Your tanning session doesn’t begin when you step inside the sunbed. In fact, there is a lot of preparation involved when it comes to making the most of your tanning bed sessions. Thankfully, this article is here to help you out. Here is everything you need to know about preparing for a tanning bed session and how you can extend the life of your tan.
Believe it or not, achieving a quality tan doesn’t just start with stepping inside the tanning bed. In fact, there are some steps for you to take when it comes to preparing for a tanning bed session. Doing some prep before your tanning bed session is important because it can improve the appearance and extend the life of your tan. Skincare is one of the most essential parts of enhancing your tan. Read on to learn more about the best ways to pamper and nourish your skin while you work on your tan.
| Steps | Description |
|---|---|
| Exfoliation | Gently exfoliate the skin using a scrub or loofah to remove dead skin cells. |
| Hydration | Moisturize the skin thoroughly to ensure it is well-hydrated before tanning. |
| Makeup Removal | Remove all makeup, including foundation and eye makeup, before tanning. |
| Eye Protection | Wear protective eyewear, such as goggles or stickers, to shield the eyes. |
| Check Tanning Bed | Ensure the tanning bed is clean and in proper working condition. |
Should You Shower Before a Tanning Bed Session?
When you’re preparing your skin for a tanning bed session, it is a good idea to shower, shave, and exfoliate a day or two before your session. Exfoliating is important because it removes dead skin cells and helps to give you a more even result and a tan that will last longer. One of my favorite products for exfoliating my body before a tanning session is the Shea Sugar Scrub from Tree Hut. These sugar scrubs will leave your skin feeling smooth and refreshed. Not to mention, they smell amazing!
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On the day of your session, you will want to shower about 1 hour before your session. Showering before your tanning bed session will help to remove any dirt or makeup products from your skin that might obstruct your tan.
Also read: Should You Exfoliate Every Day? (Based On Skin Type)
Should You Shave Before a Tanning Bed Session?
Shaving before your tanning bed session is an excellent way to prep your skin and ensure an even and long-lasting tan. The best way to do this is to shave a day or two before your tanning bed session. If you shave earlier than this, your hair will begin to grow back which can result in an uneven tan. However, if you shave too close to your tanning bed session, your skin will be delicate and sensitive. This can result in over-exposure to the UV rays which can be harmful to your skin.
Should You Use Any Lotion Before a Tanning Bed Session?
Applying lotion before your tanning bed session is a great way to extend and intensify the results of your tan. There are plenty of different options for tanning bed lotions to choose from, so you can choose one that suits your needs and desires for your tan.
An accelerator tanning lotion is a perfect option for anyone who is new to tanning beds. These hydrating lotions primarily focus on nourishing your skin while it adjusts to the tanning process. They also will help you achieve an even tan that looks as natural as possible.
If you’re looking for a high-end accelerator tanning lotion, try out Onyx Magnifique Sunbed Dark Tanning Lotion. This bronzing accelerator lotion will help you achieve an effortless tan that is buildable and long-lasting. It features a jasmine scent that will leave you feeling fresh before, during, and after your tanning bed session. With premium ingredients and a non-sticky formula, this is the perfect luxury suntan lotion.
- EXPERIENCE THE ULTIMATE GLOW: Dive into a World of Luxury with Onyx Magnifique Tanning Lotion, Offering Effortless Absorption and a Silky Smooth Finish for a Sumptuous Tan Like Never Before!
- REACH NEW TAN HORIZONS: Immerse Yourself in the Opulence of Onyx Magnifique's Potent Bronzing Blend, Infused with Sesame Oil, Tamanu Oil, and Walnut Extract, Accelerating the Tanning Process for a Sun-Kissed Radiance Beyond Compare
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If you’re looking for a more affordable tanning accelerator, this one from ProTan is the perfect choice. The brand itself has been around for years, having been adored for decades by bodybuilders, athletes, and bikini models. These individuals know a thing or two about tanning, and you can definitely trust their judgment for the best tanning accelerator.
Plus, there’s no need to worry about having an unsightly, unnatural tan with this product, as the brand use the latest skincare ingredients and technology to deliver the most natural finish.
- Double dark tanning accelerator 250ml Bottle
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If you have tattoos and love to tan, you’re in luck! The Tanning Paradise Black Coconut Love Tanning Lotion features a formula that will protect your tattoos and make them pop. With age-defying ingredients that will nourish your skin and help you build a natural tan, this is an amazing option for people who love to tan.
- ✅ Dark tanning activators deliver golden results without the use of DHA or bronzing agents.
- ✅ Multiple Tan Intensifier + Melanin Stimulators - Stimulate and increase melanin formation to accelerate the tanning process.
