How Long Does a UV Tan Last?

Tanning is an aesthetic treatment that has been becoming more popular throughout the years. In the old days, getting a tan was only achievable by lying down under the heat of the sun. However, there are times that people do not have the opportunity to be exposed to enough sunlight due to various factors. This is what prompted the development of tanning beds within the aesthetics industry. There are some who are not familiar with this treatment method. This leads them to question the longevity of the effects of getting a UV tan.

What Is A Tanning Bed?

As an alternative to sun exposure, a tanning bed is a device or machine that is used for indoor tanning. Just like the sun, tanning beds use ultraviolet (UV) radiation to darken the color of the skin. A tanning bed may use either UVA or UVB. UVA is a classification of UV rays that has the longest wavelength. It is known to penetrate up to the dermis and can give clients immediate tanning. UVB, on the other hand, has a medium wavelength. It affects skin cells in the top layer of a person’s skin. With this type, the results of the tanning session may come out a little late, as compared to UVA. The UV lights are produced by the UV lamps or bulbs that are installed beneath the bed. The effectiveness of a tanning bed may depend on the type of UV lamp or bulb that is being used by the device. When the skin is exposed to UV rays, the melanocytes are stimulated. These are the cells in skin that produce melanin. This is the reason why the skin gets a brownish pigment after it has been tanned. There are different types of tanning beds that may be available in medical spas. You may refer to the different types of tanning beds:

• Low pressure tanning bed

This is the most economical type of tanning bed that is offered in most spas. A low pressure tanning bed may contain 20 to 32 UV lamps. This would mean that your skin will get tanned at a slower rate. This type emits the highest level of UV rays, which means that it is not advisable for people who easily get sunburned. It may take more than 20 minutes before you get your base tan. People who opt to go with this option may need to return to the medical spa frequently to maintain your basic tan.

• Medium pressure tanning bed

This type may contain between 33 and 54 UV lamps. This takes less time for clients to achieve their preferred base tans. The level of UV rays used by this type is 50% lesser than a low pressure tanning bed. This lessens the risk of getting sunburned.

• High pressure tanning bed

This type of tanning bed is known to cost the most but also contain low levels of UV rays. Some high pressure tanning beds can block out 99% of the UV rays. The UV rays reach deeper into the skin and clients are advised to go back to the medical spa less frequently as compared with the low and medium pressure tanning beds. The tan is also richer and can last relatively longer when you use a high pressure tanning bed. With the low level of UV rays, clients achieve darker tans with the least chances of risking getting sunburned.

The Process Of Indoor Tanning

Considering that you will be exposing your skin to electromagnetic energy, you should always be prepared to follow the prerequisites before you get yourself a tan using a tanning bed. By meeting such these requirements, you are assured that you will undergo a safe and relaxing treatment. Below are the common steps involved when getting a UV tan from a medical spa:

• Consult first with a professional

You should always get in touch with the staff of the medical spa that you plan on getting your treatment. It is important for an expert to evaluate your case. Your skin type is important to be able to determine your exposure schedule. There is a chance that the medical spa you have chosen may offer different types of tanning beds that you may need to choose from. One of the most important reasons why you need to consult first with the medical spa is because the staff will check if you may have some health issues that would prevent you from getting a UV tan. Also, you must be able to meet the age requirement that is imposed by the spa since this may have been mandated by the local government.

• Check out the equipment

Before you continue setting up a schedule, you should look at the equipment that you will be using. This is highly advised so that you are assured that you are being offered a tanning bed that is in good working condition. You must always be cautious since you are dealing with UV rays that can be damaging to your skin if applied incorrectly. Also, one of the main reasons you need to check out the equipment is to ensure that it is clean. You will be wearing minimal to no clothing during your treatment. You must ensure that proper hygiene is being followed during the treatment session. You should also try to research online if there are customer reviews on your chosen spa. The reputation of your chosen medical spa should be excellent to assure you that everything will work just fine.

• Decide on your attire

Since you may have the option of going nude or wearing a bathing suit, you must be able to choose before your tanning schedule. This will help you identify which parts of your body you will need to apply moisturizer on.

• Clean your skin thoroughly before your appointment

You should exfoliate and moisturize your skin. This will ensure that there will be no dead skin cells that may cause uneven tanning. Also, apply a moisturizer and an indoor tanning lotion on your skin to protect it from burning or irritation. Before you lie down on the tanning bed, you should put on a thick coat of lip balm to avoid having your lips dry up during the treatment.

• Always wear goggles

You should never expose your eyes to the UV rays. The intensity of these rays can damage or irritate your eyes. If you are worried that the outline of the goggles will not be tanned, you can slide your goggles around during your treatment. Make sure that you do not lift or take the goggles off.

• Position yourself properly inside the tanning bed for even tanning

You should not stay in one position the whole time you are lying inside the tanning bed. You will need to change the positioning of your arms and legs from time to time. You should ask the staff about these positions so that you will not have uneven tan lines on certain areas of your body.

• Do not take a bath right away

You should allow the tan to properly settle on your skin. You should wait 3 to 4 hours before you take your bath. If you are feeling dry, apply moisturizer to rehydrate your skin.

How Long Does A UV Tan Last?

Results from indoor tanning are not permanent. The skin will naturally exfoliate its outer layer, which may remove the areas that were tanned. However, depending on the type of tanning bed that was used, the results may last longer for certain types. It usually depends on how deep the UV rays were able to penetrate your skin.

The results that you get from using a low pressure tanning bed may take about 7 to 10 days before you may need to do the process again to maintain the tan that you were able to achieve. With a high pressure tanning bed, results may last for about 27 to 30 days. Since the skin is not exposed to a high level of UV rays, its natural exfoliation cycle is maintained. This makes it better than exposing the skin to the sun because UV rays coming from the sun are known to dry out the skin.

Indoor Tanning Is Better For Your Skin

There are people who may be unaware, but tanning is beneficial to a human’s skin because it helps the skin develop defense against the harmful effects of the sun’s UV rays. Aesthetically, it also improves the appearance of people. This leads to psychological effects that would help improve a person’s mood. Undergoing indoor tanning treatment is more convenient and safer for your skin. You should consider that the sun’s UV rays are less controllable than the UV lamps used in tanning beds. Also, getting a tan in a reputable medical spa assures you that there is professional help available at all times. There is less risk of getting sunburned when you are guided by a team of experts. If you wish to consult and schedule an appointment to use a tanning bed, you may contact Solea Medical Spa & Beauty Lounge at 305-932-2555.