If you’ve been soaking up too many rays of sun and you’re hoping your lobster-like sunburn transforms into a tan, you might be in a bind.
The time at which a sunburn turns into an tan will depend on the type of skin you have and is something you can influence. This article will review of the pros and cons regarding sunburns and tans and everything else in between.
Tanning can be described as a two-part process
It may look attractive however, a tan is in essence the sign of skin damaged.
The golden hue that you experience when you are exposed to sunlight comes by your body’s reaction to injuries which, in this instance is skin layers that are caused through the ultraviolet (UV) ultraviolet radiation.
Tans are actually the result of two parts process:
Part 1
The UV rays of the sun damage cells located in the upper layer that make up your skin. The immune system reacts by increasing the flow of blood to the areas affected and this is the reason sunburns appear red and warm to the contact.
Additionally chemicals released by damaged skin cells are sent to your brain, resulting in the sensation of pain. It could take anything between 6 and 48 hours following exposure to sun.
Part 2
The body produces more of melanin to guard your skin from harm. Melanin’s pigment is that determines the hue of your hair, skin and eyes.
If you’re skin types that are capable of tan, melanin in your skin will darken within 48 hours after exposure to sun.
How long you’ll be able to get tanning effect is largely dependent on the type of skin you have
Experts can determine a person’s complexion type making use of the Fitzpatrick skin type (FST) scale.
The classification calculates your melanin content that is present in your skin, based upon:
Skin color
hair color
Eye color
It’s not an ideal system but it can provide a rough idea of what to anticipate your skin to do following exposure to sun.
Whatever the type of skin you have it’s crucial to calm the burn as quickly as you can.
If you’re experiencing burns due to too much time in the sun the damage is already not healing and the treatment will not fix it. However, that doesn’t mean that you’re not able to find relief.
There are a few ways you can (and ought to) do to treat your sunburn to improve the feeling and decrease the chance of getting complications, such as infections.
Talking about difficulties…
Sunburns that are severe might require medical attention. Skin Cancer Foundation Skin Cancer FoundationTrusted Source recommends seeking medical assistance in the event of a sunburn that creates blisters on a large part of your body, or associated with:
The fever
chills
confusion
To treat moderate to mild sunburn at home at home, follow these suggestions a go:
Relax and unwind. You can cool your face several times throughout the throughout the day with a cooling shower or bath, or by applying a clean towel soaked with cool water on the area.
Medicate. You can take an over-the counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory medicine such as Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) to ease swelling and pain.
Moisturize. Use aloe vera gel and lotion to ease itching and discomfort and also stop drying.
Use corticosteroids. Put the OTC corticosteroid cream to moderate to mild sunburns to alleviate swelling and pain.
Do not pick. Avoid popping pimples or peeling the skin.
Cleanse regularly. Make use of mild soap and warm water to keep blisters free of dirt, apply an antibiotic ointment and wrap the wound with a nonstick dressing.
Hydrate. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
Safe(r) tanning 101
There’s no 100% safe method to get a tan, but in the event that you spend a significant amount of time outdoors (or you’re just adamant to get a tanning session) there are a few factors which can help make the process little safer.
Wear sunscreen. Sunscreen can prevent the sun’s rays however it doesn’t completely. Use at least 30 SPF whenever you’re spending a significant amount of time outside, regardless of whether you’re looking to bake yourself to an ethereal shine or not. Sunscreens can prevent sunburns and decreases your chance of developing premature aging as well as skin cancer.
Don’t believe in the notion of a base tan. It’s not an alternative to sunscreen, regardless of the advice of the salesperson in the salon will tell you. There’s no evidence to suggest that the base tan is a way to avoid sunburn. Tannining beds aren’t as safe as the sun. In actual fact, just one session can dramatically increase the risk of all kinds of skin cancers, including Melanoma.
Beware of midday sun. UV rays can be the most damaging at 10 a.m. between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The chance of suffering a severe sunburn quickly is at its most likely. Make sure to limit your exposure to the sun to at a minimum during this period.
Even better? Take a look at alternatives for tanning
If you’re hoping to get the sun-kissed glow, without risking your health, look into UV-free alternatives. There are several alternatives.
Self-tanner
The products for sunless tanning contain an additive to the color called dihydroxyacetone (DHA). When applied to the skin DHA reacts with dead skin cells that are on skin’s surface, causing darkening of the skin for a few days.
Self-tanning lotions, creams, sprays are available in a variety of shades so that you can decide the amount of light or dark shade you would like to get.
Spray Tans
Spray tans employ an airbrush machine that applies an even layer of self-tanner on the skin. The procedure is typically performed by a professional. However, for those who are a fervent self-tanner, you could purchase an at-home machine for around a hundred dollars.
Depending on how dark you want to go depending on how dark you go, a spray tan usually lasts 5-10 days.
Bottom line
There’s no assurance of your sunburn to develop into a tan, particularly when you’re fair-skinned. The best option for an assured shade (that’s also secure) is to make it yourself (or ask someone else to take care of it) using a self-tanner or spray tan.