Skip to Content

What to Do After Tanning Bed: Essential Skincare Tips (2024)

This site is supported by our readers. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through links.

what to do after tanning bedAfter a tanning bed session, your skin needs some TLC! First, slather on a rich moisturizer to quench your skin’s thirst and help prolong that glow.

Try not to shower right away—let the tanning magic work its wonders.

When you do rinse, use lukewarm water and skip harsh soaps to keep your skin from drying out.

Drink plenty of water; it helps you avoid the dreaded "shrivelled raisin" look! Be gentle with exfoliants and instead focus on hydrating inside and out.

Curious how to keep your tan from fading into a distant memory? There’s more to discover beyond these basics!

Key Takeaways

  • Don’t skimp on moisturizing. After your sunbed session, slather on that lotion like it’s your skin’s favorite drink – your glow will thank you. It’s essential to keep that freshly baked tan from crumbling.
  • Forget about heading straight to the shower. Hold your horses for at least four hours to let the tanning magic brew. Think of it as letting your favorite dish marinate for maximum flavor.
  • Stay hydrated. Keep sipping on water like it’s going out of style. It’s the simple elixir to keep your skin from feeling like a prune and to maintain that radiant look.
  • Be gentle with your skin post-tan. Avoid harsh scrubs and instead opt for tender loving care with gentle washes. Treat your tan like a delicate flower that’s just bloomed, needing only the softest touches.

Immediate Skincare After Tanning Bed

Immediate Skincare After Tanning Bed
Taking care of your skin right after a tanning bed session can feel like treating a sun-kissed plant to a soothing drink—essential for long-lasting vibrancy.

Don’t skimp on moisturizers, after-tanning lotions, and water to make sure your skin stays hydrated and happy.

Apply Rich Moisturizers

After hopping off the tanning bed, slather on a rich moisturizer to keep your skin happy and glowing. It’s like giving your skin a well-deserved drink!

  • Feel silky-smooth
  • Embrace your glow
  • Soothe and protect
  • Radiate confidence
  • Show your inner sun goddess

Use After-Tanning Lotions

You got your rich moisturizer on, now grab an after-tanning lotion.

These gems lock in moisture and deepen your glow.

A little does a lot, so slather it on like you’re icing a cake; your skin will thank you!

Avoid Harsh Exfoliants

Now that you’re glowing, steer clear of harsh exfoliants.

They’re like sandpaper to your fresh tan.

Instead, think of gentle scrubbing alternatives that won’t strip your color.

Moisturizing benefits these choices, enhancing tan longevity while keeping your skin silky smooth.

Drink Ample Water

Guzzle down plenty of H2O to keep your skin supple and radiant.

Aim for at least 8 glasses a day – your complexion will thank you!

Dehydration can dull that hard-earned glow, so stay hydrated.

Showering Guidelines Post-Tanning Session

Showering Guidelines Post-Tanning Session
After basking in the glow of a tanning bed, it might feel tempting to hop into the shower right away, but patience is a virtue worth having here.

Give your skin some time before stepping under lukewarm water, avoiding heavy soaps, to keep that sun-kissed glow intact and your skin happily hydrated.

Wait Before Showering

After enjoying a tanning bed session, bide your time before hopping in the shower.

This wait helps your indoor tanning lotion fully develop and supports your post-tanning bed routine.

Think of it like marinating a perfect steak—patience yields the best results!

Use Lukewarm Water

Showering after tanning? Use lukewarm water to cool down your tan without shocking your skin. Imagine your skin as a delicate flower, wilting under harsh heat. Lukewarm water gently refreshes and hydrates, enhancing your skincare routine.

Lukewarm water offers several benefits:

  • Retain skin moisture
  • Prevent tan fading
  • Calm sensitive skin

Avoid Heavy Soaps

Steer clear of harsh soaps that can strip your just-tanned skin. Opt for gentle cleansers that won’t dry you out. Your skin needs some TLC after all that UV exposure.

Maintain Skin Hydration

Now, talking hydration after avoiding heavy soaps is like sipping on sunshine. Keep your skin quenched:

  • Use hydrating skin products.
  • Stick to lightweight lotions.
  • Embrace a consistent skincare routine.
  • Increase daily water intake.
  • Relish in hydration benefits.

Prolonging Your Tan Effectively

Prolonging Your Tan Effectively
To keep your tan looking fabulous and long-lasting, embrace a few clever tricks like using tan extenders and planning a gradual tanning schedule.

You might even try cocktail tanning and fine-tune your skincare routine—because nobody wants to look like a lobster left out in the sun too long!

Use Tan Extenders

A touch of magic, tan extenders are essential in maintaining your glow.

They enhance tan longevity by hydrating skin with ingredients like aloe and vitamin E.

Explore DIY options or choose the best tan extenders for effortless application and radiant results.

Gradual Tanning Schedule

Tailor your tanning schedule based on your skin type and desired results. Start slow, gradually increasing session times as your skin adjusts. Listen to your body – don’t overdo it.

Consider Cocktail Tanning

When you want that golden glow to last longer, consider cocktail tanning! It’s a blend of sunbed and spray tan for juicy cocktail tanning results.

  • Maximizes tanning impact
  • Evens out skin tone
  • Quick fixes
  • Boosts confidence
  • Sassy look

Skincare Routine

To keep your tan looking fab, indulge in a skincare routine: exfoliate gently to let your glow shine through, use after-tan products for a sun-kissed boost, and remember, good skin maintenance involves hydrating, not hibernating!

