Why does my skin look blotchy in tanning bed?

Author: Maximillia Greenholt  |  Last update: Tuesday, September 9, 2025

The exact cause of polymorphous light eruption isn't understood. The rash appears in people who have developed sensitivity to sunlight, especially ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or other sources, such as tanning beds. This is called photosensitivity. It leads to immune system activity that causes a rash.

Why does my skin look blotchy after tanning bed?

Your skin may become itchy or develop bumps after using a tanning bed for a variety of reasons: Your skin has become overheated from the tanning bed. You are suffering from polymorphous light eruption, which causes red bumps to appear on the skin after exposure to UV light.

Why does my tan look splotchy?

Often, patchy results are due to one of three things: improper skin prep, the application technique, or how you care for your skin post-bronzing. Typically, you'll want to cleanse and exfoliate your skin before applying self-tanner or getting a spray tan. You'll also want to moisturize prior to application.

How to get rid of blotchy skin from tanning?

Use gradual tanning lotion to prevent blotching. Use a blending lotion if you're not on your routine of moisturizing. If blotchiness has already occurred, exfoliate off some of the patchiness. Blend with either a mist, a lotion, or a mousse.

Why does my skin speckle when I tan?

They are completely harmless. What causes these small white spots on skin is simply a result of a lack of melanin. Why the skin stops producing melanin is still not 100% certain, but it's thought to be due to extended sun exposure.

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

How do you prevent blotchy tan?

Start by cleansing and exfoliating skin 12-24 hours before you tan. Tan often settles in areas where skin is dry so the rougher texture causes tan to look patchy. Use a scrub or exfoliating glove to buff dry and rough areas.

Why is the sunbed giving me spots?

While sunbed usage may initially result in skin dryness and a decrease in pimple formation, this excessive drying can trigger the skin to produce more oil in an attempt to compensate. As the sebaceous glands develop more oil, there is an increased likelihood of pores becoming blocked, eventually leading to breakouts.

What not to do after tanning bed?

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

Why am I tanning unevenly?

Moisturize: Hydrating your skin is crucial for an even tan because dry skin can reflect UV rays, leading to uneven coloration. So, after your exfoliation session, make sure to slather on a good moisturizer.

How do you fix a splotchy natural tan?

Grab any exfoliator and simply scrub your skin and carefully exfoliate the parts where the uneven tan lines are a lot more prominent on your skin. The exfoliator can help speed up the process of lightening dark areas of your skin.

How do you get rid of patchy tan fast?

- Lemon juice can help to dissolve uneven patches of self-tan on small areas, such as your ankles, wrists and palms. - Mixing lemon juice with a tablespoon of sugar or bicarbonate of soda will gently exfoliate the area which will further help to pull out any excess tan.

What is the best self-tanner?

After extensive testing, we determined the highest rated self-tanner to be the St. Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse. It's an airy mousse that's easy to apply and blend and leaves you with a natural-looking glow. You can also customize the depth of color based on how long you leave it on your skin.

Why do I get red blotches on my skin after a sunbed?

Yes. Tanning booths and beds can cause people to develop a rash. The itching and bumps you notice may be caused by too much UV light exposure. Your skin also could be sensitive to chemicals used to clean tanning beds or ingredients in cosmetics or lotions.

Why is my tan so splotchy?

If your skin is naturally sensitive or if you have a condition such as eczema, your skin may react differently to UV exposure. This can cause uneven tanning and patchiness, especially if you have areas of your face that are more sensitive than others.

How to stop bum burning on sunbed?

Aftersun creams and lotions such as Aloe Vera lotion will help with cooling down the skin. Many people keep Aloe Vera plants in their homes for several different purposes. If you have an Aloe Vera plant at home, cut one of the leaves from the plant and rub the aloe sap directly onto the burn for cooling relief.

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 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 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.

Why do I get blotches when I tan?

The rash appears in people who have developed sensitivity to sunlight, especially ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or other sources, such as tanning beds. This is called photosensitivity. It leads to immune system activity that causes a rash.

What are the bad signs from sunbeds?

Sunbeds give off UV rays that can be to fifteen times stronger than the midday Mediterranean sun. What sunbeds can do is cause your skin to sag and wrinkle.

Why does my skin look weird in a tanning bed?

One of the most common skin problems that occur due to tanning is premature skin aging. The UV rays can cause your skin to look leathery, wrinkled, loose, and it creates dark spots.

How do you fix sun blotchy skin?

Chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and bleaching creams may also be helpful. However, be sure you talk to your dermatologist first, since some of these approaches may irritate your skin or even make the blotchiness worsen. The most important thing is to keep your sun exposure to a minimum.

What happens if I don't exfoliate before self-tanning?

When you apply self-tanner to unexfoliated skin, it can cling to patches of dead skin, resulting in a streaky and uneven tan. Exfoliating before tanning provides a smooth and clean canvas for the tanning product, ensuring that it goes on evenly and adheres to your skin properly.

How often should you tan in a tanning bed?

Most indoor tanning professionals recommend 3 tanning sessions a week until a tan is developed, and then 2 each week after that to maintain the tan. US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations prohibit more than 1 tanning sessions in a single day. Avoid overexposure.

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