Tan: How to Get It, Keep It, and... How to Get Rid of It?

If we were to compile a list of the most frequently asked questions about tans, they would undoubtedly include how to get one, how to maintain it, and whether it can be removed. Are there any proven methods? We'll provide the answers below.

How to get a tan?

There are many factors that play a role in developing a tan. The first is, of course, natural predisposition, meaning whether our skin naturally responds to UV radiation with a tan. These predispositions are known as phototypes, the Celtic type of which refers to a certain inability to tan, resulting from insufficient melanin in the skin. We've described other causes of tan problems here.

Assuming none of the above-mentioned obstacles stand in the way of achieving a tan, it's worth considering several factors that influence tanning effectiveness. The first is proper skin preparation. It's important to ensure the skin is smooth. By this, we mean not only exfoliating but also ensuring proper hydration. When the epidermis is dry and flaking, these micro-irregularities impede the absorption of UVA and UVB rays by the deeper layers of the skin, where the tanning process occurs.

Another crucial issue is the duration and frequency of tanning sessions. Common sense should be the primary consideration here, and whentanning in a tanning bed , it's worth relying on the staff's suggestions. Based on their knowledge of salon equipment, they'll recommend the best equipment and suggest the appropriate time for use. The most important thing is not to force a tan, as tanning is a process that requires some patience before achieving the desired results.

However, there are ways to improve tanning, even speed it up and intensify the results. A method for so-called "smart tanning" is using appropriate tanning products , which can reduce the time the body is exposed to the sun while maintaining the same, or even better, results. How does this work? We discussed this mechanism in this post, among others.

It is also important to moisturize and nourish the skin "from the inside", which we can achieve by drinking plenty of water and choosing a diet rich in carotene.

How to maintain your tan?

It's long been known that beautifully tanned skin has a positive impact on our well-being, especially in the summer. Therefore, it's worth knowing how to maintain this attractive appearance, which goes hand in hand with a good mood, throughout the coming months. Let's start with why tan lines fade from the skin. This happens due to the constant process of exfoliation and the replacement of old skin cells with new ones.

A way to delay these processes is to regularly moisturize the skin. This will help the tan on the outer layer of the skin last longer. This is especially important for tans obtained by spray tanning or self-tanner application, but it will also have a beneficial effect on the appearance of the skin after sunbathing or tanning in a tanning bed.

Considering this last type of tanning, it's worth mentioning so-called booster sessions—less frequent, but regular, visits to the tanning bed—that will help maintain the results. Especially during the autumn and winter months, when we can't enjoy the sun's rays, it's worth remembering a weekly visit to the tanning bed—to maintain an attractive tan and well-being.

How to get rid of a tan?

There are also situations when, for some reason, the tan doesn't meet our expectations and we simply want to get rid of it. Is it possible? The answer is yes, but it's not easy. Therefore, it's worth considering, for example, even-outing the tan. Tanning products, such as self-tanning mousse , can be helpful in topping off the tan or covering lines left by swimsuits or sandal straps. The product should be applied precisely to the untanned area and rinsed off with water after a few hours.

What if we want to get rid of a tan after spray tanning or a bad self-tanner? In that case, the best way is to do the opposite of what's recommended when using a fake tan, such as bathing in very warm water with oil or another gentle exfoliating product, massaging the skin with a sponge or glove, and exfoliating. Some users on tanning forums suggest using baking soda as a drying agent to accelerate exfoliation, or reaching for products with brightening ingredients, such as vitamin C or retinol. However, everything should be done in moderation and gently to avoid irritating the skin. For this reason, the use of lemon juice and other bleaching products is discouraged.

Remember that tanning is a process. Patience and consistency in building your tan, as well as in skincare afterward, are key to achieving and maintaining your desired results. And if for any reason you need to get rid of your tan, only use proven and skin-safe methods.