What is the best thing to do after tanning?

Author: Dr. Jaylan Funk  |  Last update: Saturday, September 6, 2025

The initial exposure to UV light can leave your skin a bit shocked, so it's crucial to give it some extra TLC. Hydrate your skin with a good quality, fragrance-free moisturizer right after your session and throughout the next few days. Also, remember to drink plenty of water to hydrate from the inside out.

What should you not do after tanning?

Opt for Gentle, Moisturizing Products: Avoid harsh soaps and scrubs right after tanning. Instead, use a mild, hydrating body wash to prevent dryness and peeling, which can dull your tan. Pat Dry, Don't Rub: Vigorous towel drying can be too abrasive. Patting your skin dry is gentler and helps avoid exfoliating too much.

What to do immediately after sun tanning?

Recommended Routine: Apply Aloe Vera: Use it right after tanning or sun exposure to soothe and cool the skin. Follow with Lotion: After the aloe has absorbed (or later in the day), apply a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated. This combination will help maintain your skin's health and appearance after tanning.

What is best to use after tanning?

Recommended Routine: Apply Aloe Vera: Use it right after tanning or sun exposure to soothe and cool the skin. Follow with Lotion: After the aloe has absorbed (or later in the day), apply a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated. This combination will help maintain your skin's health and appearance after tanning.

What is the best aftercare for a tanning bed?

What are the do's and don'ts after a tanning bed session?
  • Drink plenty of water to rehydrate.
  • Continue moisturising your skin every day to maintain its health and hydration after a tanning session.
  • Consider applying a tan extender lotion onto your skin to maximise the effects.

Are Tanning Beds Safe? | How to Tan Safely | with Dr. Sandra Lee

How do you get the best results from a tanning bed?

How To Tan Quicker On Sunbeds
  1. Prepare Your Skin. Exfoliate Before Your Session. ...
  2. Adjust Your Tanning Time. Start with a Shorter Session. ...
  3. Use The Sunbed Correctly. Rotate Your Position. ...
  4. Maintain A Healthy Diet. Get The Right Nutrients. ...
  5. Avoid Things With Negative Effects. Remove Makeup and Cosmetics.

What is best to sleep in after tanning?

When you perspire, tanning solution will transfer to your hand, and cause staining. If you know you'll be sleeping with your hand between your knees, it's best to wear loose pajama pants and an oversized t-shirt. We also recommend laying a towel over your pillow to prevent any bronzer transfer from your neck.

How do I get my skin back to normal after tanning?

Regularly exfoliating to remove dead skin layers, using skincare products with lightening ingredients, and opting for professional treatments can help fade even the most stubborn tan. Be patient and diligent in your skincare routine for the best results.

Are there benefits to tanning beds?

Health Benefits

Several health benefit claims such as improved appearance, enhanced mood, and increased vitamin D levels have been attributed to tanning. Furthermore, the Indoor Tanning Association claims that “catching some rays may lengthen your life” [5].

Does lotion help after tanning bed?

After any tanning session, the skin often loses moisture, leaving it vulnerable to dryness and peeling. Hydration is the cornerstone of post-tanning care. Moisturizing your skin not only replenishes lost moisture but also helps to maintain your tan for a more extended period of time.

How to start tanning bed when pale?

Tanning Bed Tips for Pale Skin

To prevent burning, it's essential to start with a lower-level bed and gradually increase the level as your skin becomes more accustomed to UV rays. Additionally, you should limit your tanning sessions to shorter lengths, such as 3 minutes, and work your way up to longer sessions.

Does aloe vera make your tan last longer?

Daily moisturising is key to maintaining your tan. Opt for a moisturiser or serum that contains aloe vera, hyaluronic acid or shea butter, both of which are excellent for keeping your skin hydrated and prolonging your tan.

How soon after tanning should you shower?

If you're using tanning accelerators or other tanning products, it is generally recommended to wait at least two hours after your sunbed session before taking a shower.

What foods make you more tanned?

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.

How to start sun beds?

SUNBED TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
  1. 1) Fill in a skin analysis form. ...
  2. 2) Decide upon the type of tanning equipment.
  3. 3) Clean the sunbed before use. ...
  4. 4) Remove all forms of makeup or cosmetics. ...
  5. 5) Apply a sunbed cream or tan accelerator for better tanning results. ...
  6. 6) What to wear while tanning indoors.

What is 10 minutes in a tanning bed equal to?

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.

How to get golden tan?

10 Top Tips For A Gorgeous Long-Lasting Sun Tan
  1. Moisturise. Hydrated skin will not only tan better but will also keep its colour for longer. ...
  2. Avoid dry skin. ...
  3. Exfoliate. ...
  4. Sun cream. ...
  5. And more sun cream! ...
  6. Prior application. ...
  7. Shady times. ...
  8. An early start.

How many days does tan last?

A natural tan will usually last for around 7-10 days, although this can vary for each different skin type and colour. However, any exposure to sun during that 7-10 day period could mean that your tan will hang around for longer, so the length of time it lasts really does depend on the individual.

What is the best thing to put on your skin after tanning?

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.

Which part of my body shows my real color?

Look into a mirror in natural light. Artificial lighting can alter the appearance of your natural skin colour. Notice the colour of the skin along your jawline or behind your ear. These areas typically tend to show your skin tone in its purest form, without any redness or discolouration that could get in the way.

What not to do after tanning?

Consider skipping a shower.
  1. Take a cold or warm shower, not a hot one.
  2. Limit your shower time. Showering too long will remove oils from your skin.
  3. Avoid soap, or only apply it to the "smelly" places, such as your groin, armpits, and feet. ...
  4. Pat dry so that some moisture remains on your skin.

How long after tanning can I put clothes on?

But when it comes to fake tanning, it's best to exercise some patience to prevent staining your clothes. To keep your colour where it belongs – on your body – we recommend waiting for around 15 minutes, or until your tan is fully dry, before getting dressed.

What is the best self-tanner?

After extensive testing, we determined the highest rated self-tanner to be the St. Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse. It's an airy mousse that's easy to apply and blend and leaves you with a natural-looking glow. You can also customize the depth of color based on how long you leave it on your skin.

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