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Have you ever wondered how long does it take to get a tan? The answer may surprise you because it depends on a number of factors including your skin type, the weather, and the type of tanning product you use. In this blog post, we’ll explore all of these variables to give you a better understanding of how long it takes to tan and get that perfect bronze glow. So whether you’re headed to the beach or just looking for a little color boost, read on for everything you need to know about the time it takes to get a great tan.
To understand how long it takes to tan, it’s first important to understand the different types of tans.
There are four major types of skin tanning:
- Natural (Sun Tanning)
- Tanning Beds
- Spray Tanning
- Tanning Lotions
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1) Tanning through the Sun (Sun Tanning)
Sun tanning is the most natural tan which happens as a result of your skin producing melanin in response to UV radiation from the sun. The amount of melanin your skin produces will determine the color of your tan.
The sun tanning process begins with the UV radiation penetrating the skin and damaging the DNA in the cells. This damage will cause the cells to produce more melanin as a form of protection. It can take several hours for this process to start, and it will continue over the next few days.
So, How Long Does It Take To Tan In The Sun (Sunbathing)?
Tanning in the sun will take around 30 mins to 2 hours for the UV radiation to cause your skin to start producing melanin. However, this estimate can vary depending on a number of factors including skin type, time of day, and location. For example, people with fairer skin will take less time to tan than those with darker skin. And, tans achieved during the middle of the day will be darker than those achieved in the morning or evening.
The time it takes to get a tan from the sun depends on a number of factors, including:
- Your skin color
- How often you are exposed to the sun
- The time of year
- The UV intensity
Sun tanning is also affected by the season. Tans achieved during the summer will be darker than those obtained in the winter because UV radiation levels are higher during the summer months.
2) Tanning Using Tanning Beds
A tanning bed uses UVA and/or UVB radiation to produce a tan. The amount of radiation used will determine the type of tan.
Tanning beds use lamps that emit UVA and/or UVB radiation. UVA radiation is responsible for the development of a tan, while UVB radiation is responsible for sunburn. Most tanning beds use a combination of UVA and UVB radiation.
The amount of radiation used will determine the type of tan. Low levels of radiation will produce a light tan, while high levels will produce a dark tan.
So, How Long Does It Take To Tan In a Tanning Bed?
Tanning in a tanning bed will take 5-10 minutes in individual 2-5 sessions for a light tan, while a dark tan in a sunbed will take 15-20 minutes in individual 2-5 sessions. These tanning bed sessions allow your skin to produce melanin in a controlled environment, meaning your chances of getting a sunburn is very low because the UVA rays that make the skin tan can be controlled, focused, increased and decreased.
Although the time it takes to tan in a tanning bed will depend on the type of tan desired and the amount of radiation used.
3) Tanning using Spray Tans
A spray tan uses DHA (dihydroxyacetone) to produce a tan. DHA is a colorless sugar that reacts with the proteins in the skin to produce a brown color.
The spray tanning process usually starts by having you undress your underwear and then use a spray machine to apply a sunless tanning solution to all the exposed areas of your body.
The technician will then have you stand in a specific area depending on the type of spray tanning system being used. After the entire process is complete, you will be given a set of instructions to follow that usually includes how long to wait before showering, how to take care of the tan, and what not to do.
So, How Long Does It Take To Get A Spray Tan?
Most people will have a tan within 2 hours after their spray tan appointment. However, the DHA in the sunless tanning solution will start to work on your skin almost immediately and will continue to darken over the next 2-4 hours like the Minetan Caramel Color Base Tan from Amazon.
The time it takes to get a spray tan will depend on the type of tan desired and the quality of the spray tanning technician. It is important to remember that spray tans are not meant to be a “one size fits all” solution. The technician will work with you to create a custom tan that will give you the results you are looking for.
If you are wanting a darker tan, then you may need to go through the process a few times to achieve the desired color.
Overall, spray tans are a safe and easy way to get the tan you want without having to worry about sun exposure. Just be sure to follow the instructions given to you by the technician so you can get the most out of your tan.
So, How Long Does It Take A Spray Tan To Develop?
You might have to wait anywhere from 3-5 hours for a spray tan to fully develop. This is because the DHA in the spray tanning solution takes time to work on your skin and will continue to darken over the next 12-24 hours. The darker the DHA, the longer you will have to wait for it to develop.
The time it takes for a spray tan to fully develop will ultimately depend on the type of tan desired, the quality of the spray tanning technician, and how dark you want your tan to be.
If you are wanting a really dark tan, then you may have to wait up to 12 hours for it to develop. However, most people will be happy with their tan after waiting only 2-3 hours.
Just remember that the DHA in the sunless tanning solution will continue to work on your skin even after you leave the salon, so the final results may not be seen until the next day.
4) Tanning Using Tanning Lotions
Just like tanning beds and spray tans, tanning lotions are also a great way to get a tan without having to spend time in the sun. Just like spray tans, most tanning lotions are made from dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which is a natural sugar that reacts with the skin to create a temporary tan.
Different tanning lotions work differently, so it is important to find the one that works best for you. Some tanning lotions will give you an instant tan, like the Beauty by Earth Medium to Dark Self Tanning Lotion while others will gradually darken your skin over time.
So, How Long Does It Take To Get A Tan From Tanning Lotions?
How long it takes to get a tan from a tanning lotion depends on the type of lotion that you use. Some lotions will give you an immediate tan, while others will take about 2-6 hours to start working.
The amount of time it takes for a tanning lotion to work depends on the type of tanning lotion you use, as well as your skin type. Generally, people will start to see a noticeable tan after about 30-45 minutes of the tanning lotion application. However, for people with light skin, it may take a few hours of using the tanning lotion before they start to see a noticeable tan.
Generally speaking, though, most tanning lotions will give you a tan within two to six hours. So, if you want to get a tan for a show, event or exhibition, using a tanning lotion a few hours before you leave is a great hack.
If you are looking for an instant tan, there are some lotions that will give you a tan in minutes. However, these lotions can be a bit harsh on the skin, so it is important to read the instructions carefully before using them.
In general, though, using a tanning lotion is a safe and easy way to get a tan without having to spend time in the sun. Just make sure to choose the right lotion for you, and read the instructions carefully.
Conclusion
So, how long does it take to get a tan? It really depends on the method you use. If you go the natural route and spend time in the sun, it will probably take a while. However, if you use a spray tan or a tanning lotion, you can get a great tan in just a few hours.
Overall, there are a variety of different ways to get a tan without having to spend time in the sun. Whether you want an instant tan, a gradual tan, or a dark tan, there is a method out there for you.
I’m Akin, your dedicated Editor-in-Chief and a fervent skincare enthusiast. Self-care is my true passion, and each year, I embark on a thorough exploration of self-tanning products, ranging from lotions to mists. This forms the bedrock of our commitment to delivering top-notch information to our readers. My extensive research and precise product rankings empower you to make informed decisions tailored to your specific skincare needs.
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