Are you curious about red light therapy and how it can affect your tanning experience? You’re not alone!
Many people are wondering whether they should do red light therapy before or after tanning whether that’s sun tanning or using a tanning bed. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of both options, and provide you with some tips and recommendations to help you make an informed decision.
Red Light Therapy Before Tanning
If you’re thinking about doing red light therapy before tanning, there are some pros and cons to consider. Let’s start with the pros:
Increased blood circulation: Red light therapy can help to increase blood circulation, which can improve the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to your skin cells. This can help to prepare your skin for UV exposure and may enhance the tanning process.
Stimulated collagen production: Collagen is an essential protein that helps to keep your skin looking young and healthy. Red light therapy can help to stimulate collagen production, which can improve the texture and appearance of your skin.
Prepared skin for UV exposure: Red light therapy can help to prepare your skin for UV exposure by increasing blood flow and promoting collagen production. This can help to reduce the risk of burning and may enhance your tanning results.
However, there are also some cons to doing red light therapy before tanning:
Reduced effectiveness of tanning: Some people have reported that doing red light therapy before tanning can reduce the effectiveness of their tanning session. This may be because red light therapy can cause skin sensitivity or irritation, which can make it harder for your skin to absorb UV rays.
Skin sensitivity or irritation: Red light therapy can cause skin sensitivity or irritation in some people. This may make it uncomfortable to tan immediately after a red light therapy session.
If you decide to do red light therapy before tanning, here are some tips and recommendations to keep in mind:
Limit the session to 10 minutes: To avoid skin sensitivity or irritation, limit your red light therapy session to 10 minutes or less.
Wait at least an hour before tanning: To give your skin time to recover from the red light therapy session, wait at least an hour before tanning and ideally longer.
Red Light Therapy After Tanning
If you’re thinking about doing red light therapy after tanning, there are also some pros and cons to consider. Let’s start with the pros:
Soothes and heals sunburned skin: If you’ve spent too much time in the sun, red light therapy can help to soothe and heal sunburned skin. It can also reduce inflammation and redness.
Enhances tanning results: Red light therapy can enhance tanning results by improving blood flow and promoting collagen production. This can help to deepen your tan and make it last longer.
Reduces inflammation and redness: Red light therapy can help to reduce inflammation and redness in your skin, which can make your tan look more even and natural.
However, there are also some cons to doing red light therapy after tanning:
Increased risk of skin damage: If you’ve spent a lot of time in the sun, red light therapy may increase the risk of skin damage.
Overheating or dehydration: Red light therapy can cause overheating or dehydration if you’re not careful. This is particularly important to note if you want to do the red light therapy soon after the tanning session.
If you decide to do red light therapy after tanning, here are some tips and recommendations to keep in mind:
Drink plenty of water: To avoid overheating or dehydration, drink plenty of water before and after your red-light therapy session.
Avoid hot showers or baths: Hot water can dry out your skin, which can make it more vulnerable to UV rays. Avoid hot showers or baths after your red light therapy session.
Use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer: To keep your skin hydrated and healthy, use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer after your red light therapy session.
Conclusion
So, should you do red light therapy before or after tanning? The truth is, there’s no definitive answer – it depends on your personal preference and skin type.
Both options have their pros and cons, so it’s important to weigh them carefully before making a decision.
Important Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do You Need Red Light Before Tanning?
Red light therapy can help to increase blood circulation, stimulate collagen production, and prepare your skin for UV exposure. This can help to reduce the risk of burning and may enhance your tanning results.
What Not to Do Before Red Light Therapy?
To avoid skin sensitivity or irritation, it’s best to avoid using any skincare products that contain retinol or vitamin A before your red light therapy session. You should also remove any makeup or jewelry that may interfere with the therapy.
Should You Put Anything on Before Red Light Therapy?
You don’t need to put anything on your skin before red light therapy, but you may want to remove any makeup or jewelry that could interfere with the therapy.
Should You Avoid the Sun After Red Light Therapy?
It’s generally a good idea to avoid spending too much time in the sun after red light therapy, as your skin may be more vulnerable to UV rays. Be sure to wear sunscreen and cover up if you do go outside.
Does Red Light Therapy Fade Your Tan?
No, red light therapy shouldn’t fade your tan. In fact, it may help to enhance your tan by improving blood flow and promoting collagen production.
What Should You Not Do Before Tanning?
To prepare for a tanning session, you should avoid using any skincare products that contain retinol or vitamin A, as these can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays. You should also avoid waxing or shaving immediately before tanning, as this can cause skin irritation.
