Pale skin can be a challenge to tan. You may find that you tend to burn easily outdoors and feel that you can’t build up a tan. Actually you can but you have to take it slow and use the right products. Ready to go for it and build a base tan? There are a few steps that will quickly speed up your first tanning process. Here are a few things to consider:
Beginning Tanning Lotion
The first item is lotion and you want to look for a basic tanning lotion or base tan builder. These typically have high levels of moisturizer and the right levels of accelerators for your skin type. There are many lotion brands on the market, most are found at professional salons and online, not usually in big box stores.
Some popular brands with long established names are Brown Sugar, Devoted Creations, Hoss Sauce, Supre, Hemperor, and Ultimate and some others. They are known for quality skin care and plentiful ingredients that you can’t find in a cheaper product. With that in mind, while looking through them, look for a lotion that specifies base tan builder, accelerator or beginner lotion.
Tanning With Pale Skin
The next consideration is your tanning bed or outdoor tanning session. It’s very important not to overdo your tanning sessions especially if you have pale skin. Don’t stay in more than the recommendations. You may have to start slow, under 5 minutes and you may have to do that for several tans. You will have to gauge your own progress so that you don’t overdo it. If you feel that you had no change than step up the time slowly.
I recommend no more than every other day and no more than 3 times per week. Always give your skin time in between tans to build your tan. Always avoid burning or overexposure but if you happen to overdo it then stop tanning until fully recovered.
Some people believe they have to burn to tan but this is very counterproductive and not a healthy choice for your skin. You can actually build up a resistance by burning and make tanning harder in the long run. If you are going to be outside, use a SPF after your tanning session to minimize further exposure.
Moisturizer For Tanners
A Moisturizer For Tanners used in place of your daily moisturizer will be your best friend in this process. This will do two things, first of all you will be moisturizing your skin and keeping it healthier. Healthy skin tans faster and holds a tan longer. Secondly a moisturizer for tanners will contain accelerators such as L-Tyrosine that will help keep your skin prepared to maximize your tanning session long before you tan. It’s best to use this moisturizer in place of your daily moisturizer first thing in the morning after bathing and at night before bed.
Gentle Body Wash
After tanning care is important. Soaps and harsh cleansers can take away your progress. Use a mild body wash or shower gel rather than a harsh, drying soaps. Ultimately your tan goes away with exfoliation and harsh soaps speed that up. Tanning Lotion and Skin Care brands have some great options for tanners. I prefer a cleanser with Coconut Oil and Argan Oil to nourish skin, like Norvik Body Wash, specifically designed for this purpose.
For more ideas check out our Tanning Tips section however remember you want to find a beginning tanning lotion. Don’t forget your eye-wear and have a great time tanning!
