When it comes to tanning, there are many questions surrounding the safety of the process. One important question that often comes up is “When is it safe for showering after tanning?”
To answer this, it’s important to understand what happens during a tanning session and how long you should wait before showering afterward. So, let’s take a look at the best advice, so you know when it’s safe to step into your shower after tanning.
How To Prep The Skin For Sunless Tanning To Get The Best Tan?
The best way of preparing the skin for tanning with a tanning bed, or any tanning method, is critical to achieving the desired result of a golden, even tan. Taking certain steps can help ensure that your skin is thoroughly prepared before using a tanning bed, leading to optimal results.
The first step in prepping your skin for tanning with a tanning bed sessions in a tanning booth, should be to exfoliate the skin. During exfoliation, you should use a body scrub or an exfoliating mitt in gentle circular motions over all areas of skin and particularly on any dry patches or areas that are prone to developing ingrown hairs.
This will help remove any built-up dead skin cells, increase circulation, and allow better absorption of UV radiation, so you get an even deeper tan.
After exfoliating your body with an appropriate scrub or mitt, showering before entering the tanning bed is important to create more evenly tanned layers upon exposure.
During this step, it’s important not to apply soap directly onto the skin since excessive soap residue acts as a barrier against maximum UV exposure, which can impair your ability to achieve optimal results during each session.
Depending on how much time you have remaining before entering the bed, you may also choose to shave or trim any undesired hair, as this allows for maximum penetration of UVA rays during each session as well.
However, make sure not apply any products immediately after shaving/trimming such as moisturizers or oils because these often act as reflective barriers and impede on UV absorption abilities by blocking off some parts from receiving radiation post-shave/trim.
Once finished showering and completing all other necessary pre-tanning preparation tasks such as applying sunscreen (which we will explain later), then it’s time to get into the bed.
How To Prep The Skin For UV Tanning?
When it comes to prepping the skin for tanning outdoors under the sun, there are a few important steps that you must take to ensure that your tan is even and long-lasting.
The first step is to exfoliate your skin before you go out into the sun. This will help remove dead skin cells and leave your face looking fresh and smooth, which will attract more UV light and result in a deeper and more even tan.
It’s best to use a mild facial scrub or body wash with glycolic acid before you head out into the sun to get rid of any dry or flaky areas on your skin.
Next, it is important to make sure that your skin is well-hydrated before getting outdoors for some time in the sun. This will protect it from drying up due to prolonged exposure.
You can apply a moisturizing sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher about 20 minutes before going out into the sun so that it has enough time to settle into your skin before it gets exposed to too much ultraviolet radiation from the sun rays.
Also, make sure that you wear light sunscreen clothing when outdoors, as this will also help protect against further sunlight damage while still allowing some of those delicious natural Vitamin D supplements.
Having breaks from exposure is equally important in avoiding potential issues such as early onset wrinkles or heat stroke symptoms during hotter summer months.
Keeping yourself refreshed during this process by drinking plenty of water, as this helps replenish lost minerals quickly whilst easing off effects associated with dehydration and discomfort.
How To Prep The Skin For A Spray Tan?
Spray tanning is a great way to achieve a gorgeous and radiant summer glow without the damaging effects of sun exposure. To ensure an even, streak-free and long-lasting fake tan, it’s important to thoroughly prepare the skin before each spray tan session. Here are some tips on how to prep your skin for a spray tan:
Be sure to start with freshly cleansed skin that has been exfoliated within 24 hours of your spray tan appointment. Exfoliation helps remove dead cells on the outermost layer of skin, which can make the color appear patchy and uneven after your spray tan session.
You can find specifically formulated exfoliants at any drugstore or beauty store that are designed specifically for use before self-tanner/spray tans.
Shaving should also be done no later than 12 hours before application, as newly shaved or waxed skin may impact absorption of the solution, leading to an uneven finish or blotchy patches on your legs or body areas where you have waxed recently.
When shaving, use a moisturizing shave cream which contains aloe vera or oils to prevent razor burn during this step as well, since irritation post-shave could cause patches in the applied color after you leave the salon.
Once you’re through with the above steps, then it’s time for moisturizing. Before every application, make sure you generously apply lotion onto all exposed areas such as the neckline, chest area, arms and legs.
But avoid products with mineral oil, which will create a barrier between your skin and the product, resulting in either no color whatsoever or very light coverage overall once it dries down.
Lastly, massage any petroleum jelly or moisturizer around sensitive far more like ankles/elbows if they’re prone to discoloration due to their dryness, so they don’t absorb too much product and become darker than intended afterward.
Should You Shower Before Or After Tanning?
The debate over whether to shower before or after tanning has been going on for years. People have their own personal preferences, but there are some key considerations that you should make when determining which is best for your tanning process, for your perfect natural tan.
It’s important to consider your skin type and what type of tanning you’re doing to ensure the best results.
If you choose to shower before tanning, make sure it’s a quick lukewarm water rinse with no soaps or shampoos being used, as these can have an adverse effect on the effectiveness of the tanning session.