Addressing Sunburn and Skin Reactions

Addressing Sunburn and Skin Reactions
After a tanning session, addressing sunburn and skin reactions quickly can make you feel more like a comfy marshmallow instead of a roasted one.

Keep your cool with compresses and soothing aloe vera while checking for any sneaky irritations that need expert attention.

Cool Compresses for Sunburn

Apply cool compresses to sunburned skin for 10-15 minutes several times a day. This soothing treatment can help reduce the heat and discomfort of a painful sunburn.

Aloe Vera and Moisturizers

Ever feel like your skin’s thirstier than a cactus in the desert? Aloe vera is your cool, soothing oasis.

Pair it with moisturizers for sunburn relief, skin hydration, and stellar after-tan care.

Your skin will thank you!

Identify and Address Irritations

You know that annoying itch after a tanning bed session? It might be from common irritants or skin reactions.

Keep an eye out for pesky culprits like lotions or heat.

Calm itchy skin with soothing products and stay relaxed.

Consult Experts for Reactions

If skin reactions throw a wrench in your tanning plans, it’s time to consult an expert.

Follow these steps:

  1. Schedule a doctor consultation.
  2. Discuss potential allergic reactions.
  3. Seek expert advice for soothing solutions.
  4. Prevent further tanning bed reactions.

Nutrition and Hydration for Skin Health

Nutrition and Hydration for Skin Health
Nourishing your skin from the inside out is just as important as your post-tanning skincare routine.

Load up on antioxidant-rich foods and stay hydrated to help your skin recover and maintain a healthy, long-lasting glow.

Antioxidant-Rich Foods

With sunburn concerns soothed, let’s talk antioxidant-rich foods for skin health.

Antioxidants are your skin’s best friend, like Superman for your cells.

Enjoy lycopene-rich tomatoes and vitamin C-packed berries in skin-friendly recipes to defend against UV damage.

Vitamins for UV Protection

Think of vitamins as your skin’s secret weapon against UV damage.

Boost your diet with:

  • Vitamin C: Found in oranges and strawberries.
  • Vitamin E: Enjoy almonds and spinach.
  • Lycopene: Don’t skip the tomatoes!

These help protect and rejuvenate.

Daily Water Intake

Feeling parched? Keep dehydration at bay! Drinking water is your skin’s best friend after sunbed sessions. Hydration boosts glow, combats dryness, and keeps wrinkles at arm’s length.

Hydration Benefit Daily Intake (Liters)
Skin Glow 2 – Women
Combat Dryness 3 – Men
Wrinkle Reduction 2.5
Detoxification 2.2
Overall Health 2.7

Avoid Dehydrating Substances

Steer clear of dehydrating culprits like alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks. Salty, processed foods can also zap your skin’s moisture. Stay hydrated to keep your post-tan glow glowing!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What not to do after a tanning bed?

You might think a hot shower’s relaxing, but hold your horses!

Skip scrubs and hot showers to avoid irritating your skin.

Steer clear of tight clothes, too—let your skin breathe and keep that tan glowing!

How long should you wait to shower after tanning bed?

Don’t rush to shower after your tanning session – let the bronzing agents work their magic for at least 4 hours.

This helps lock in that gorgeous glow and prevents premature fading.

Should you put lotion on right after tanning bed?

Lotion right after a tanning bed session’s like a drink of water for your skin.

It keeps your new tan smooth and vibrant.

Choose a moisturizer specifically formulated to keep that sun-kissed glow looking its best.

What are the rules after tanning?

After a tanning session, give your skin a break by moisturizing generously to lock in hydration.

Rehydrate like a desert wanderer, and apply SPF to thwart any sneaky sun damage.

Embrace a shower that’s more tepid than tropical.

How does indoor tanning lotion differ from outdoor lotions?

Indoor tanning lotions are your skin’s backstage pass to a golden glow.

They boost melanin production for quicker bronzing, unlike outdoor lotions, which protect against UV rays.

Always choose the right lotion for safe, dazzling results!

What is the safest frequency for tanning bed use?

At the end of the day, the name of the game in terms of tanning bed use is moderation.

Stick to the 24-hour rule, and you’ll be in the clear as a bell.

How does cocktail tanning enhance tanning results?

Cocktail tanning combines a sunbed session with a sunless spray tan, rapidly deepening your glow.

It’s like turbo-charging your tan, helping you achieve a sun-kissed look, but remember moderation’s key to avoid roasting like a lobster!

Can medications affect tanning bed sessions?

Sure, medications can really rain on your tanning parade.

Some can make your skin super sensitive to UV rays, like vampires in daylight.

So, always check with your healthcare provider before hitting the tanning bed!

Why is protective eyewear crucial in tanning beds?

Imagine neglecting sunglasses on a blazing summer day—ouch, right?

Protective eyewear in tanning beds shields your eyes from harmful UV rays, preventing long-term damage like cataracts.

So, keep those peepers safe and wear your shades indoors!

Conclusion

Achieving that sun-kissed glow is a delight, but caring for your skin post-tanning is paramount.

By pampering your complexion with hydrating lotions, gentle cleansers, and ample H2O, you’ll prolong your radiant look and keep your skin healthy.

Follow these essential tips, and you’ll be basking in the afterglow for days to come.

Avatar for Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim is a published author and software engineer and beard care expert from the US. To date, he has helped thousands of men make their beards look better and get fatter. His work has been mentioned in countless notable publications on men's care and style and has been cited in Seeker, Wikihow, GQ, TED, and Buzzfeed.