This article will explain Why Am I Not Tanning Anymore? Why don’t I sunbathe outside? You might ask this question if your efforts to tan are in vain. It’s surprising how many people will do anything to make their skin appear a little darker.
But they frequently overlook that different skin tones might respond differently to the sun. And that may be connected to the question, “ Why Am I Not Tanning Anymore?” However, there may be a lot more things at play here.
Why Am I Not Tanning Anymore?
Although that is not always the case, it can be because you must spend more time outside in the sun. Sometimes, the causes may include overusing sunscreen, using an out-of-date bronzer, getting a base tan, or plateauing too fast.
People frequently stop sunbathing because they reach a point known as a tanning plateau where they stop getting any darker while tanning. Said this is the darkest skin tone that your body can have.
Everybody has their tanning plateau, and getting there can take different amounts of time. Age, health issues, the materials you use, and the time of day you go tanning are additional factors that may contribute to improper tanning.
Sometimes, it can be not easy to know whether you aren’t tanning because you’ve reached a plateau or just need to adjust your tanning routine.
You can modify your practice to continue tanning and get the desired dark shade while staying safe and reducing your risk of skin damage or skin cancer by being aware of the various factors that influence tanning.
Tanning Plateau
Everybody will ultimately reach a tanning plateau. You will eventually reach a point where you can no longer become much darker, no matter how much or how long you have been tanning. Your body may get used to this plateau, and even though you may notice that your tan gets darker as you spend more time in the sun, you will eventually reach a plateau.
This barrier cannot be overcome, so you must accept your color. Those with naturally darker skin typically plateau higher, although their tans may also be less obvious.
When you hit your tanning plateau, you can experiment with various approaches to see if you can overcome it. You should start experimenting with various bronzers or lotions to assist in darkening the skin to take it to the next level.
Additionally, you can experiment with various tanners. You can go outside and bask in the sun if you often tan indoors to see whether you tan any better. You can use a tanning bed if you usually tan outdoors to see if it can help you reach a darker hue.
Consider getting a spray tan if you’re dissatisfied with the degree of tan you got at your tanning session. To achieve your desired look without endangering the health of your skin, a spray tan may help you become darker than your base tan.
Too Much Sunscreen
Sunscreen is an excellent idea since it can help shield your skin from sunburn, slow the aging process, and lower your risk of skin cancer. Additionally, it can stop you from developing the desired tan.
Using sunscreen is a good idea no matter how dark you are or want to be, but as your skin darkens and you spend more time in the sun or a tanning bed, you may need to change the type of sunscreen you use and its strength. While a higher SPF sunscreen will offer greater and longer skin protection, tanning doesn’t necessarily necessitate it.
Start using a higher SPF sunscreen until you get a foundation tan or feel comfortable spending a small amount of time in the sun without burning. The SPF can then be decreased to a lower value. This will enable the sunscreen to continue shielding your skin from harm while allowing some UV rays to be absorbed by the skin to help you get a healthy tan.
You must keep an eye on your skin and avoid staying outside for extended periods or during the hottest times of the day when you reduce your sunscreen use to tan. Sun exposure might increase your risk of skin cancer even if you wear sunscreen.
Out-Of-Date Bronzer
The use of bronzers for indoor and outdoor tanning is widespread. Bronzers function to darken the skin more quickly and make sure the tan is absorbed into the skin.
They are activated by the sun or the bulbs of a tanning bed. Bronzers can be added to sunscreens and tanning oils and applied as lotions or sprays.
For the type of tanning you wish to accomplish, many types of bronzers are frequently available. Bronzers made for indoor use might be less effective outside, and bronzers made for outdoor use might not be as effective in a tanning bed. Bronzers can degrade, but it can be challenging to tell whether your product is effective.
If the lotion or bronzer you’re using doesn’t contain an expiration date, it could be difficult for you to remember how long you’ve had it. If the bronzer expires, it won’t be as effective and won’t give you the desired deep tan.
To ensure your bronzer is functioning correctly, replace it every six months. Additionally, outdated bronzers might result in skin responses like rashes or blistering. It could be time to switch out your bronzer if you experience issues using it.
How Do I Overcome It?
The first step is to know your skin type before heading to a tanning bed or a four-hour sunbath. The National Tanning Training Institute, or NTTI, states that it aids in determining how much exposure is too much or too little for your skin to tolerate.
