Can I Tan 2 Days in a Row?

When it comes to having a beautiful, bronzy glow, many of us will do whatever it takes to achieve it. But when we look at the risks involved with tanning, both outdoor and indoor, it’s important we stop and analyze the facts before spending too much time in the sun or tanning bed. So, if you’re wondering whether or not you can tan two days in a row, the short answer is plain and simple: No. 

After all, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), “The United States Department of Health and Human Services and the World Health Organization’s International Agency of Research on Cancer panel have declared ultraviolet radiation from the sun and artificial sources, such as tanning beds and sun lamps, to be a known carcinogen (cancer-causing substance).” 

So, in this post we will look at the risks of tanning too much, and the safe approach to having a healthy, glowing tan. 

Indoor Tanning

While indoor tanning is super convenient because you can go anytime, it is also pretty unsafe if overdone. 

When we tan, the UV rays we are exposed to deplete the collagen in our skin. Collagen is important as it is what keeps our skin plump and elastic. When the collagen is degraded and the elasticity is lost, it causes our skin to sag, age faster and become wrinkly. 

Not only do wrinkles occur, we also increase our chance of causing brown spots, also known as age spots. These are more common among people 50 and older, but excessive time in UVs can increase and expedite the likelihood of forming them. 

And even worse, is the increased chance of skin problems like melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma.

According to the AAD, researchers estimate that indoor tanning may cause upwards of 400,000 cases of skin cancer in the U.S. each year. Furthermore, “higher melanoma rates are common among young females compared to young males most likely due to the widespread use of indoor tanning among females.” 

Aside from the risks associated with skin cancer and premature aging, another problem commonly seen from frequent and intentional UV exposure is a tanning addiction. 

“Research indicates that more than one-fifth of white women age 18-30 years old who tan indoors exhibit indoor tanning dependence,” notes the AAD.

Another negative factor to keep in mind with indoor tanning is the potential exposure to various bacterial and viral infections. Things like athlete’s foot, lice, staph infections, and warts can be passed along in tanning beds that aren’t sanitized properly. 

Let’s do a quick recap of some of the Pros and Cons of indoor tanning beds.

Pros:

• They offer a controlled environment which increases the efficiency of tanning
• They are available all the time, no matter the weather outside or time of day

Cons:

• Pose potential risks because of the harsh nature of the UV rays
• There is a potential to become tanning addicted
• Potential exposure to bacterial and viral infections
• Can be expensive to use

All in all, the most important thing to remember if you decide to use a tanning bed is to have breaks in between uses and not tan two days in a row. The recommended time between tans is 3 to 5 days. Tanning two or three times a week is definitely enough to obtain rich, bronzy skin. Just be sure not to overdo it.

While many people may think that tanning outdoors in the sun is safer than tanning indoors, it still offers many of the same risks and potential harm. 

Yes, the sun is one of our best sources for Vitamin D, which is essential for a strong immune system and healthy bones, and some of the UV rays the sun emits are filtered by the ozone layer making them safer for most skin types when compared to tanning beds. However, excess exposure to the sun will still lead to premature aging, brown spots, and the potential of more serious problems like skin cancer. 

Outdoor Tanning

When it comes to whether or not we can tan outdoors two days in a row, it’s suggested not to but the rules aren’t as strict as with indoor tanning. As long as a few things are taken into consideration.

1. Sunscreen. Enough said. Applying SPF 30 or higher will significantly help protect your skin from the harmful UVs out there. You will still tan, just a little slower but safer. 
2. Limit your time. If you plan to be out tanning two days consecutively, definitely consider keeping it under 2 hours each day. 

Let’s do a quick recap of some of the Pros and Cons of tanning outdoors.

Pros:

• The sun offers Vitamin D and some UVs are filtered by the ozone layer
• It’s free
• Sunscreen can be applied to protect skin from harmful UVs while still tanning

Cons:

• There are still risks: premature aging, age spots, and skin cancer are some of the adverse side effects
• The time and weather affect your ability to tan outdoors

In conclusion, if you decide to tan outdoors, it is best to space your sun exposure by not tanning two days in a row. However, if you decide you want to, be sure to use sunscreen and limit how much time you are actually outdoors. 

Sunless Tanners

For the safest tan possible, consider a sunless tanner in spray or lotion form. This eliminates any potential for skin cell damage that can lead to premature aging and skin cancer. The AAD highly recommends sunless-tanning products instead of tanning in UV light from the sun or an indoor tanning bed.

However, even in this case you do not need to apply two days in a row. For most sunless tanning products, it is best to apply and allow the spray or lotion to fully absorb into the skin over a few days before applying again.

Top Sunless Tanning Products

St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse

Last update on 2023-03-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

There is a reason this is a best seller on Amazon, because it is great! The mousse is super lightweight and rubs onto skin silky smooth. It absorbs quickly and looks like a natural tan, not orange like many products can make the skin appear.

For best results, exfoliate the skin well before using and apply in circular motions starting at the feet and working upwards. We also suggest getting the Applicator Mitt for easy application and streak-free results. The tan lasts a long time (more than a week, almost two!). It is a little pricier than other products but totally worth it.

b.tan Ultra Long Lasting Self Tanner

Last update on 2023-03-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The b.tan self tanning mousse is another Amazon top seller and for good reason as well. It applies super easily and absorbs quickly into the skin. It leaves a nice golden color that looks natural, but for darker tans you will probably need to do more than one application. Just be sure to wait 1 to 8 hours and let the tan develop before reapplying.

An application mitt is useful for an even, streak-free application and exfoliating before will definitely increase your results. This is a cheaper product so a great bargain if you’re budgeting your tanning habit! The ingredients are sustainably sourced and no there’s no extra nasty stuff in this one, double bonus.

Body Drench Quick Tan Instant Self Tanning Spray

Last update on 2023-03-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

For salon quality without the price tag, make this your go-to spray tan. It applies like a dream, without needing a mitt or getting your hand all messy. No need to rub anything in, just spray, let dry and enjoy a golden, super natural looking tan. It streaks if you shower or do physical activity and sweat too soon after spraying, so be sure to allow enough time for the spray to fully absorb. It may require multiple applications a week to maintain the glow, but it’s so easy to use and looks great overall!

Can I Tan 2 Days in a Row Wrap Up

Remember, tanning is a luxury activity. And like most luxuries, too much can lead to problems rather than benefits. If you ask, “Can I Tan 2 Days in a Row?” the answer is plain and simple that you shouldn’t. However, if you decide to, practice safety measures like applying sunscreen and limiting the number of hours you are exposed.

Lastly, the safest option for the skin is sunless tanners, so don’t be shy to try those out and avoid any of the harmful risks associated with the sun and indoor tanning beds.  

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