Do you want to intensify your tan? Many look best when they have a luminous complexion: if you are among them, there are various methods to obtain the desired effect. However, you should be aware that some of them carry risks. Always be careful to protect your skin from damage. In any case, if you want to intensify your tan, you can do it in several ways.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Prepare the Skin for Tanning
Step 1. Moisturize and nourish the skin
This little trick will make your tan last longer, plus you'll get a better result. Also remember that you shouldn't shower for four hours after using the tanning lotion to prevent the color from fading.
- Working out before getting a tan is just as effective for getting a golden glow faster. In fact, doing physical activity stimulates blood circulation, favoring a better tan.
- To hydrate your skin, you should drink plenty of water throughout the day. Applying a moisturizer will also ensure that the color doesn't fade after getting a tan.
Step 2. Exfoliate your skin before tanning
You will remove dead cells from the epidermis, promoting a better tan.
- Exfoliation also allows you to soften the driest areas, improving the appearance of the skin in general. You can exfoliate it with a loofah sponge, exfoliating mitt, or scrub.
- Apply the scrub with small, circular movements to help remove dead cells and smooth the skin surface. It will also help you get a more even tan and make it last longer.
Step 3. Make sure you prevent burns
If you tan the wrong way, you'll end up with a bad erythema instead of a healthy, golden glow. As a result, tan properly and protect your skin.
- If you are already tanned or have been exposed to the sun for a long time, your skin will be less prone to burns. Check how long you sunbathe. Overdoing it can make you sick and cause a bad sunburn, preventing you from getting a golden glow. When you tan by exposing yourself to the sun or the rays of a sunbed (so not using a cream or a spray), you have to proceed step by step and apply the right protection factor.
- Don't use baby oil to tan. It can cause a severe burn. Always use a cream or spray with an SPF, preferably above 15. Contrary to popular belief, it won't stop you from getting a tan. It simply helps protect the skin from UV damage, including dryness, premature aging, and even cancer.
Method 2 of 3: Sunless Tanning Methods
Step 1. Try a self-tanning cream, as it is the least risky method of tanning
Nowadays, there are many readily available products that do not give an orange effect, rather simulate a natural tan.
- The great thing about self tanners is that they don't damage your skin like the sunbed or the sun. Plus, you don't risk inhaling chemicals like spray tanning does. Then choose a self-tanning cream.
- There are different types and each product is better suited to certain needs. Before you buy one, try it on a small area of your skin to see if it's right for you.
- Use a tanning preparer. It is possible that it temporarily reddens the skin, but it helps to achieve a truly natural color in no time. This lotion can also allow you to speed up the creation of a natural tan and includes self-tanning substances that give a slight artificial color as the real tan is formed.
- To intensify the complexion, there are also products (such as drops) that you can mix with the self-tanning lotion. You will find several on the market.
Step 2. Apply a tanning accelerator
On the market you can find many targeted products to accelerate the tan you are trying to get by exposing yourself to the sun or by having lamps. Look for one that specifically promises to intensify the color or speed up the process.
- These products also perfect the complexion, for example they make it more golden.
- The lotions are designed to moisturize the skin, so it will be easier to absorb UV rays. Some tanning accelerators also contain bronzer.
Step 3. You can also consider a spray tan, which is becoming less and less expensive
Many salons offer monthly packages, reducing costs. It allows you to have a dark complexion without damaging the skin.
- In some salons, the product is sprayed manually, while in others it will be a machine that does it. Just remember that some research has raised doubts about the safety of this method, especially if you inhale or ingest the product.
- Spray tanning can last between three and seven days. It is possible to request different color intensities. If you want a dark complexion, choose the most intense tone among those available. It is extremely important to wear the proper protective filters, as well as to protect your eyes, lips, mouth and other sensitive areas.
Step 4. Make lamps to tan faster
If you want to get a golden glow right away, it is better to choose this method than to stay in the sun. In fact, five minutes in a sun bed equals two hours of sun exposure.
- If you spend a couple of minutes a day in a sun bed, you will tan sooner. The secret to tanning is to stimulate the production of melanin and it usually takes five to seven days to get the desired result, as long as your skin tone favors the tan.
- Daily sessions can speed up the process (but as with other methods, your skin may be damaged or you risk getting cancer). Once a base color is formed, it is possible to intensify the tan with short sessions in the sun or in the bed every four or five days. Overdoing it or trying to get a very dark result right away can cause the skin to dry out and peel, which isn't nice at all.
- It can be dangerous to use a tanning bed as it puts you at greater risk for cancer and premature aging. If you are determined to go this route, let yourself be guided by an expert. Do not do more sessions than recommended, otherwise you risk getting burned. The best way to tan with lamps is to do it gradually.
Method 3 of 3: Get a tan by exposing yourself to the sun
Step 1. Use sea water to achieve a darker complexion
Some say that sea salt can help intensify the color, as it attracts the sun's rays. Consequently, if you are on the beach, you might want to take advantage of it.
- Go to the sea, immerse yourself in the water and then go out to tan. Do this several times and you will see that the tan will intensify. You could also try using olive oil.
- As with any type of tan, be very careful not to burn yourself. Attracting more sunlight can damage the skin.
- You could also attract the sun by using a reflector.
Step 2. Use after sun lotion to keep skin hydrated
After getting tanned, you should always apply this product, which will refresh and calm the skin.
An after-sun lotion will fight discomfort and redness, it will also moisturize the skin and make the tan last longer. After sunbathing, you can use baby oil to soften your skin (but avoid using it to tan, otherwise you could get burned)
Step 3. Spend more time outdoors
Train outside. Walk or cycle instead of using the car (remember to apply sunscreen, however).
- If you start to feel that your skin is sore, don't stay in the sun anymore. Getting burned will not allow you to intensify your tan. Instead, the skin will begin to peel and you risk having an uneven result.
- As always, if you want a golden glow rather than burn yourself, remember to use sun protection factor.
Advice
- Keep your skin hydrated.
- Drink plenty of water when outdoors, don't get dehydrated.
- Always use a lotion or spray with SPF, preferably 15 or higher.
- Always be aware of the risks involved in the various methods of tanning. Read the ingredients list and do your research.
- When making your own lamps, always consult an expert to find out how long to expose. Each couch has different power levels, so some can only be used for short intervals.
