Sunbed Aftercare: What to Do After Your Session

Hello, gorgeous glow-getters! Jessie-Lee here, your friendly Salon Manager and Tanning Expert at MEGATAN. You've just enjoyed a lovely session in one of our state-of-the-art sunbeds, and you're probably feeling that lovely warmth and anticipating that golden hue. But here's where the magic truly happens: your sunbed aftercare routine! Think of it as the grand finale to your tanning session, the vital steps that lock in your colour, hydrate your skin, and ensure your tan looks its absolute best for longer. Neglecting these steps can lead to a patchy, fading tan and unhappy skin – and we definitely don't want that!

So, grab a cuppa and let's dive into everything you need to know about what to do after your sunbed session to achieve that envy-inducing, radiant glow.

The Golden Hour: Immediately After Your Session

The first few hours after your sunbed session are crucial. Your skin is still working its magic, developing that beautiful colour. Here's what to keep in mind:

• Resist the urge to shower immediately: We recommend waiting at least 2-4 hours, ideally 6-8 hours, before showering. This allows the DHA (dihydroxyacetone) in some of your tanning lotions to fully develop and penetrate your skin. Washing too soon can wash away some of that developing colour.
• Avoid heavy exercise: Sweating excessively can interfere with the tan development and potentially lead to streaks or an uneven tan. Give your skin a little break!
• Pat, don't rub, your skin: If you do need to wipe your skin for any reason, gently pat it dry. Rubbing can irritate your skin and disrupt the developing tan.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water! Hydrated skin tans better and holds its tan for longer. It's good for your overall health too, of course!

Hydration, Hydration, Hydration: Your Tan's Best Friend

This is perhaps the most important step in your sunbed aftercare routine. Tanning, whether indoors or out, can be drying for your skin. Well-hydrated skin not only looks healthier but also holds onto its tan for much longer. Think of your skin cells like grapes – plump and full of moisture, they reflect light beautifully. Dry skin cells are like raisins – shrivelled and ready to flake off, taking your tan with them!

• Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise: Apply a high-quality, non-comedogenic moisturiser generously all over your body, twice a day if possible. Look for ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E.
• Specifically designed tan extenders: These are fantastic! They often contain ingredients that help prolong your tan, prevent fading, and keep your skin super soft.
• Focus on dry areas: Pay extra attention to elbows, knees, ankles, and any other notoriously dry areas, as these tend to fade faster.

Gentle Cleansing: Maintaining Your Glow

Once you've passed the initial waiting period, showering is absolutely fine. However, how you shower can make a difference to your tan's longevity.

• Opt for lukewarm water: Hot showers can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and faster tan fading. Stick to lukewarm water.
• Use a gentle, pH-balanced body wash: Avoid harsh soaps or scrubs that contain sulphates or strong exfoliants. These can prematurely slough off your tanned skin cells.
• Pat dry, always: Again, gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel rather than rubbing vigorously. This helps preserve your tan and keeps your skin happy.

Exfoliation: When and How?

Exfoliation is a bit of a tricky subject when it comes to tanning. While it's essential before your sunbed session for an even tan, it needs to be approached carefully after.

• Avoid immediate exfoliation: Do not exfoliate for at least 3-5 days after your sunbed session. This will just scrub away your newly developed tan.
• Gentle exfoliation for even fading: Once your tan starts to naturally fade (usually after about a week), a very gentle exfoliation can help ensure it fades evenly, preventing patchiness. Use a soft cloth or a mild exfoliating product, and be incredibly gentle.

Protecting Your Skin: Beyond the Sunbed

Remember, a sunbed tan doesn't provide protection from the sun's natural UV rays. If you're heading outdoors, especially in the glorious UK sunshine (when we get it!), sun protection is still paramount.

• Always use SPF outdoors: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every time you're exposed to natural sunlight, even on cloudy days. This protects your skin from damage and premature ageing.
• Reapply regularly: Sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating.

The Long-Term Glow: Maintaining Your Tan

To keep your tan looking fresh and vibrant for as long as possible, consistency is key.

• Regular moisturising: Keep up that twice-daily moisturising routine.
• Hydrate from within: Continue drinking plenty of water.
• Top-up sessions: Depending on your tanning goals, regular, sensible top-up sessions at MEGATAN will help maintain your desired colour. Always follow our expert advice on session lengths and frequency.
• Consider tan extenders with a hint of bronzer: Some moisturisers have a subtle self-tanning agent that can gently boost and extend your colour in between sessions.

A Quick Word on Safety

At MEGATAN, your skin health and safety are our top priority. We always recommend responsible tanning. Listen to your skin, never overexpose it, and always follow the advice of our trained staff regarding session times. If you notice any unusual skin changes, consult a medical professional.

There you have it! Your comprehensive guide to sunbed aftercare. By following these simple yet effective steps, you'll not only extend the life of your beautiful tan but also keep your skin feeling soft, supple, and glowing. Pop into your nearest MEGATAN salon or browse our online store for all your aftercare essentials. Happy tanning!