Will my face tan with makeup on in a tanning bed?

Author: Anissa Anderson PhD  |  Last update: Friday, September 26, 2025

Indoor tanning, including tanning beds and sunbeds, intensifies your exposure to UV rays. Wearing makeup during an indoor tanning session is not recommended. Can you wear makeup on a sunbed? Doing so can lead to uneven tanning and potential skin damage as makeup may block UV rays from penetrating evenly.

Can I tan in the tanning bed with makeup on?

You'll want to remove all your jewelry, like rings, necklaces, and bracelets, to ensure you don't get any tan lines. You should also remove any makeup as it can potentially block UV rays from tanning your skin. By keeping your makeup on, you may end up with uneven tan results!

Can you still tan your face with makeup on?

Indoor tanning, which includes both tanning beds and sunbeds, is a concentrated way to achieve that sunkissed look. However, you should remove all makeup before an indoor tanning session because it can block the UV you get on your face and leave it unevenly tanned.

How to make your face tan faster in a tanning bed?

How To Tan Quicker On Sunbeds
  1. Reap the Benefits of High-Pressure Beds.
  2. Consider Stand-Up Beds.
  3. Exfoliate Before Your Session.
  4. Moisturise Properly.
  5. Apply a Quality Tan Accelerator.
  6. Follow the Instructions.
  7. Start with a Shorter Session.
  8. Gradually Increase Exposure Time.

Should you take makeup off for a sunbed?

Remove makeup or cosmetics

It can also cause uneven tanning results. It's important to attend tanning sessions with no makeup or cosmetics on your skin. Free freshening wipes are provided every session for you should you wish to use these.

How to change your skin color without the sun. Real color: no sprays, tanning beds, or creams.

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.

Does makeup mess up your tan?

The moisture in the makeup can cause splotching, ruining your tan or creating a noticeably uneven effect.

How to get face darker in tanning bed?

How to Achieve a Darker Tan using Sunbeds and Tanning Beds.
  1. Exfoliate your Skin prior to Tanning. ...
  2. Keep your Skin Hydrated and Moisturised. ...
  3. Apply a sunbed cream or tanning accelerator prior tanning.
  4. Remove any kind of makeup and other cosmetic products. ...
  5. Choose foods that accelerate tanning.

Why does my face not tan on a sunbed?

Melanin is the pigment responsible for skin colouration, depending on your skin tone/type depends on how much melanin is produced which in turn results in how well you tan. Your face skin may produce less melanin compared to the rest of your body.

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 do you make your face tan with makeup?

How to Fake a Tan with Makeup
  1. Step 1: Prepping for a Subtle Glow. The first thing I do is prep my skin with a little bit of self-tanner. ...
  2. Step 2: Creating the Perfect Base. ...
  3. Step 3: Bronzing Up. ...
  4. Step 4: Conceal and Set. ...
  5. Step 5: Sculpting the Face. ...
  6. Step 6: Add a Natural Flush. ...
  7. Step 7: Eyeshadow and Shimmer. ...
  8. Step 8: Brows and Lips.

Why is my face tan not going?

Why won't my tan go away? When the cells become damaged with pigment, discoloration that doesn't fade occurs, leading to a tan that doesn't fade. In fact, it tends to stay dark unless you choose to have this hyperpigmentation treated professionally.

Why don't my under eyes tan?

However, like your palms and the bottom of your feet, the delicate eye area doesn't tan as it has very little melanin.

What should I put on my face before tanning bed?

We recommend a moisturizer with and SPF 15 or similar. This gives your skin some protection from damage done by exposure to UV rays but also delivers needed moisture that helps with the production of melanin for darker skin.

What not to do after tanning bed?

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

How many sunbeds to get a tan fair skin?

How quickly will I tan on a sunbed? The speed of tanning varies by skin type. Fair skin (Type I) shouldn't use a sunbed and (Type II) may take 5-7 sessions, while medium skin (Types III and IV) often see results in 3-5 sessions.

How do you tan your face in a tanning bed?

So, go makeup-free and perfume-free during your tanning session. It's also important to protect your face while building color. Use a specially formulated facial lotion designed for tanning. This type of lotion will protect your skin and help develop an even facial tan.

Why are my legs not tanning on the sunbed?

Skin on the legs is thicker and harder and the UV light from the sun or sunbeds cannot easily penetrate it. The skin is also dryer, resulting in quicker exfoliation of the outermost layers. What is more, dry skin usually reflects the UV light, making the whole tanning process less effective.

Why is the face harder to tan?

The skin on your face is far more sensitive than the skin on your body and so it makes sense that it would need an entirely different formula. Facial skin doesn't tan in the same way as the body – it tends to go a little bit darker because of its higher pH.

Will your face tan in a tanning bed with makeup on?

Indoor tanning, including tanning beds and sunbeds, intensifies your exposure to UV rays. Wearing makeup during an indoor tanning session is not recommended. Can you wear makeup on a sunbed? Doing so can lead to uneven tanning and potential skin damage as makeup may block UV rays from penetrating evenly.

How can I tan my face faster on a sunbed?

Summary. In summary, the best ways to get a faster tan using sunbeds are to start with a base tan, use a high-pressure sunbed, consider using a tanning accelerator, follow the recommended exposure time, stay hydrated, and use moisturizer. By following these tips and taking precautions to protect your skin.

Why is my face not tanning on sunbeds?

Skin Type and Sensitivity

Not all skin reacts to UV the same way, and understanding your skin type is key to setting realistic tanning goals. For example, if you are a red head and have very light skin, you'll more likely struggle to tan due to low melanin.

Can makeup block UV rays?

Unfortunately, it's not enough to count on your makeup for sun protection. The reason? It's unlikely you're applying enough foundation to get the full benefits of its SPF (sun protection factor).

Can you put makeup over face tan?

Yes, you can apply makeup after tanning. Glow Drops will deliver a natural healthy glow and minimize imperfections so makeup will look better and you can use less of it.

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