What to put on a burn from a tanning bed?

Author: Ms. Gina McLaughlin DVM  |  Last update: Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Tanning Bed Burn Pain Pain management strategies include: Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce pain and inflammation. Topical Treatments: Aloe vera gel, burn creams, and moisturizers can soothe the skin.

How to treat a tanning bed burn?

1) Take a shower with lukewarm or cool water (not very cold, as that will irritate your skin). Don't rub the burned area. Don't scrub, pick at, or peel your skin. Leave blisters alone, and try to prevent them from breaking. 2) Apply a soothing moisturizer to the burned skin.

How do you fix a tan burn?

Try these self-care tips for sunburn relief:
  1. Take a pain reliever. ...
  2. Cool the skin. ...
  3. Apply a moisturizer, lotion or gel. ...
  4. Drink extra water for a day. ...
  5. Leave blisters alone. ...
  6. Treat peeling skin gently. ...
  7. Take an anti-itch drug. ...
  8. Apply a soothing medicated cream.

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.

How to heal a burn fast?

Self care
  1. Prevent further harm. Move away from whatever caused the burn. ...
  2. Cool the burn. Hold the area under cool — not cold — running water for 10 to 20 minutes. ...
  3. Remove rings or other tight items. ...
  4. Apply lotion. ...
  5. Bandage the burn. ...
  6. If needed, take a pain reliever.

Tanning bed burning

How do you soothe skin after tanning?

6 After Sun Care Tips to Rejuvenate Your Skin
  1. Take a Cool Shower. A low-temperature shower can cool down your skin and reduce inflammation. ...
  2. Moisturize. ...
  3. Use Skin Care Products Containing Aloe Vera. ...
  4. Avoid Products that May Further Dry Out or Irritate Skin. ...
  5. Drink Plenty of Water. ...
  6. Stay Out of the Sun Entirely for a Few Days.

What not to do after tanning bed?

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

Does vaseline help sunburn?

If your skin is not blistering, moisturizing cream may be applied to relieve discomfort. DO NOT use butter, petroleum jelly (Vaseline), or other oil-based products. These can block pores so that heat and sweat cannot escape, which can lead to infection. DO NOT pick at or peel away the top part of the blisters.

Will sunbed burn turn into 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.

What is the best ointment for burns?

NEOSPORIN® Burn Relief First Aid Antibiotic Ointment helps relieve minor burn pain while allowing burns to heal properly by preventing infection. This topical first-aid ointment features a maximum-strength, no-sting formula to help soothe and reduce pain of minor burns, such as cooking burns.

What not to put on sunburn?

Don't
  1. do not use petroleum jelly on sunburnt skin.
  2. do not put ice or ice packs on sunburnt skin.
  3. do not pop any blisters.
  4. do not scratch or try to remove peeling skin.
  5. do not wear tight-fitting clothes over sunburnt skin.

How to stop throbbing pain from burns?

Hold the area under cool — not cold — running water for about 10 minutes. If this isn't possible or if the burn is on the face, apply a cool, wet cloth until the pain eases. For a mouth burn from hot food or drink, put a piece of ice in the mouth for a few minutes.

How do you 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.

What does a first-degree burn look like?

This type of burn will appear as dry and red, and will typically not blister. While first-degree burns are very painful, they should heal on their own within two to five days, with no permanent scarring. First-degree burn treatment can typically be handled with burn care at home.

How to speed up sunburn healing?

“Aloe and soy have antioxidant properties, which can speed up the healing process,” Dr. Zubek says. Additionally, you can apply a cool compress to your skin and take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, to ease discomfort.

Why don't I tan or burn?

Genetics play a significant role in how our skin responds to sun exposure. Certain genes influence melanin production and skin color, affecting whether you tan or burn. People with fair skin have less melanin and are more prone to burning, while those with darker skin have more melanin and are more likely to tan.

What is the best ointment to put on a sunburn?

Apply aloe vera lotion, moisturizing cream or a nonprescription 1% hydrocortisone cream to the affected skin several times a day. Try cooling the product in the refrigerator before applying for extra soothing comfort. Avoid products containing alcohol, which can further dry out skin.

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 many sunbeds a week are safe?

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.

What should I put on my skin after tanning bed?

Cooling Down and Soothing the Skin

To counteract this, it is essential to cool down and soothe your skin post-tanning. Aloe vera gel is a well-known natural remedy that can provide immediate relief. Applying a thin layer of pure aloe vera to your skin helps to cool down the surface and soothe any redness or irritation.

Why did I burn after tanning bed?

Tanning bed burns occur when the skin is exposed to excessive UV radiation. This can happen due to prolonged exposure, high-intensity UV rays, or malfunctioning equipment. Symptoms of tanning bed burns include: Redness.

How long does sunbed burn last?

Your skin will get redder and more irritated, with pain peaking at about 24 hours after your burn. If you have a second-degree sunburn, you'll start to blister. Over the next week or so, your skin may peel and should gradually return to its normal shade. If you have a severe sunburn, this may take a few weeks.

How do you reverse skin damage from tanning beds?

Treatment options to repair damaged skin include retinoids, lightening agents, chemical peels, laser skin resurfacing, dermabrasion and fillers.

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