Also, if you plan to use a sunbed, avoid taking hot showers prior, as this could increase your risk of getting burned due to the circulation of hot air within the bed.
On the other hand, if you prefer showering after a tanning session, then keep in mind that cool or lukewarm water will be best to maintain moisture levels and help preserve the color achieved from your session.
A mild cleanser may also be beneficial in removing any dirt or sweat residue left behind on your body and can help protect against irritation caused by ultraviolet rays, which may be present even after leaving a salon or beach environment.
At the end of the day, it really comes down to individual preference, as both pre-tan and post-tan showering have their advantages depending on one’s skin type and desired outcome from any given indoor/outdoor tanning session.
However, regardless of when you decide to shower (before or after), it’s important that appropriate care is taken when bathing so as not to dry out the skin too much, leading to possible redness and irritation – something all tanners should aim to avoid at all costs.
When Is It Safe For Showering After Tanning? How Long To Wait To Shower After Tanning?
Tanning can be a great way to help get a golden glow and improve your confidence, but how long should you wait after getting a tan, so you don’t wash away the tan.
Depending on the type of tanning you are doing – whether it’s indoors in a booth or outside in the sun – as well as the type of tanning lotion used, will determine how safely and quickly you can take your first shower afterward.
When using indoor UV rays, or any other form of artificial tanning, always wait at least two hours to shower after your tanning session.
This will give your skin time to absorb all of the available nutrients without washing them away too soon. You should also avoid bathing or swimming during this period to prevent any fading of your new color.
If you’re using natural sunlight outdoors with sunscreen protection, then it’s perfectly safe to take a quick shower immediately afterward.
However, if you have sensitive skin or have applied some type of self-tanner, then it is recommended that you wait several hours before exposing yourself to water so that your color does not wash away prematurely.
It is best to use lukewarm water for any kind of showering following self-tan application; hot water may cause excessive sweating that could accelerate the lightening process than desired.
Overall, there isn’t an exact answer when deciding when it is safe for showering after tanning; it really comes down to personal preference and skin type.
While individuals with sensitive skin should avoid taking long showers immediately following their tan application session, those with thicker skin can take short showers within an hour or two after completing their session without any visible fading occurring afterward.
Regardless of what method you use for getting tanned, though, be sure to follow up with regular moisturization and proper hydration throughout the day to keep your new look looking beautiful every time.
Will A Shower Wash Away Your Tan?
Tanning experts agree that if you are looking to wash away your tan, a shower will not do the trick. Tanning is a result of UV rays from the sun, and there’s no way to fully erase these harmful rays with a simple shower.
Your body gradually absorbs UV rays from the sun and produces more melanin, which gives an even tan. However, other methods of obtaining a tan such as indoor tanning can cause an uneven tan or skin discoloration that is often harder to get rid of using just cold water and mild soap in the shower.
If you have recently been on vacation or spent extended amounts of time in direct sunlight, then a shower is unlikely to remove your newly acquired golden glow.
The drawback of this natural method for achieving a deep beautiful tan is that it requires hours upon hours exposed under direct sunlight or other sources of ultraviolet radiation; this leads to overexposure, which can lead to skin damage like wrinkles, dark spots or worse yet, skin cancer.
Indoor tanning beds are growing increasingly popular because they offer quick access and results after only minutes inside them, but unfortunately, they can also cause long-term issues due to the amount of intense radiation emitted by each session.
Overall, it is best to avoid exposing yourself too much under these artificial (ultraviolet) lights since they may cause severe damage to our delicate dermis layer, resulting in premature aging or other issues.
Therefore, we highly recommend using sunscreen whenever going out into direct sunlight OR limiting amounts of exposure at any local tanning salon offering artificial light treatments so as not to overdo it and keep yourself safe from harm.
Why Is It Important To Shower After A Tanning Bed Session?
Showering after using a tanning bed is important for many reasons. For one, it helps to cleanse and moisturize the skin, which can help to keep it looking soft and healthy.
Showering helps to remove any remnants of the tanning products used during your session. This is especially important if you have used a tanning accelerator or other active ingredient, as these products may be absorbed into the skin and cause irritation or breakouts if not removed properly.
Additionally, showering immediately after use helps to rinse off sweat and body oils that are produced while in the tanning bed. These oils can mix with any remaining tanning lotion on your skin.
Making it difficult for you to get the best results from your session. Removing them before going about your day ensures that your new glow will last longer without becoming dulled by unwanted residue.
Taking a shower after using a tanning bed is also a good idea from an overall health standpoint; sweating inside a closed environment like this increases bacteria levels on the skin considerably, so washing away these toxins regularly can help prevent any potential long-term side effects due to excess exposure over time.
Finally, taking thorough showers can increase circulation in the area around where you tanned (for example: shoulders, face or legs), which increases oxygenation in those areas and speeds up recovery/refreshing post tanning.
