's the UVA rays that cause tanning. In North America, look for the words “Broad Spectrum” as an indication that the sun filters used in the formulation protect from both UVB and UVA rays.
Please note: the tan will continue to develop even after the shower, so do not be alarmed if you're not as tanned as you expect to be. The tan will continue to develop over the next 12-24 hours.
The Bottom Line: Evidence suggests that tanning greatly increases your risk of developing skin cancer. And, contrary to popular belief, getting a tan will not protect your skin from sunburn or other skin damage.
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.
The sun is another major contributor to skin aging. The sun emits ultraviolet (UV) light, which can damage skin cells. In the short term, the damage can cause a sunburn. Over time, however, UV damage adds up, leading to changes in skin texture, premature skin aging, wrinkles, and sometimes skin cancer.
Avoid using harsh or fragranced products immediately after tanning, as they may further irritate the skin.
After sun exposure, your skin begins to produce melanin, which is responsible for the tan. This process can take up to 48 hours to fully develop. So, don't be discouraged if you don't see immediate results. Once your tan has developed, it will be at its peak for about two weeks.
After tanning, you will produce a little bit of sweat, but that's it. There is no reason to shower right away because water does not affect the tan. This is another myth that has been around for ages. The truth is, showering right after getting a tan will not cause staining of your skin.
Yes, if you have fair to light skin.
If you have light skin or very light skin, 10 to 30 minutes in the sun is a perfect amount of time for a tan. Much longer than that, and you could start to develop a sunburn.