Understanding Tan Fading
A tan fades because the body sheds dead skin cells and replaces them with new ones. Lighter tans fade quicker than deeper tans. Development and retention of a tan vary on several factors including skin type, tan technique, and skin care.
Maintaining Your Tan
- Gently exfoliate
- Moisturize regularly
- Start light and build color slowly
- Limit sun exposure to 1-2 hours daily
- Use SPF 30 sunscreen
Ultraviolet light from the sun or tanning beds has two components: UVA and UVB. Indoor tanning equipment typically uses a formulated mix of light waves to achieve tan with less risk of burning.
Why Tans Fade Quickly
The body’s cellular regeneration process contributes to tan fading as dead cells containing pigment are shed. The epidermis, the outer skin layer, constantly produces new cells, pushing the older tanned ones to the surface where they flake off.
Factors contributing to faster tan fading:
- Dry skin leading to flaking cells
- Lack of skin care, such as moisturizing
- Frequent skin exposure without proper recovery time
- Soothing treatments like hot baths and steaming, which can encourage skin flaking
- Sunless tans may fade when skin care products are not adequately used
To prolong tans, it’s recommended to moisturize daily, and for quick tan fade, gentle exfoliation and home remedies like apple cider vinegar or lemon juice can be applied. Using an oil-free moisturizing formula can also help in slowing the fade of a fake tan.
Impact of Sun Exposure and Skin Care
The study by Miyamura et al. published in the "Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology" (2013) suggests that cumulative exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can lead to faster tan fading due to melanin depletion. Proper skin care, especially regular moisturizing, is crucial as dryness causes faster fading of the sunless tan.