I always used to tan on a sunbed. Most times I hated going out in the sun and also I was a bit lazy so it was nice and warm on the bed and it was a great way to get some relaxing time to myself whilst catching up on my social media accounts. I also help people with this process and I have so much experience with people during tanning.
You know the feeling. You’ve just spent the last hour on your sunbed, and you’re definitely not tanning wondering what could have gone wrong. Then, why am I not tanning on the sunbed?
There are several reasons why you might not tan effectively while using a sunbed. For example, the skin of your face has fewer melanin deposits because it contains more sebaceous glands in there. It might delay the process of getting a natural tan on your face from UV radiation.
Reason You Are Not Tanning on a Sunbed
Tanning salons can be a great place to go if you are looking for a good tanning experience. The staff at these salons know what they are doing, and they will be able to help you get the best tan possible in a short amount of time.
You just need to know how to get the best out of your time at the salon. Here are why and solution to why you are not tanning on a sunbed.
1. Not changing positions frequently
One of the easiest ways to get a good tan is to change positions frequently. It’s okay to stay in one position for a few minutes, but it’s better to move around and expose your body to the light from different angles.
How often you should move depends on your skin and the strength of the lamp. If you have sensitive skin, try moving every 3 to 5 minutes and if you have oily skin or just want a light base tan, move every 10 minutes. If you have normal or dry skin, try moving every 15 minutes.
2. Not eating the right food before and after tanning
Grapefruits, cantaloupes, and carrots are rich in this antioxidant. The body converts beta carotene into vitamin A, an essential nutrient that helps skin stay healthy and protects it from the sun.
More research is needed, but some studies show that beta carotene can help reduce sun sensitivity in people with photosensitive diseases.
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3. Not applying moisturizer or lotion before tanning
If you’re worried about adding too much color to your skin, try using body oils that have sunscreen built into them. However, these oils should not replace your normal sunscreen. Certain ones like avocado and coconut can be used for an extra dose of hydration but will offer only a minimal amount of sun protection on the sunbed.
4. Not staying long enough on the tanning bed
The amount of time it takes for enough melanin to build up depends on how much natural melanin your skin already has and how much exposure you’ve had over time. People with darker complexions don’t need as much time in the sunbed as people with lighter complexions because they have more natural protection against UV radiation.
If you’re fair-skinned and haven’t been exposed much in the past, it could take up to 30 minutes of exposure before enough melanin is produced for protection against burning. If you’re dark-skinned and have been exposed often, then only 10 minutes may be needed.
5. Wearing the wrong dress to sunbed
Tans are usually most effective in areas where the skin is exposed, like the arms and legs. If you’re trying to get a good tan, consider wearing a strapless top that exposes these areas. The best way to get a tan is by exposing as much of your body as possible to sunlight under a sunbed.
6. Lack of pre-tanning preparation
Before you walk into a tanning salon, it’s important to prepare your skin for the UV rays that will be hitting it. Wash your skin with soap, use a moisturizer, and exfoliate regularly. This will help keep your skin healthy, hydrated and smooth, which will make it less likely to burn or peel when exposed to UV rays.
Use a lotion with SPF in it. The SPF rating of your lotion should be at least 15 higher numbers indicate more protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
7. Not using sunscreen with an SPF of 30
Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays at least 20 minutes before going into the sunbed.
Always wear sunscreen protection of at least 30 SPF because it protects against UVB rays that cause sunburns and contribute to skin cancer. Most people are surprised to learn that UVA rays are just as important as UVB rays when it comes to protecting your skin from premature ageing and skin cancer, so make sure you’re using a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB radiation.
How Long Does a Tan Take To Develop After Sunbed?
It depends on the type of tanning bed you use, but it takes between 4 and 6 hours after the tanning session for a tan to develop. Do not be fooled by the red glow you may see immediately after sunbathing. This could be an early sign of sunburn.
The time it takes for your tan to develop depends on a number of factors, including how often you have sunbed sessions, how long you stay in each time, and the type of tanning lotion you use.
The average tan lasts between three and seven days. It usually takes around four hours for the first signs of color to appear, but this can vary depending on the potency of the lotion used. While it’s possible to get a darker tan after just one session, it’s unlikely that all the necessary melanin will be produced in such a short time.
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The time it takes for a tan to fade varies according to the skin type of each individual and the intensity of the tan itself. Generally speaking, it can take several days for your skin to return to its normal shade – though this can be affected by factors such as how much exposure you’ve had since your last appointment and whether or not you’ve applied for adequate sunscreen protection during this time.
How Often Should I Tan?
Deepening your tan will take at least two sessions a week regardless of the type of skin you have. After your initial 3-5 tanning sessions, regular maintenance is necessary to keep the tan from fading.
There is no right or wrong answer to how often you should tan; it depends on your skin type and what you’re trying to achieve. If you want a healthy glow, try tanning once a week. If you’re going for a darker color, increase the frequency of your visits to the salon.
In case you’ve never tanned before or if you’ve been tanning for years, remember that the darker your skin tone is the longer it will take for you to see results after a session in the sunbed.
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Is It Safe to Tan on a Sunbed?
Using a sunbed to get a tan is not safer than tanning in the sun. Depending on factors like the strength of UV rays, it may even be more harmful. Too much tanning on a sunbed is not safe and can cause many skin conditions, including cancer. Tanning is an artificial process that involves exposing your skin to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
The main difference between natural sunlight and artificial UV radiation is the amount of UV light received. The UV index is a measure of the strength of the sun’s UV rays. When the UV index is high (3 or above), you should take extra care in protecting your skin from the sun’s rays.
The negative effects of tanning are well documented. The most obvious consequence is skin damage caused by overexposure to UV radiation; premature aging, wrinkles, and skin cancer. The risk of developing melanoma the most dangerous type of skin cancer increases with each tanning session. In fact, regular users have up to 10 times more chances of getting melanoma than people who never use sunbeds.
What Are the Precautions for Sunbed Tan?
Tanning beds are a great alternative to getting a sunburn and can help you get a nice tan. However, it’s important to be aware of the risks that come with using this type of device.
Tanning beds should not be used by pregnant women or anyone under 18 years old. They also shouldn’t be used by those with certain medical conditions, like lupus, multiple sclerosis, or those who have had skin cancers or pre-cancerous moles removed from the skin. Other precautions include:
1. Know your skin type
There are different types of skin and the type of tanning bed you use will depend on your skin type. If you have sensitive skin, it is best to avoid a spray tan as it can irritate the skin.
In case you have never used a tanning bed before, it’s best to start with a lower intensity level and build up to higher levels as needed. If you have fair skin or freckles, avoid any UV rays completely until you are sure that you won’t burn.
2. Know how often to use the sunbed
Most people can develop a base tan in 3-5 sessions, but they need to maintain it with regular sunbed use. However, we recommend visiting the salon 2-3 times a week until you have developed your desired tan.
3. Always use eye protection
There are two types of eye protection: goggles and glasses. Goggles should always be used when tanning, but glasses may be less effective at protecting your eyes from UV rays. Either way, never wear contact lenses while tanning because they don’t provide adequate protection against UV rays.
Conclusion
In the end, it all just comes down to finding what works for you. Whether you’re tan or pale, make sure that you’re staying protected from the sun but don’t feel pressured to be something that you’re not.
If you are not tanning on a sunbed, it is best to talk to an expert and let them give you possible reasons why your body is not tanning.
