Dear TanningBeds.org,

Every time i try to tan in a tanning bed, i end up breaking out in hives. I’ve tried the bronzing bed, which people say is better for lighter complected skin, and after the second visit, I break out on my arms and legs. i’ve also tried different lotions-with hemp and extra moisturizer, but it still hasn’t helped. People have told me that it was probably the stuff they clean the beds with but I don’t break out where my body touches the bed. It’s really frustrating that i cant tan and i was wondering if you could think of any reason possible that would cause this. I’m kinda reaching out on a limb here i know but i’ve tried all sorts of things and thought it wouldn’t hurt!
Thanks,
JH
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Dear JH,

What you are experiencing is common. From my experience, there are two possible explanations: 1. You are alergic to the sun to one degree or another (unlikely but possible). 2. You have a heat rash, which is extremely common. I get the same thing, even when I start tanning outdoors. Let me explain a bit.

Most people get itchy when they first start tanning, usually for the first two weeks. “Level 1″ lotions are designed with extra moisturizers to deal with this. Tanning beds are usually pretty hot, and you combine the heat, the UV and the fact that most people start out with too long of a session, and you get a rash. You are typically hotter inside a tanning bed than you would be if you tanned outside, and there is usually less airflow. Your body just isn’t used to this, and it causes a negative reaction, hives or heat rash. So how do you deal with this?

For most people, you can reduce each session and let your skin adjust over a couple of weeks, and your skin gets used it. For some, they must always limit their sessions or they always itch. Try using a bed with good airflow and flip over half way through the session as well. Use good moisturizers morning and night, and exfoliate your skin daily. This will keep the pores open and make you less likely to break out. (Personally, if I start out with too much UV, I break out and get super itchy, particularly on the back where I get the most heat.) So slow down with shorter sessions, let your skin adjust, and baby it for a few weeks.

As for the cleaning solution, your friend was correct in that many people do break out from it if it is not wiped off before tanning, but likely this isn’t the issue, as you have already guessed. Not everyone can jump in a tanning bed for 10 minutes the first time. (Me, for instance.) This means it will take longer to build your tan, but the goal should be to look good and feel great, not be bumpy all summer long!

Also, a very tiny percentage of people never can tan in a tanning bed, as they may be mildly alergic to the sun and prone to sun poisoning. Not all alergies are “all or nothing”, some people can have a mild alergy, or simple lower tolorance for sun. If you are in that tiny percentage, there really isn’t anything you can do, although I doubt you are. Good luck!

Dennis