Top Tanning Do's and Don'ts for Summer!

Article by: Tiffany Kirkland

Summer has arrived and most of you will be heading down to the shore to soak up some sun. However, for many of us who work or can’t make it to the beach, the substitution of the sun may be found at your local tanning salon. Yes, there are many misconceptions when it comes to tanning. With all the myths regarding tanning beds and cases of extreme tanners (ie: “the tanning lady”), it is easy to be mislead about the proper way to tan. However, according to the FDA, a study conducted by Dr. Edward Giovannucci of Harvard University revealed that Americans lack of Vitamin D levels due to decreased sun exposure they can actually raise these levels in tanning beds as they provide a sufficient amount of Vitamin D.

 
…But did you also know?

 
There are plenty more benefits of tanning. In fact, many of these advantages can’t be found while lying out on the beach. For example,

• Indoor tanning lowers the risk of burning outside
• Indoor equipment is designed to tan people in a controlled environment in order to reduce the chances of burning
• Indoor tanning can minimize health risks when the salon operator and the client are making informed decisions about their tanning experience

Now that you’ve seen some of the key benefits of indoor tanning, it’s crucial to be aware of some of the “do’s and don’ts” of this process.

Most people think of wearing sunscreen at the beach, but never in a tanning booth.

-Always apply a lotion/ accelerator

• Lotion increases your desired tan by 60%! It’s important to especially apply a lotion right before and after tanning to maintain your newly achieved glow!

-Shower Before, Not After

• Most people assume they should shower after tanning. However, you should actually shower before tanning for best results. Showering right before tanning clears the skin of dirt and dead skin cells that would filter UV penetration. The heat from the shower also opens up pores, causing the skin to take in more oxygen.
• Also, try to avoid showering immediately after tanning as it can take up to 48 hours after UV exposure for your tan to fully develop.

-Use gentle cleansers

• When showering or bathing, select products designed to be gentle to the skin. Products with low Alkaline Base will help prevent drying of the skin and help keep your tan longer.

-Stay Hydrated

• When your work out you perspire. Consequently, your body loses moisture through the skin. Help your tan going by moisturizing after your workout.
• In order to maintain a healthy skin care routine, remember to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. This rehydrates tired and stressed out skin, helps clear up facial blemishes and helps shed unwanted pounds. So drink up and reap the benefits!
• Use high quality moisturizers with no mineral oils or petroleum as they can clog pores.

Using tanning beds can be a very useful substitution for laying out in the sun. However, always remember “everything in moderation”. The cases of harmful effects are propelled by the over usage of these beds. Just like prolonged exposure to the sun at the beach, overly excessive usage of beds can inevitably cause problems. Besides the external perks of having that great summer tan, always remember, true beauty always lies within.