Here is a guide on the various skin kinds and their typical reaction to the sun or UV radiation if you need clarification about your skin type.
Type 1
The list groups the skin tones according to a lighter-to-darker scale. In light of this, type one skin is extremely light and white. It’s sometimes referred to as having an ivory complexion. You most likely have an ivory complexion if you have naturally blonde or red hair and light blue, gray, or green eyes.
Since type one skin is sensitive to UV rays, you must exercise utmost caution. You might not get the results you want because tanning is challenging. Instead of bronzed skin, spending hours in a tanning booth increases your risk of being sunburned.
Ivory-skinned people should not spend more than a minute in a tanning bed. Apply sunscreen if you intend to visit the beach to get a natural tan. With tanning intensifiers, you can achieve a little darker shade, though.
Type 2
You most likely have type two skin if you have a light beige complexion, blue or green eyes, and a few freckles. The term “beige skin” is also used to describe this skin tone slightly darker than the original complexion we mentioned.
Compared to type one skin, type two skin tastes better. Sadly, those with this complexion are more likely to hit a plateau. Like ivory skins, increasing UV exposure won’t resolve the issue.
When exposed to the sun for an extended period, this skin might peel and become burned. The suggested time for types one and two in the tanning bed in most indoor tanning facilities is a minute at maximum.
Don’t panic; lotions or tan extenders can help skin tones like beige and ivory develop a deeper tan.
Type 3
You are starting to grasp how the scale works now that we have arrived at the midpoint point for the skin classification. Type three skin can develop a darker tan compared to kinds one and two. There’s a strong probability it’ll turn bronze.
However, it would help if you also used appropriate skin protection, tanning lotions, bronzers, and other types of treatment to supplement your indoor or outdoor tanning routine. Don’t hesitate to spoil your skin with a high-end accelerator, bronzer, and tanning lotion.
Type 4
Olive skin is already a medium brown hue, which is quite close to what many people call a “bronzed glow.” People with this skin type can spend about five minutes in a tanning bed for their base tanning.
The upside is that you can tan more deeply without worrying about getting burned. Because type four skin is less sensitive to UV rays, you can easily get the tan you want in the sun without burning.
Just be sure to use skin moisturizers and sunscreen lotion. Bronzers and tan boosters work wonders to give your skin a radiant, healthy appearance. Purchase a few high-quality lotions to give oneself the greatest appearance.
Additionally, the fact that your skin won’t burn soon does not guarantee that you won’t overexpose yourself. To keep yourself safe, practice moderation in whatever you do.
Type 5 And Type 6
You may be wondering why we combined two different skin types. Well, you probably won’t be considering acquiring a tan if your skin appears naturally browned or medium to dark brown.
Skin types five or six individuals have gorgeous medium or dark brown naturally tanned skin. This skin type has the lowest risk of developing sunburn or skin cancer but can quickly turn darker when exposed to strong UV rays.
How Much Time Do Tans Last?
The sort of tan determines how long it will last. Additionally, it will rely on your body’s skin regeneration rate. Outdoor sun tanning often results in a tan that lasts 7-10 days before the skin’s surface begins to peel.
Spray tans can persist for up to 10 days with care and up to 1 day without it. Jules Von Hep, a spray tan expert, stated in an interview with Marie Claire that some clients’ skin does not accept a spray tan as well in the week before or during their period; thus, you may want to wait until the week after, if possible. However, there is no scientific proof to support this claim.
Can A Tan Last A Lifetime?
Because skin naturally exfoliates over time, a tan is seldom long-lasting. As a result, the tanned skin peels off. Older skin flakes off while new skin cells are created.
Anyone you observe who appears “permanently” tanned either has naturally darker skin, uses a sunless tanning lotion or a spray tan, or spends a lot of time in the sun. According to the Drug and Food Administration, it’s crucial to remember that sunless tanning tablets are unsafe. They ought to be prevented.
Conclusion
There are various reasons why you are not tanning anymore? Whether you acquired your tan by sunbathing or a spray tan at a salon will determine how long it lasts. While no tan is ever permanent, you can add a few days to its lifespan by taking the right care of it.
Tans typically last between 7 and 10 days before the skin begins to exfoliate and renew naturally. If you use a tan extender, exfoliate your body before tanning, and keep your skin moisturized, your tan might continue longer than expected.
