What's That Smell?

by Joe Schuster

If you ever have tanned indoors, you may have noticed an unusual smell after completing your tanning session. Contrary to what the uninformed think ("Is it burning skin?!), it is a natural occurrence.

Aside from producing a cosmetic tan, indoor tanning units produce heat and generally cause many indoor tanners to perspire. During perspiration, a protein is secreted. Bacteria that live in and on our skin eat away at this protein, which produces an odor. In addition, every person has a unique body chemistry that can be influenced by diet and hormones. A combination of personal hygiene habits, perfumes and lotions also may play a role in producing the "after-tan" smell. Perspiration also may have an ammonia-like smell.

Many indoor tanners have been concerned that they might "wash off" their tans. But in reality, it takes at least eight to 24 hours to visualize the result of a tanning exposure. It is important to note that tanning tends to rob the skin of moisture, so it is essential to moisturize the skin in order to maintain the tan.

In the tanning process, melanin is stimulated, migrates to the epidermis and is oxidized--resulting in a tan. These skin cells slough off every 28-30 days. So for those individuals desiring a tan, a maintenance schedule with subsequent tanning sessions in moderation is often desirable.

Before tanning, the skin should be clean and free of cosmetics that may block UV absorption in order to obtain the best results. Whether to shower before or after a tanning session isn't really the question--it's a question of personal hygiene. I suggest showering daily!