My friends and I have been discussing tanning booths and we have noticed that they have posted signs stating that dry skin does not tan - that the skin should be moisturized first. We’re wondering if this is true or just a ploy to sell some of their lotions? How would moisture help the tanning process?
JunrGatr
Dry skin will tan, just not very well. I don’t know the precise mechanism, but if you don’t nourish your skin with moisture and nutrients you will not get a good tan.
You can buy skin products that will actually promote your tan, and which are usually packed with oils.
It’s probably a little of both.
I tried to find an explanation earlier. All I came up with were sites selling some type of tanning equipment or product. They all agree that moisturized skin tans best, but none explain why.
It’s no secret that tanning does dry your skin, so whether or not your skin will tan better, ultimately I feel, is not really the issue. It will most certainly look better, as well as feel better, and no doubt be healthier in the long run. I say lube up!
[WAG]
When your skin is dry, what does it look like?
It has a dusty white layer on it… right?
This layer will reflect some of the light, thus acting as a shield.
[/WAG]
They also tell you that you will get better results if you shower with a loufa (sp?) sponge just before tanning. I think that helps support my WAG, but like I wrote… it is a WAG, and I could be wrong.