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Tanning under the sun might not always be good for your skin due to the presence of UV rays but that natural-looking tan has an allure that many people aspire to have! There are safe ways to tan under the sun but what some might wonder is tanning while being on Accutane medication. As is with most medications, there are certain things that you need to avoid. So that raises the question: can you tan while on Accutane?
Accutane is a prescription medication to treat severe acne and is often seen as a last-resort treatment when all else fails. It is a long-term treatment ranging anywhere from 4 months to over a year! There are many side effects that come along with it, which is why doctors usually prescribe it when nothing works. These side effects have the ability to interfere with your tanning process so let’s see why you may or may not be able to tan while being on Accutane!
Can You Tan While on Accutane?
Tanning on Accutane is not a good idea, and I cannot recommend you do so either!
Tanning is done on direct exposure to the sun which is never safe for skin. The process takes place in the uppermost layer of your skin. On exposure to harmful UV rays, the process of tanning starts. The UV rays contain free radicals which causes damage to the skin. The rays don’t only initiate premature aging and severe damage to the skin but also result in skin issues like skin cancer. Due to less exposure to the sun, skin generally experiences a minor sunburn.
But if you are on medication like Accutane, it would result in severe burns and skin damage. The reason behind it is that Accutane by drying out the skin minimizes the production of sebum in the skin by losing natural skin oil known as sebum. The sebum is rich in lipids and plays an active role in protecting the skin from external factors like UV rays. Again, squalene and cholesterol are included in the composition of sebum. Other than lubrication, the substance gives protection against UV rays.
So, you cannot tan while on Accutane because of the risk factors like chances of severe sunburn, hyperpigmentation, or increased sensitivity.
Importance of Sunscreen with Higher SPF While On Accutane
Less sebum refers to less protection. So, while tanning it is necessary to wear sunscreen with higher SPF and stay away from the sun while using particular beauty products which include Tretinoin, Accutane, or Retinol. Quality products ensure a natural shade that would be suitable for your skin tone. Invest in a high-quality sunscreen that is suitable for both the users and non-users of Accutane. Whatever the weather of the country you reside in, be it hold or cold, you should not skip SPF. Using sunscreen with higher SPF is very important while on Accutane because of dealing with the following issues.
- Photosensitivity: Accutane can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, which can lead to an increased risk of sunburn, skin irritation, and damage. Sunburns can worsen skin issues and can even worsen some of the skin conditions Accutane is meant to treat. When outdoors, you should be careful of this sensitivity.
- Hyperpigmentation: The risk of developing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation increases when the skin is exposed to UV radiation, particularly when on a medication like Accutane that affects skin cell turnover. Using sunscreen with higher SPF can help prevent or minimize the appearance of these dark spots.
- Dryness, Peeling, And Thinning: Accutane can cause dryness, peeling, and thinning of the skin. Sun exposure can further increase these side effects. Accutane can result in excessive dryness of the skin since it alters the level of hormones in your body. Dry skin is prone to burn and damage from UV rays. Using sunscreen with a higher SPF can provide a barrier that helps to prevent skin from further dryness.
Can You Tan After Accutane – Time That You Need to Wait
Although Accutane is an effective acne treatment, it comes with several side effects. But even after that, if you want to tan after Accutane, you can do it.
The treatment usually lasts for 4 to 6 months depending on factors like the severity of the acne, the skin’s response to the treatment, etc. During the treatment, stay away from tanning and try to limit direct exposure to the sun to avoid sunburn and skin damage. Skin remains sensitive after the treatment and cause burn easily. After completing the treatment, you can tan waiting for a certain period.
The waiting period allows the skin to recover from the side effects of Accutane and revive its protective layer of sebum. For tanning after Accutane, you should wait for a minimum of 3 months and a maximum of 6 months. The waiting period depends on your skin type. The minimum period applies for normal skin while the maximum period applies for sensitive skin. For dry skin, it is necessary to wait for 3 to 4 months while for oily skin, wait for 4 to 5 months after Accutane to tan.
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Alternative Options for Achieving A Tanned Look
It is possible to achieve a tanned look without going through natural tanning. You can safely go for a fake tan instead of natural tanning or tanning beds. But you must exfoliate and moisturize the skin beforehand to have long-lasting tans. It will help to avoid uneven application and uneven skin as well. The following are some alternative options for achieving a tanned look.
- Sunless Tanning: One of the best options to achieve a tanned look is to use sunless tanning in the form of creams, lotions, or sprays. They contain DHA which helps the skin produce melanin which in turn gives you that tan look.
- Spray Tan: Spray tanning is another sunless tanning option to achieve a tanned look. DHA is also present in the solution to darken the skin. Generally, the tanning process lasts for about 30 minutes, and voila! You now have a tan without even needing to step out in the sun!
- Bronzing Lotions: These lotions are for people who prefer a tan that develops even more quickly than other self-tanning products, taking about 12 hours to fully develop.
- Powder Bronzer: A light dusting of bronzer on top of powder makeup can quickly produce that shine. Bronzers must be carefully applied to specific parts of the face, such as the cheekbones, hairline, temples, and nose, to add a subtle contouring effect and softness as well.
- Body Foundation: Body foundation is another option to achieve a tanned look. It is perfect for those who aim to hide imperfections and result in a nice tan. Unlike some tanning lotions, the color will be what you prefer and won’t gradually develop darker.
FAQs
1. Can you go in the sun while on Accutane?
Accutane causes the skin to become more sensitive than before, especially under the sun. While you can go under the sun, you will need to wear sunscreen with a sufficient SPF rating to keep yourself protected.
2. Does Accutane get rid of tan?
Topical acne medication like isotretinoin can interfere with your tan and cause it to get rid of your tan.
3. Will my skin get oily again after Accutane?
Accutane inhibits the production of oil from your sebum glands. If you have stopped your acne medication, then your oily skin will return again, but it might be less than what it was before.
Final Thoughts
Accutane is a powerful medication known for its strong effects on the skin. The efficiency of Accutane has made it an excellent solution for those who are dealing with persistent acne. Tanning while on Accutane is very unsafe. It leaves the skin open to sunburns, hyperpigmentation, and sun sensitivity. As a result, you cannot tan while on Accutane. But it is possible to tan after Accutane. Wait for a minimum of 3 months and a maximum of 6 months so that the skin can recover from the side effects of Accutane and revive its protective layer of sebum. Also, wearing high-quality sunscreen which has higher SPF while on Accutane is very important. You can also achieve a tanned look alternatively through fake tan by sunless tanning, spray tan, bronzing lotions, powder bronzer, body foundation, etc. all of which are safe for the skin.
Key Points
- Accutane is the prescribed medication to treat severe acne that has not effectively responded to other treatments with the use of benzoyl peroxide, adapalene, and antibiotics. It helps to reduce the severity and frequency of acne breakouts.
- You cannot tan while on Accutane because of the risk factors like chances of severe sunburn, hyperpigmentation, or increased sensitivity.
- Using sunscreen with higher SPF is very important while on Accutane because of dealing with issues like photosensitivity, hyperpigmentation, dryness, peeling, and thinning of the skin.
- As the treatment usually lasts for 4 to 6 months, wait for a minimum of 3 months and a maximum of 6 months for tanning after Accutane, and the waiting period depends on your skin type.
- There are safe alternative options to achieve a tanned look through fake tan by sunless tanning, spray tan, bronzing lotions, powder bronzer, body foundation, etc.
- One of the best options to achieve a tanned look is to use sunless tanning in the form of creams, lotions, or sprays. Choose the right products for your skin.
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