I get it! You have a event to attend next week. You want to look flawless with your skin tan at this event. But you almost forgot about the event until now. And now you dont have enough time to get properly tanned.
Its quite a situation isnt it.
Wait, you get a bright idea! , why dont you go tanning two days in a row? well jenny, pat yourself on your back cause you are a genius.
BUt, What are effects of tanning two days in a row? Will it damage my skin?
Dont worry, we are gonna answer all of the questions below.
Read on.
In short, we dont advise you to go tanning two days in a row no matter which tanning method you use. Wait atleast 24-48 hours before going for another tanning session. No event is worth risking your skin for.
Can you tan on a Sunbed for Two Consecutive Days?
Tanning beds are unique machines designed to mimic the effects of the sun, need to handle with care and the correct procedure followed so that you don’t cause permanent or serious damage to your skin.
It takes more than two days for the melanin in your skin to rise to the surface so that you can see a color change. Alternatively, you can use a browning lotion or spray to achieve a tan without burning your skin.
So to answer the above question, you shouldn’t use a sunbed to tan for two consecutive days as standard practice and even an avid tanning bed user only tans twice in a week. If you tan two days in a row you will most likely experience some irritation on your skin like tiny rashes which can turn out to be sunburn and other skin problems. The worst-case scenario would be that the rashes develop into cancer with time. It’s advisable to wait at least 36-48 hours in between tanning sessions in a tanning bed.
Pros
- Tanning beds are readily available.
- It’s easy to control the outcome.
- You can use them indoors.
Cons
- They’re expensive.
- May pose a health risk because of the unfiltered UV rays.
- Not advisable for people with sensitive skin.
Tanning Outdoors for Two Days in a Row
The time it takes for you to achieve a sun tan all depends on your skin tone and other physiological factors and also the intensity, degree of the sun exposure, and your use of sunscreen lotions.
Note: Check out guide here to find the best sunscreen for tanning.
Normally, a tan will not appear when you’re outdoors under the sun or at the beach. If you’re careful enough to get a sun tan without burning your skin, your skin can become a bit red or change a little. This will give your skin a tan later after your body has increased the production of melanin to your skin as a reaction to being exposed to the sun.
However, you have to be careful not to get a sunburn because your skin will still produce melanin but it will need to heal from the burns. If the burn is severe, your skin will have to first peel then heal for the tan to appear later. Some people can show a tan in just two hours, while others will show the next morning. The best time to sunbathe is around 2 pm when the sun is brightest, but don’t spend more than one and a half hours outdoors to help regulate your body’s UV rays intake and allow it to revitalize itself. Remember, different skin types will require varying hours under the sun. It’s also not safe to tan under the sun for two consecutive days.
Pros
- When you’re out basking in the sun, your body not only absorbs UV rays, it also absorbs other natural ingredients that are beneficial to your body.
- Sunlight is naturally occurring so it’s better preferred for all skin types.
Cons
- You can’t tan indoors if you want privacy.
- The sun isn’t always available.
How to get a sun tan
- Choose the UV source that is best for you. Using the sun’s natural UV rays is a great option, but if it’s not available a tanning bed is also a good alternative to achieve a beautiful brown glow but in moderation.
- Keep your skin well hydrated for a better tan. Scrub your skin gently with a rough cloth to exfoliate dry and dead skin as you shower, then moisturize with a lotion containing sodium PCA to help maintain a healthy epidermis, if you’re light skin apply sunscreen with a higher SPF than if you had darker skin, and get a waterproof sunscreen if you’re going in the water and keep reapplying.
- If you’re sitting on the beach to tan, use an SPF of between 4-15 depending on your complexion and the base you want to build. Apply lip balm with sunscreen and keep re-applying after 30 minutes.
- Wearing a swimsuit will give you tan lines, but for a flawless tan with no tan lines undress.
- Find the perfect place to tan either in your backyard, beach, or anywhere the sun is provided you have your tanning lotion, a chair, towel, and water.
- To get an all-round brown tan, keep moving from your back, front, and sides, but if you don’t want to lie down all day take a jog or a walk to increase sun exposure, your tan, and tone your body.
- Wear a hat, sunglasses, or close your eyes for protection from the bright light.
- Drink plenty of water or jump in the pool to cool you down. This won’t hurt your tan and don’t forget to re-apply your sunscreen.
- Moisturize and soothe your skin with an aloe vera-based lotion after your tan to keep your skin healthy and prevent you from having dry and flaky skin.
Conclusion. So, can you go tanning 2 days in a row?
Technically you can, but you increase your risk of overexposure so it’s advisable to skip a day or two between your tanning sessions to give your skin time to produce enough melanin. If you still want to do a tan 2 days in a row, reduce the tanning time and if you get sunburned or your skin turns pink, it’s not advisable to tan the next day. Don’t rush a tan, just make prior plans to give yourself plenty of time to build up a tan.
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