As well as boosting melanin production – needed for properly activating melanin cells responsible for maintaining natural color pigmentation – resulting in more even color tones overall when compared with only partially cleaning yourself after being under UV lamps.
As such, having an effective bathing routine while engaging in regular indoor suntan sessions is highly recommended as part of not just maintaining overall wellbeing, but also achieving desired esthetical outcomes from each individual initiative taken towards that goal.
What Should You Avoid Doing When Showering After a Tanning Session?
When showering after a tanning session, it is important to follow certain guidelines to preserve your skin and to ensure that you do not make any mistakes.
Tanning can be beneficial for the skin if done correctly and with the right products, but there are some things that should definitely be avoided when showering.
Avoid scrubbing or rubbing your skin while taking a shower after tanning. This can lead to exfoliation, which strips away the top layer of the tanned skin, thus reducing or eliminating its effects.
Therefore, opt for gentle cleansers or body washes specifically designed for those who have just gone through a tanning session instead of using harsh ones which could cause further damage.
It is also recommended to avoid too hot water, as this can cause irritation and redness, in addition to having an effect on the quality of your tan.
It should also be taken into consideration not to use soaps meant for other areas, like facial soaps because these tend to contain ingredients that may not be suitable for such delicate skin as the one recently exposed during a tanning process.
Afterward, pat dry your skin gently but firmly without any vigorous movements in order not to stress out and damage it more than necessary.
When taking a shower after a tanning session, it is advised to avoid soap bars or abrasive scrubs, along with very hot water, which could cause irritations on the skin and affect negatively on the results obtained from this beauty procedure consequently.
Opt instead for gentle moisturizing body washes specially developed for users who usually go through these activities. Also, apply pressure while drying off, only enough so as not to aggravate it even further afterward.
Avoid Using Very Hot Water
Very hot water can strip away the lotions you used when you were tanning, and this makes the color fade more quickly than if you had waited a few hours before showering.
It can also cause irritation to your skin as it can be sensitive after tanning due to all the driers and oils that were applied which have opened up your pores.
For best results, it’s recommended to wait until 12–24 hours after tanning before taking a shower with hot water.
Avoid Rubbing Skin Too Hardly
For those that have recently tanned their skin, excessive rubbing in the shower can cause significant damage, not only to the color of the tan but also to the health of their skin.
Hard scrubbing can strip away natural oils and lead to dryness and irritation. Regular tanning can even make skin more sensitive to scrubbing, meaning zealous exfoliating can further distress skin.
As such, it is generally recommended that tan-wearers avoid scrubbing too hard during their shower or bath time routines directly after tanning, as this could reduce the effects and life of your golden hue.
Avoid Leaving The Shower Running For Too Long
After a tanning session, it is important to be mindful of not leaving the shower running for too long. Not only is this detrimental to the environment due to increased usage of water, but it can also prevent you from achieving even and consistent tan results from your tanning lotion.
Showering between your tanning sessions will help rid your skin of any dirt or residue that could impede the tanning process, as well as wash away any product build-up, which will help create even coverage.
How To Care For The Skin After Showering After Tanning
Showering after a tanning session is a critical step in caring for your skin. After spending a leisurely amount of time in the sun, it’s important to cleanse away any impurities and chemicals that may have been sitting on the skin while you were basking in the sunshine.
During shower time, use soap or body wash to thoroughly clean off areas where self-tanner was applied (or where traditional tanning lotions were used).
Make sure not to scrub too hard and never use loofahs or exfoliating scrubs as this will strip away your newly acquired tanned look. After rinsing off soap, pat dry with a soft towel and apply a moisturizing oil or lotion directly after your long bath.
This helps lock in hydration levels and keep the skin from drying out, which can cause the darker tan color to fade quicker than normal.
For longer lasting results, use skincare products specifically formulated for bronzing – these items are designed to keep your glow going even during cooler temperatures when outdoor tanning might be more difficult.
Taking care of your skin, post-shower with a sun tan, is essential for a long-lasting tan. No matter what method of tanning you’re using. Keep the skin hydrated by properly cleansing and rehydrating each time you shower, and you’ll have glowing bronze skin all year round.
Summary
When it comes to knowing when it’s safe to shower after tanning, you need to consider several factors, such as the type of tanning you are doing and what kind of products were used.
For indoor UV ray tanning sessions, wait at least two hours before taking a cool shower or a lukewarm shower so that all the benefits of the session can be absorbed. If natural sunlight is being used, then a quick shower immediately afterward is perfectly fine.
It is important to avoid scrubbing your skin too roughly during showering and avoid using very hot water, which can strip away any lotions applied before or during the session. Additionally, moisturize regularly afterward to keep the skin looking and feeling soft and healthy.
Hi, my name is Gemma, and I’m the owner of MakeupMuddle.com. I’m a true beauty obsessive, and love writing about anything to do with beauty – I have been a beauty writer since 2012.
As well as owning Makeup Muddle, I also own GemmaEtc.com, and love sharing my thoughts and feelings about the greatest (and not so great) beauty products!