10 FAQS Starting With “Can I Tan After”

From men and women, to adolescents and adults, many people enjoy tanning. Perhaps this is why so many people want to know when they CAN tan.

Indianapolis Tanning Salon 317-257-8262

Indianapolis Tanning Salon 317-257-8262


If you have a tanning question that starts with, “Can I tan after…”, then you may be able to find the answer below! If not, contact your local Indianapolis tanning salon and speak with a knowledgeable consultant for professional advice.

Can I Tan After Getting a Tattoo?

Tattoos heal differently depending on a wide spectrum of factors. The unique factors surrounding your tattoo, including size, location, quality, and more, will all influence how long you should wait before tanning in the sun or indoors. The general rule of thumb is to wait at least 2 months before tanning to prevent fading, skin irritation, and more. After two months, if your tattoo is not healing well, it is not recommended to tan until it has healed completely.

Can I Tan After Having a Baby?

Many women claim to have no problems with tanning after having a baby, even when breast feeding. See our blog about Tanning While Pregnant. However, if you had a cesarean, tanning within one year can jeopardize the skin tissue and cause more obvious scarring. It is common for doctors to suggest waiting at least 12 months after having a cesarean before you go tanning again.

Can I Tan After Getting a Spray Tan?

Spray tan solution will not react adversely on your skin if you choose to tan in a tanning bed after. In fact, a spray tan can give your skin a safety base, which can help prevent burns and rashes. If you want to tan in the actual sun after getting a spray tan, you are also in the clear.

Can I Tan After Putting On Makeup?

Many women have had acne and other skin problems after tanning with makeup on. This, however, varies from person to person since we all have our own unique skin types. The reaction your skin has to tanning with makeup on depends on your skin qualities and the amount of makeup you are wearing. Chapstick and lip gloss won’t pose a problem; however, full-coverage foundation can clog pores and cause acne and black heads. If your skin is sensitive to blemish problems, it is best to wear as little makeup as possible when tanning. If you do insist, try using a light SPF BB cream or tinted moisturizer instead.

Can I Tan After Botox?

It is best to discuss this question with your licensed Botox provider. However, professionals in the industry suggest waiting at least 2 weeks before tanning, whether indoors or outdoors. After having Botox or fillers, you should not touch, massage, or rub the injection areas for at least 12 hours. If you have to go outside within this time period, be sure to use sunscreen.

Can I Tan After a Facial?

Facials vary in terms of invasiveness, product use, and more. For this reason, it is best to discuss your tanning plans with your licensed esthetician. However, the general rule of thumb is to wait at least 48 hours before tanning. This also includes refraining from applying self-tanners and tinting creams to your face.

Can I Tan After Surgery?

The general rule of thumb is to wait until your surgery wounds have healed completely before exposing it to excessive amounts of sun and heat. This can take up to one year or more. Additionally, the type of medications you are taking post-surgery can have negative implications on your health when mixed with sun and UV radiation. Again, this is something you must discuss with your physician, as every patient and surgery circumstances are different.

Can I Tan After Getting a Piercing?

The major objectives of post-piercing care is to avoid infection and irritation of the pierced area. Tanning, whether sunless or not, can cause adverse skin irritations around the piercing, which can also lead to swelling, pain, and even infection. It can take several weeks for a piercing to heal, which would be the best time to go tanning. However, if you must tan with a new piercing, be sure you take the necessary precautions to prevent burning and infection. This includes cleaning it well, covering it up with a bandage, and not allowing creams or sunblock to get inside.

Can I Tan After Dying My Hair?

Hair dye should not influence your tanning schedule at all, unless you had a bad experience and your scalp is burnt, your hair is fried, or you want to extend the color for as long as possible. Tanning can fade hair dye prematurely, so if longevity is something you are after, tanning is not recommended. If your scalp is burnt, sun and heat will only irritate your skin and cause you more pain. If your hair is fried, tanning can remove moisture in your hair, causing the condition to worsen. Wear a head cap when tanning to prevent any hair issues.

Can I Tan After Hair Removal?

Hyper-pigmentation, blisters, and scarring are just a few consequences that can occur if you tan too soon after laser hair removal. This even applies to waxing and cream hair removal products. You need to wait at least 1 week before tanning if you have any type of hair removal done. This is especially important for sensitive areas like the face, bikini line, and under arms.

Affordable Tanning in Indianapolis

Broad Ripple Tans

Broad Ripple Tans 317-257-8262

Call Broad Ripple Tans at 317-257-8262 when you need affordable tanning services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We provide professional tanning services, including various tanning lay-down and stand-up beds and airbrush spray tanning. In addition, we also offer a wide range of tanning products, including bronzers, extenders, pre-tanning lotions, exfoliators, and much more. Be sure to ask us about our generous tanning packages, deals, and coupons for extra savings!