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Written By Chloe Taylor

Quick & Easy Ways to Get Rid of Tanning Bed Rashes

Skin damaged by tanning bed rash

Using tanning beds is the most convenient way of getting tan without exposure to the sun.

A tanning bed can be the best option to get tan if you stay in areas where it is cold all year round.

Although using a tanning bed can be quite relaxing but it has several side effects. Excess use of tanning beds can cause skin problems like dry, itchy, and rough skin.

Tanning bed rash is very common and most people might feel itchy, after tanning for the first time.

Though these tanning rashes are not dangerous but using tanning oil very often and using low-quality tanning products can contribute to their development and thus, sometimes becomes hard to treat.

In this article, we will share with you what causes tanning bed rash and how to get rid of it.

What Causes Tanning Bed Rash?

After a few hours or days of your tanning session these bumpy, itchy, red rashes may appear. Here we will understand what causes tanning bed rash.

Sweat

Often tanning beds stop the free flow of sweat. So, while using a tanning bed the sweat produced gets trapped in different layers of skin as the sweat cannot flow freely.

This sweat build-up can cause heat rashes after using tanning beds.

Dry Skin

People with dry, flaky skin get rashes more often after using tanning beds. This is because a tanning bed absorbs all the moisture from your skin while tanning.

So, it is very important to use moisturizer and hydrate your skin before using tanning beds. Tanning with dehydrated skin can cause skin rashes.

Overexposure to the Tanning Bed

Though using a tanning bed is the easiest way of getting tan but most of the rays emitted by the tanning beds are harmful.

tanning-bed

Using a tanning bed on a regular basis and overexposure to ultraviolet rays can cause bed rashes and skin burns.

As our body can deal with a certain amount of exposure to UVA and UVB rays so, overexposure can cause serious problems like skin cancer.

Not Cleaning the Tanning Bed Properly

Not cleaning and sanitizing a tanning bed after use can cause bed rash.

As tanning using a tanning bed is done with minimal clothing so the formation of sweat caused by the heat of the sun lamps, oils, lotions, and moisturizers get stuck on the bed.

So, it is very important to clean the tanning bed properly at home or in the salon after use to avoid bed rashes.

Heat Rash

Heat rash appears when sweat gets trapped between the layers of your skin.

The location of the rash is often on the body parts that are covered while tanning. The heat rashes can be itchy and painful and can cause redness and discomfort.

To reduce the occurrence of heat rash you can go nude while using tanning beds.

Ways to get rid of Tanning Bed Rash

Tanning bed rashes are sometimes hard to treat. Here are some effective ways to get rid of tanning bed rash.

Oatmeal Bath

Add several cups of oatmeal to your bathtub filled with cold water. Now submerge your body in cold water and relax for ½ an hour to 1 hour.

Oatmeal

To get visible results follow this remedy once a day. If you have allergies to oatmeal and find skin irritation after following this remedy then, try to avoid it.

Use Antibacterial Soap

To stop the bad rash from spreading to the other parts of your body wash the area with antibacterial soap and warm water as soon as you notice the rash on your body.

Stop tanning until the rash disappears completely. To prevent further irritation avoid rubbing your skin.

Keep the Area Clean

To stop the further spreading of the rashes do not rub your skin even when it feels itchy and try to keep the area clean.

To prevent your skin from flaking, cracking or bacteria wash the area twice a day. You can cover the rash using soft gauze pads and bandages. To prevent further irritation wear loose clothes.

Wipe With Hypoallergenic Wipes

Choosing the right cleaning product to clean the tanning bed is very important to avoid allergic reactions.

To make your tanning bed free from any chemical residue using hypoallergenic wipes can be very effective as it is difficult to identify what is causing the bed rashes.

Use Hypoallergenic and Natural Moisturizers

You can apply a hypoallergenic or natural moisturizer to your sensitive skin when there are no open pores or cracks on your skin.

moisturizer your skin

For excess dry skin apply these moisturizers several times a day.

Cold Compress

Apply a cold compress by adding cold water to a soft cloth. After washing the area apply a cold compress to the affected area and leave it for 15 to 20 minutes.

Avoid wearing terry cloth as it can cause further irritation. Follow this remedy whenever needed.

Other Tanning Options

The UV light spectrum produced in tanning beds can be more harmful than sunlight.

Though using a tanning bed can be the easiest and quickest way of getting tan but you can go for other options like spray tanning if you are concerned about the health impacts.

Dermatologists always advise against the use of tanning beds as the light produced in tanning beds is more concentrated and powerful.

Home Remedies to Treat Tanning Bed Rash

By following some natural home remedies you can easily get rid of tanning bed rash.

Being natural these remedies do not have any harmful side effects. So, let us discuss some home remedies to treat bed rash.

Use Cucumber

Applying cucumber on your bed rashes can help you heal the rash and keep your skin cool.

Cucumber

Using cucumber can be very effective in treating dry skin rashes as cucumber contains hydrating properties.

Potato Paste

You can easily get rid of the tanning bed rash by applying potato paste. It also reduces inflammation and pain caused by rashes.

Apply Yogurt

Applying yogurt to your bed rashes can be quite useful. Using yogurt on your skin can keep it cool and remove irritants from your skin.

Yogurt

Yogurt also helps you to overcome inflammation caused by rashes.

ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar)

Besides applying the apple cider vinegar to the affected area you can also consume it. Using ACV can heal sunburn and increase the PH level of your skin.

Use Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera contains anti-bacterial properties and is very effective in treating any kind of skin problem.

get rid of tanning bed rash with Aloe Vera

Applying aloe Vera on bed rashes can soothe inflammation and heal your skin without any allergic reaction.

Apply Olive Oil

Applying olive oil can help you to get rid of bed rash caused due to dry skin. It can reduce rash and hydrate your skin in no time. You May Also Like: Can Baby Oil Make You Tan Faster? The Safest Way to Use It

Use Baking Soda

To heal your skin from bed rashes and sunburn you can apply baking soda to the affected area. Using baking soda also increases the PH level of your skin.

Baking Soda

If you are cautious about your tanning practices and follow the remedies mentioned above then, you can get rid of tanning bed rash easily. Stop tanning immediately if you get those bed rashes.

By maintaining proper care while using tanning beds you can get that bronzed look in no time.

Do not hesitate to consult your doctor if the tanning bed rash does not go away after a week even after following the above-mentioned tips.

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Author
Chloe Taylor

Hey there, I am Chloe Taylor, your trusted tanning expert. Dive into expert tips, product reviews, and skincare advice to unlock the secrets of a radiant tan. Also, join me in achieving that sun-kissed glow while safeguarding your skin, which can leave you feeling your best.

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