To darken the color of your skin, you can tan by exposing it to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Sunbathing or using a tanning bed indoors are two ways to do it. While some choose tanning to get a healthy, glowing complexion, others utilize it for health-related purposes like curing psoriasis or raising Vitamin D levels. One of the most commonly asked questions is if it is okay to take a shower after tanning, however there are some dos and don’ts to tanning.
Sunbathing on the beach or by the pool is a type of tanning. This entails lying down in the sun for a set amount of time so that your skin can absorb the UV rays and darken. Another illustration is indoor tanning, which includes placing your skin in a tanning bed and exposing it to UV rays created artificially. What is skin tanning, exactly?
The skin naturally tans in reaction to UV light. The pigment that gives your skin its color, melanin, is produced more frequently when your skin is exposed to UV radiation. Your skin gets darker as it produces more melanin. Your skin uses tanning as a defense mechanism to shield itself from additional UV radiation damage.
The short answer is yes, you can take a shower after tanning, but it’s best to wait at least 2-3 hours. This is because your skin requires time to generate melanin and absorb UV rays. Showering right afterwards can wash away the UV rays from your tanning session and lessen its effectiveness. It may also aggravate whatever sunburn you already have and make your skin dry and sensitive.
Use lukewarm water and mild soap while taking a shower after tanning. Use cool water instead of hot since hot water will remove your skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry and flaky. In addition, patting rather than violently rubbing your skin dry is advised. This helps keep your skin from being irritated or getting damaged.
In conclusion, tanning can be a terrific way to get that sun-kissed glow, but in order to avoid damaging your skin, it’s vital to follow the dos and don’ts of tanning. While you can take a shower right away after tanning, it’s preferable to wait at least two to three hours and use lukewarm water and mild soap. To avoid skin damage and lower your risk of developing skin cancer, always apply sunscreen before tanning and keep your UV exposure to a minimum.