If you have just been for a tanning session in a tanning bed you might be wondering how long should you wait before you shower afterwards?
Generally, it is recommended to wait 2-3 hours after using the tanning bed before showering. This allows time for the skin to settle and calm after the exposure and for the tanning effect to take place.
Of course, there are some situations where you may need to wait longer and important tips you should follow which we will cover in more detail below.
How Long Should You Wait to Shower After Using a Tanning Bed?
The best overall advice if you have just been for your tanning session is to wait 2-3 hours before showering. There are a few reasons why waiting a little is important.
The first reason is to allow the skin to settle and calm down after the period of exposure. After you have spent time in the tanning bed your skin will be more sensitive and prone to irritation. Therefore, allowing some time for your skin to settle is important. This lowers any chances of irritation that could be caused by showering which is particularly important for hotter showers.
The warmer the shower you take the more likely it could be irritating to your skin after using a tanning bed. Therefore it’s best to keep your first shower after showering to a lukewarm temperature as to lower this affect and keep your skin as settled as possible.
The second important benefit of allowing time before showering is that it allows time for your skin and the melanin in it to start to develop. If you didn’t know melanin is the part of the skin that is responsible for developing a tan. When the melanin increases in your skin this is what will give you a more tanned look and appearance. If you where to shower earlier this can interrupt the melanin production at least somewhat which we want to avoid. When the melanin develops properly it usually results in a smooth and complete tan so it’s quite important.
Keep in mind that waiting too long to shower can also be problematic when it comes to tanning. The reason it can be troublesome is because after you have tanned your skin will become more dry and dehydrated. Therefore waiting to shower will also delay any chance for you to moisturize your skin. When your skin gets too dry it can lead to flaking or even peeling in some cases. It can even in some cases lead to a patchy or uneven tan too.
Therefore, when you do shower it’s important to use a moisturizing body wash. This will help to hydrate your skin and prevent it from becoming too dried out. Showering itself will dry out your skin, especially when you opt for a hotter shower. Therefore as we mentioned before it’s best to keep the shower temperature lower to stop the skin from becoming more dried out.
Once you have finished with the shower it’s very important to moisturize your skin all over. As showering itself dries out the skin this is essential. When your skin is well hydrated and moisturized this also helps to bring out your tan better. It will make your skin glow better and it will prevent your skin from becoming too dry which often leads to tan imperfections which you want to avoid.
One thing that is important to note is when using a higher-pressure tanning bed is to wait for longer. You should be waiting around 4-6 hours before showering if you have used a higher pressure tanning bed.
The reason you should wait longer with this kind of tanning bed is because of the higher intensity of UVB rays. These rays penetrate deeper into your skin and can cause more irritation and sensitivity in your skin. Therefore, waiting longer is recommended. This helps to minimize any irritation that could be caused from showering too soon after the tanning session.
What to do before your tanning bed session – Before you have your tanning session one thing that we recommend is that you apply a tanning lotion. When you do this it helps keep your skin moisturized and hydrated which is important for protecting your skin and getting the best tanned look. It will also help to improve the tanning bed’s tanning effect and progress.
Important Related Questions
Does Showering After a Sunbed Affect It?
Showering after using a sunbed can affect it. It may affect or may your skin more dry or irritated if done too soon after the sunbed.
What Not to Do After Tanning Bed?
It’s best to not shower immediately after tanning. It’s also a good idea to not shave your skin as this can affect the tans development as well.
Can You Shave After a Sunbed?
No, it’s best to avoid shaving after using a sunbed. The reason for this is because shaving removes some of the surface level of skin which can also affect the tan.
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