What does tanning bed burn look like?

Author: Rodrick Homenick  |  Last update: Monday, August 18, 2025

Similar to burns from the sun, tanning beds can leave you with stinging, red skin. Unlike the sun, however, tanning beds can cause burns in spots that the sun usually doesn't reach. In response to first-degree sunbed burns, your skin may begin to peel and form blisters.

How long will a sunbed burn last?

Sunburns often go away on their own within a few days to a week. More severe sunburns take longer to heal.

What does a tanning bed rash look like?

The rash can take many different forms (polymorphic): you may get crops of 2mm to 5mm raised, pink or red spots, but redness may be harder to see on brown and black skin. some people get blisters that turn into larger, dry patches – it looks a bit like eczema.

How can I heal a tanning bed burn fast?

Steps
  1. Stand under cool water in the shower for 10 to 20 minutes. ...
  2. Pour full-fat or whole milk into cool bath water to ease swelling. ...
  3. Apply aloe vera gel all over your body or to the affected areas. ...
  4. Apply a lotion containing vitamin E or vitamin E oil to treat peeling skin.

How long does it take for a tanning burn to go away?

Sunburn is skin damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays. It usually causes the skin to become red, sore, warm, tender and occasionally itchy for about a week. The skin will normally start to flake and peel after a few days and will usually fully heal within 7 days.

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

Why did I burn so bad in the tanning bed?

However, just like overexposure to the natural rays of the sun, overexposure to sunbed bulbs too can result in burns and because the bulbs used emit concentrated UV light, these burns can be far worse.

How can I speed up my tanning burn?

Moisturizing Your Skin

Use it liberally after a sunburn. If you can get a hydrocortisone/Aloe combination cream, you're really winning. You can revitalize your skin from within. Drinking water allows you to hydrate the natural way.

What not to do after tanning bed?

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

Does sunbed burn turn to tan?

There is no guarantee that the sunburn will turn into a tan, but it is very important to look after the affected skin as best you can.

Will Benadryl help tanning bed itch?

Home remedies to help soothe hell's itch

Piliang advises. Use ibuprofen, aspirin or naproxen for pain and inflammation. Take an antihistamine like diphenhydramine (Benadryl®) or fexofenadine (Allegra®) to reduce itching. Wet a towel or washcloth in cool water and place it on your burn to help pain and itching.

What does sun poison look like?

Symptoms of sun poisoning last longer and are more severe. They start with a red rash and can progress to blisters, severe pain, swelling, and fever. Blisters indicate a second-degree burn and can result in severe complications, including: dehydration from loss of fluids and electrolytes.

How bad are tanning beds for you?

Tanning beds are NOT safer than the sun.

Science tells us that there's no such thing as a safe tanning bed, tanning booth, or sun lamp. Indoor tanning can increase the risk of developing the two most common types of skin cancer — squamous cell carcinoma by 58% and basal cell carcinoma by 24%.

Is one sunbed a week bad?

Moderate tanning of 2-3 sessions a week is OK for everyone else but ensure you rest the skin for a minimum of 24 hours between each session and at least 48 hours for skin type 2. The European Standard advises not to exceed 60 sessions per annum.

How to get rid of tanning bed rash?

Self-care measures that may help ease signs and symptoms include:
  1. Applying anti-itch cream. ...
  2. Taking antihistamines. ...
  3. Using cold compresses. ...
  4. Leaving blisters alone. ...
  5. Taking a pain reliever. ...
  6. Protect the rash from further sun exposure.

How many tanning bed sessions to see results?

How many sunbed sessions do I need to get a tan? It may take 3-5 sessions to see noticeable results depending on the type of skin.

Is stand up or lay down tanning better?

Tanning Differences in Stand up and Lay down Sunbeds

Stand up sunbeds can give your skin a deeper colour, which is due to the bulbs in stand up beds being more intense than the bulbs in a lay down sunbed. So if you are aiming to achieve a very dark tan then a stand up may be the sunbed for you!

What foods make you more tanned?

Papaya: Like carrots, orange fruits and vegetables, such as papaya, help to enhance your tan naturally thanks to its high beta-carotene levels. Melon: This refreshing fruit, rich in antioxidants and beta-carotenes will help you to keep your golden skin tone.

Are you supposed to flip over 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.

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 .

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.

How to get golden tan?

10 Top Tips For A Gorgeous Long-Lasting Sun Tan
  1. Moisturise. Hydrated skin will not only tan better but will also keep its colour for longer. ...
  2. Avoid dry skin. ...
  3. Exfoliate. ...
  4. Sun cream. ...
  5. And more sun cream! ...
  6. Prior application. ...
  7. Shady times. ...
  8. An early start.

Does baby oil help tan?

Why Is Baby Oil Used For Tanning? Many people tan with baby oil because it can make your skin tan more quickly. The reason for this quicker tan is because baby oil helps attract and absorb UV rays, says Farber. The problem, and this is a big one, is that baby oil doesn't offer sun protection.

How long do tanning bed burns last?

Redness, minor inflammation, pain, swelling, and dryness are visibly seen. It may take 3 to 20 days to heal.

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