A question that often comes up among natural tanning lovers is, "Can you tan in the shade?" The answer to this question is yes. You might still get a tan even if you are sitting under the shade of an umbrella.
In this article, the Jeallis tanning experts will take you to seek the truth about tanning in the shade, discovering the secrets to a stunning sun-kissed color.
Why you can tan in the shade?
Research shows that even if you're sitting in the shade, sunlight is reflected by other objects in your environment.
For example, when you lie in the shade of a tent where the sun does not shine, the sand on the beach will also reflect the sun's ultraviolet rays (that is what we call UV) on your skin. These rays can affect your skin, causing a tan, or even sunburn.
How many kinds of UV are there?
There are 3 types of UV rays:
UVA:
UVA has a longer wavelength, with a wavelength between 320 and 400 nanometers. It can penetrate clouds, glass and enter indoors. It can penetrate into the dermis of the skin and cause tanning.
UVB:
The wavelength is in the middle, the wavelength is between 280~320 nanometers, it will be absorbed by the ozone layer, and it will cause sunburn and skin redness, swelling, heat and pain. Only a small amount reaches the Earth's surface.
UVC:
The wavelength ranges from 100 to 280 nanometers. Because the ozone layer can completely block UVC, all living things on earth will not be harmed by UVC.
Do all objects provide the same shade?
It's not true. Even the umbrella you take to the beach has a different UPF rating and the level of protection you're likely to get from it.
And the dense shade of a building will certainly offer you more protection than a parasol or tent. But even when buildings are heavily shaded, you still need to wear protective clothing and sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
How can you tan safely in the shade?
All that said, if you want a natural sun-kissed tan look, you don't necessarily have to be in the sun to achieve it. You can get a tan even in the shade. However, you must take some steps to protect yourself from excessive UV rays. Here are some tips from the Jeallis tanning experts.
Prepare your skin:
If your goal is to get a natural tan in the shade, exfoliating your skin properly is a must, this step will help you remove all the dead skin cells, giving your tan a great foundation and ensuring a long-lasting tan.
Use sunscreen:
Using sunscreen is a must even when the sun isn't hitting you directly, UV rays can still reflect off of various surfaces in your environment onto your skin and cause skin damage. To fully protect your skin from UV rays, it's best to reapply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 10 every two hours for maximum protection.
Speed up your tanning process:
Make sure you don't spend too much time outdoors while tanning, as this can increase your risk of sunburn. You can speed up your tanning process with Intensive Tanning Accelerator, reducing the risk of UV damage from sun exposure for a natural, deeper and longer-lasting tan. Some products with an advanced Intensive Tanning System (Infinite Tan System: Carrot + Coconut Oil) can accelerate tanning even more easily, providing deep, rich and radiant sun-kissed color.
We Recommend: Jeallis Tanning Gel
Constantly vary your tanning posture:
When you're lying comfortably outside in the sun, you might inadvertently forget to change your posture. Only by changing your body position every 10 to 20 minutes will you be more likely to achieve an even tan. It is recommended to use a timer, which reminds you to keep changing positions. If you have dark or medium skin tone, a 10-minute tan is ideal. But if you have a fairer complexion, it's best to tan for 5 minutes per side.
Adjust your tanning time:
The best time to get a safe tan outdoors is before 10am or after 4pm. And tanning during the peak hours of the day, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. will increase the risk of sunburn and damages the skin.
After sun repair：
Take a cold bath:
Salt water and chlorine droplets on the skin amplify the sun's rays and dehydrate it. Taking a cool shower when you get home will help cool your skin down immediately.
Add water:
After tanning, you should replenish water in time. This is not to say that you should use skin care products or masks immediately, but drink water first. Exposure to the sun will not only make your skin uncomfortable, but also part of your body’s water loss. Drinking more water can relieve skin and body deficiencies. It is important that the water situation is eased.
Cool down:
Proper After-Tanning products makes your tan last longer and nurture your skin, making it relaxed, soft, smooth and calm. Keep a jar of after-sun gel in your freezer so you can apply it to your face and body at the beach or by the pool. Check out our restorative products to help you survive this summer's heat after tanning.