It might seem counter-intuitive, but exfoliation is a great way to keep tanned skin from fading. After a vacation, your skin will be particularly dehydrated, and dead, dry cells will have accumulated on the surface. This will make your tan look duller and less glowy.
Wait Before Tanning: Give your skin some time to rest after exfoliating (about 24 hours) before applying tanning products for the best results. Exfoliating after tanning is generally not recommended, as it can strip away the tan and lead to uneven fading.
It's never a good idea to expose already damaged skin to more sun. So, protect your skin from further sun exposure, because after sunbathing your skin can be sensitive, some even develop sun allergies. To prevent further skin irritation, you should also avoid shaving or waxing after sunbathing.
Aesthetically, exfoliation is an important step before exposure to the sun. It allows the skin to shed dead cells that accumulate and can prevent a uniform tanning.
If you're running short on time (4-6 hours before your tan), you can simply hop in the shower and gently exfoliate using some body buff gloves. Don't moisturize this time because you want your skin fresh and polished for your spray tan. Also, avoid exfoliators with oil at least 4 hours before your appointment.
Using a gentle facial scrub or soap with a washcloth to exfoliate can remove dead skin cells and help to reverse these signs of sun damaged skin.
Exfoliate and moisturise 24 hours before applying tan. Apply moisturiser to dry areas where tan may cling to to prevent this from happening.
Unfortunately, it can also make you extra sensitive to sun damage. “Ingredients that exfoliate or encourage skin cell turnover are the biggest culprits of causing photosensitivity,” says Deborah S. Sarnoff, MD, president of The Skin Cancer Foundation.
☀️Tanning Tip Tuesday☀️ How to avoid the “bunny tail” or white spots on lower back or under your arms or sides: ✅ when using a lay down bed always reposition your body every few minutes to achieve an even tan. Switch from side to side and rest your arms behind your head .
The general rule of thumb is to wait at least 2 to 3 hours before showering to give your skin cells enough time to complete the tanning process. This waiting time allows your skin to retain its oils and helps lock in your tan, giving you a deeper, longer-lasting color.
There are a few ways to remove fake tan quickly. One is to use a body scrub to exfoliate the skin. This will remove the top layer of skin that contains the fake tan. Another way is to use a body wash that contains salicylic acid or the oil method above.
Hydrated skin not only looks healthier but also retains a tan more effectively. Avoid hot showers, which can strip the skin of its natural oils, and refrain from activities that cause excessive sweating immediately after tanning.
Regularly exfoliating the skin is good practice, as it helps remove dead skin cells and promote cell renewal, but we would not recommend reaching for any exfoliants immediately after sun exposure – this could cause further inflammation and damage.
To tan safely, it is advisable to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen and avoid excessive time in the sun or a tanning bed. Many people appreciate how a tan makes them look. However, tanning carries risks, so it is important to tan safely when exposing the skin to UV rays.
Moisturize
Apply moisturizer as soon as you can, immediately after sun exposure. Then apply it again after a cool shower. A heavier moisturizer or specialty cream for sun-damaged skin will help rehydrate and rejuvenate your skin.
When you apply self-tanner to unexfoliated skin, it can cling to patches of dead skin, resulting in a streaky and uneven tan. Exfoliating before tanning provides a smooth and clean canvas for the tanning product, ensuring that it goes on evenly and adheres to your skin properly.
How can a person remove tan at home fast? Exfoliation is the best way to remove tan at home. It removes pigmented dead skin cells and promotes new ones, reducing the appearance of the tan.
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.
You can use a body scrub or a loofah to exfoliate your body. For your face, use a gentle exfoliating face wash, anti-tan face wash, or gentle face scrub.
Best for Sun Damage: Isdin Isdinceutics MelaClear
It also features hydrating niacinamide and sloughing mandelic acid. Cosmetic chemist and BeautyStat founder Ron Robinson shouts out that Isdin's Isdinceutics MelaClear contains "a stable form of vitamin C and phytic acid [for exfoliation]," he says.