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Also read: How Long Does a Suntan Last? (With Products To Prolong It)
Aftercare for Your Tan
Aftercare is another essential part of achieving the perfect tan. Aside from helping you maintain the quality of your tan, aftercare techniques can help you extend the life of your tan. Here are some tips to help you take care of your tan after you leave the tanning salon.
| Steps | Description |
|---|---|
| Moisturize | Apply a moisturizer immediately after tanning to replenish the skin’s moisture. |
| Avoid Showering | Wait at least 2-4 hours before taking a shower to allow the tan to develop. |
| Avoid Sweating | Minimize physical activity and avoid sweating for a few hours after tanning. |
| Clothing Selection | Opt for loose-fitting and dark-colored clothing to prevent tan transfer. |
| Long-Term Hydration | Maintain proper hydration by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. |
What Type of Clothes Should you Wear After a Tanning Bed Session?
During your tanning bed session, it is customary to wear something that won’t leave you with any obvious lines. This can include underwear, a bathing suit, or a thong. Most people opt to go nude in the tanning bed because that will eliminate the possibility of tan lines. However, you should wear whatever you feel most comfortable in.
After your tanning bed session, you will probably find it most comfortable to wear something lightweight and loose-fitting. Shorts and a tank-top are a great option during the summertime. If you’re using a tanning bed during the winter months, you might want to wear something warmer such as sweatpants and a jacket.
If you’re opting for tanning bed sessions, the clothing you wear after your session usually won’t make much of a difference in your end result. However, if you are using a tanning lotion that has bronzers or enhancers in it, you will want to be careful with the clothing you choose to wear after your tanning bed session. This is because bronzer or self-tanner can rub off and stain your clothes. That’s why it’s a good idea to choose loose clothing that is a darker color. To be safe, it’s a good idea to choose something that you won’t mind getting a bit of self-tanner on, just in case.
How Long Should You Wait to Shower After a Tanning Bed Session?
If you’re not sure about when or if you should shower after using the tanning bed, you’re not alone. In fact, many tanning bed users have the same question when it comes to showering after you tan. To answer the question, it is perfectly fine to shower after your tanning bed session. However, it is best to wait about 3-4 hours to shower after spending some time in the tanning bed. This is important for a few different reasons.
First, if you are using a bronzer to enhance your tan, then it will take a few hours for it to take full effect. If you shower too soon after using a bronzer, your tan can even become streaky in certain areas. However, waiting 3-4 hours will allow your bronzer to set in so you can achieve the best results.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to wait a few hours before showering so that you can see how the UV rays impact your skin before you step into the shower. Sometimes, over-exposure to the tanning bed can cause your skin to dry out and feel a bit rough. If that happens you will want to use a hydrating body wash and make sure to moisturize after you’re done with your shower.
When searching for the best body wash to use post spray tan, the most important thing to look out for, as mentioned, is something moisturising. It’s important to steer clear of harsh chemicals, such as fragrances, as these can strip the skin and damage your perfect tan.
Luckily this Aveeno body wash has an extremely gentle formula, which is completely sulphate-free, meaning it won’t strip your skin of its moisture. In addition, it contains a prebiotic oat which will help to maintain the skin’s natural barrier, trapping in all that hydration for the perfect long-lasting tan.
- 33-fluid ounce bottle of Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Sulfate-Free Body Wash with prebiotic oat and a light scent to nourish and gently cleanse dry skin to help preserve skin's natural moisture barrier
- Aveeno's unique formula combines prebiotic oat to help lock in moisture and gently cleanses to reveal smoother, softer skin long after you shower. 92% of users agreed this daily cleanser left their skin feeling nourished while they showered
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One thing to keep in mind is that you should never exfoliate immediately after a tanning bed session. While tanning can have some great benefits, your skin will be especially susceptible to damage after a tanning bed session. For that reason, using an exfoliator or scrub immediately after tanning can damage it even further. If you want to use an exfoliator after tanning, it is best not to use it for at least 24 hours after a tanning bed session.
Also read: The Legality of Tanning Beds in The U.S. & Around The Globe
Should You Use Any Lotions to Extend Your Tan?
If you’re looking to make the most of your tan after using the tanning bed, there are some products that can help you out. In fact, some after-tan lotions can even help you to enhance your tan results. This will leave you with a natural-looking, long-lasting tan.
The most important aspect of maintaining your tan is using products that will moisturize and nourish your skin. If your skin is prone to dryness after your tanning bed session, this can lead to cracking and peeling, leaving you with an undesirable result. That’s why it’s so important to care for your skin after spending time in a tanning bed, especially if you are a beginner.
When it comes to nourishing your skin after a tanning bed session, one incredible option is the b.tan After Sun Lotion. The formula for this lotion has everything you need to replenish and hydrate your skin after catching some sun rays, including aloe vera, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid. You can even use this product after a day on the beach or to soothe a sunburn. As a bonus, it’s vegan and cruelty-free!
Another great option for enhancing and extending your tan is the Jergens Natural Glow Tan Extender. This tan-extending daily moisturizer can be used in place of your regular moisturizer after a tanning bed session. Its formula is designed to preserve your bronze and keep it looking fresh and natural for up to 7 days. It is especially hydrating, so you won’t need to worry about your skin cracking or peeling
Also read: Wondering if “Tanning Beds Whiten Your Teeth?” (Explained)
