What is a tanning plateau and how do I break through it?

A tanning plateau is a phase you go through when it just doesn’t seem like you are getting any darker.

When you first start tanning it’s easy to see daily results but as you gradually acquire a dark tan, it’s sometimes hard to see the different stages of tan. There is only so much melanin your skin will produce using indoor tanning equipment because tanning salons are regulated as to how much “sun” we can give you in a session.

This is where tingle lotions can come in. They prompt your skin to produce more pigment by increasing the blood flow to your surface skin. Rotate your lotions and/or rotate the tanning equipment you are using. Always moisturize your skin between tanning sessions. As your skin becomes tanner, it becomes thicker which actually blocks a bit of the the UV light from penetrating your upper skin layers.

If you think you’ve reached a plateau, talk to a certified professional and they’ll help you get over that hump.

It also depends on what may be causing your tanning plateau.

• Sometimes a person needs to alternate between a couple of tanning lotions, based on the nutritional and moisture needs of their skin.
• Medications, and even a poor diet, can cause a temporary plateau.
• Rotating the tanning bed/booth you are using can help. This is because different equipment provides different levels of UVA/UVB. Your skin may just need to switch it up for a while.
• A couple of cold, hard realities you may need to face are your tanning goals and limitations. If your goal is to look like a piece of charcoal, you may need to adjust your goal to something that is a little more realistic.
• Everyone also has a genetic limitation. Skin type II individuals (lighter skin) won’t ever be able to reach the depth of color that a skin type V (dark skin) can achieve from tanning.
• If you happen to be a tanning addict, it’s probably time to give your skin a break. Organs usually require at least occasional rest, including skin. You might want to take a reasonable break from tanning to allow your skin to properly rebuild itself.
• If you are still unsatisfied, you may need to try a professional Spray Tan.