Do I have to cover my eyes in a tanning bed?

Author: Mossie Anderson  |  Last update: Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Protecting Your Eyes While Tanning If you choose to tan in a tanning bed, always wear goggles specifically intended for indoor tanning, and be sure to place them properly to cover your eyelids completely and prevent eyelid burns. Sunglasses will not full protect your eyes from the UV rays produced by the tanning bed.

Can I tan with just my eyes closed?

Merely closing the eyes while on the sunbed does not offer full protection, experts advise. UV damage caused by sunbed lamps can cause long-term damage and growths in the eyes, as well as skin cancer. The college recommends people wear the goggles or ``winkies'' provided by tanning salons.

What can happen if you don't wear eye protection in a tanning bed?

Failure to wear tanning goggles will lead to photokeratitis (sunburn) of the eyelids and cornea, dry eye disease, rapid development of cataracts, abnormal cellular proliferation (pterygium/pinguecula), and photic retinopathy. It will do this through contacts and with your eyes closed.

Should I cover my face in tanning bed?

You can use a disposable paper face mask or a reusable cloth face mask to cover your face while tanning. Make sure whatever you're using is clean and free of any makeup or oils, as these can create a barrier between your skin and the UV rays.

Can the sun hurt your eyes through your eyelids?

UV light is damaging to almost ALL ocular structures including the eyelid. In general, it is best to avoid outdoor activities between the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when sunlight is strongest. One can even get sunburn on a foggy day.

Are Tanning Beds Safe? | How to Tan Safely | with Dr. Sandra Lee

How to protect your eyes in a tanning bed?

If you choose to tan in a tanning bed, always wear goggles specifically intended for indoor tanning, and be sure to place them properly to cover your eyelids completely and prevent eyelid burns. Sunglasses will not full protect your eyes from the UV rays produced by the tanning bed.

Can UV light go through eyelids?

UV light, emitted by the sun, comprises lower frequency light emissions that penetrate deeper into the body's tissues, including the sensitive areas of your eyes and eyelids.

How to maximize tanning bed results?

How To Tan Quicker On Sunbeds
  1. Prepare Your Skin. Exfoliate Before Your Session. ...
  2. Adjust Your Tanning Time. Start with a Shorter Session. ...
  3. Use The Sunbed Correctly. Rotate Your Position. ...
  4. Maintain A Healthy Diet. Get The Right Nutrients. ...
  5. Avoid Things With Negative Effects. Remove Makeup and Cosmetics.

Does putting a towel over your face in the tanning bed help?

Myth #4: The skin on your face tans the same as the skin on your body. The skin around your face is thinner and more sensitive, and needs more care compared to the rest of your body. Placing a towel over your face will not block out all of the tanning rays.

How to avoid bunny tail in tanning bed?

☀️Tanning Tip Tuesday☀️ How to avoid the “bunny tail” or white spots on lower back or under your arms or sides: ✅ when using a lay down bed always reposition your body every few minutes to achieve an even tan. Switch from side to side and rest your arms behind your head .

Should you cover your eyes when you tan?

Use eye protection as instructed and make sure protective goggles cover the eyelids completely. Keeping your eyes shut while in the tanning bed is not enough to protect your eyes from UV rays. Also, UV light can burn the thin skin of the eyelids.

Can you tan without eye wear?

Simply closing your eyes or wearing regular sunglasses is not sufficient. Spartanburg opthalmologist Dr. Todd Gwin said proper use of eye protection will adequately protect the eyes, and tanners should wear the eyewear every time they tan, no matter how short the session.

Can you take a phone in a sunbed?

Many of our clients frequently use their phones whilst lying on a sunbed whilst still wearing the sunbed goggles. In the short term this is ok to do but the temperature, humidity and frequencies emitted by the beds may possibly cause damage to the electronics of your phone.

What happens if you accidentally open your eyes in a tanning bed?

By subjecting the eyes to UV light, eye problems can occur no matter if your eyes are open or closed. These potential issues may include photokeratitis, macular degeneration, cataracts, blurry vision, and even dry eye. Let's get deeper into each of these eye health issues and how tanning beds can play a role.

Is it OK to just close your eyes in a tanning bed?

Your eyes can get sunburned in the tanning booth even with your eyes shut and while donning the provided protective goggles.

How to not get raccoon eyes tanning bed?

Fortunately, there are options that prevent “raccoon eyes.” Slim tanning goggles offer protection without the lines. Also, disposable eye stickers, like Wink-ease, are another great choice. However, if you do get tan lines, a little makeup can help. UV light damages eyes, and closing your eyes isn't enough.

Can I put a towel over my eyes in tanning bed?

Your eyes are very sensitive to UV light. Since your eyelids are the thinnest skin on your body, the UV light can penetrate that skin to the surface of your eyes. The FDA requires that all tanners wear FDA approved eyewear when tanning indoors. Placing a towel over your face or sunglasses is not enough protection.

Why am I not getting darker in the tanning bed?

As you progress in your tanning journey your skin becomes thicker. This means it is harder for UV light to penetrate your skin. That is typically when you will reach a point where your skin is not getting any darker.

What is the healthiest way to use a tanning bed?

Use short exposure times when you start. Don't use the most intense exposure when you start. After you have a tan, don't use the device more than once a week.

Are you supposed to flip in a tanning bed?

No, you don't need to flip over in a tanning bed. In fact, many people tan stomach-down because it's more comfortable that way. However, if you want an evenly distributed tan, then you should flip over halfway through your session so that both sides of your body get equal exposure to the UV rays.

What not to do after tanning bed?

Avoid using harsh or fragranced products immediately after tanning, as they may further irritate the skin.

Is 6 minutes in a tanning bed enough?

Recommended Frequency of Tanning Bed Use

Each session should be brief, around 3-10 minutes, depending on your skin type. After the initial week, if your skin is responding well (no burns or excessive redness), you can gradually increase your sessions to three to four times per week.

What happens if you don't wear eyewear in a tanning bed?

Keeping Your Eyes Closed Isn't Enough

In the short term, being in a tanning bed could lead to eye problems like blurry vision, dry eye, and sunburn — because, yes, eyes can sunburn too. We call it photokeratitis when the cornea (the clear layer that covers the surface of the eye) becomes sunburned.

Do you need to wear eye protection in a tanning bed?

Yes, absolutely! Eye protection is so important when tanning that you can now purchase eyelash extension specific eye protection such as WinkEase Lash Room which are specififically designed to accommodate longer lashes.

How do I protect my eyes from UV light?

Wear Sunglasses and a Brimmed Hat

A wide brimmed hat or cap will block about half of UV rays. A brimmed hat or cap can also limit UV rays that hit the eyes from above or around glasses. Eyewear that absorbs UV rays gives you the most protection.

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