When it comes to tanning, the face can be one of the trickiest areas to get right. Unlike the rest of your body, facial skin is more sensitive, prone to dryness, and can easily show uneven colour or sun damage. But, with the right technology, you can enjoy an even face tan.
What Is LED Facial Tanning?
LED facial tanning, also known as a glass facial system, is a feature that uses specially coated filter discs and glass reflectors to control the intensity of light on the face. This design helps deliver a smoother, more comfortable experience by spreading UV light evenly, preventing hot spots, and enhancing tanning results in delicate areas like the face and upper chest.
How It Works
LED glass facial systems use a mix of lights to give your skin the best results:
- UVA rays: Go deep into the skin to stimulate melanin, which starts to bronze your skin.
- UVB rays: Help your skin produce vitamin D and start the tanning process.
- Red or infrared light: Can help stimulate collagen, improve circulation, and boost skin hydration, so your skin gets extra care while tanning. Our MegaSun series sunbeds include the “BeautyBooster HyperRed”, which provides these benefits. You can also get sunbeds that specifically use red light. Check out our post for more information.
Why It’s Different from Regular Body Lamps
- Even tanning: Specially designed lenses and reflectors distribute light evenly across your face.
- Protects sensitive skin: Works gently on areas like the nose, cheeks, and forehead.
- Skin benefits: Infrared and red lights can improve skin texture, help reduce fine lines, and keep your skin hydrated.
LED facial tanning is more than just matching your face to your body tan. It’s a controlled way to get a natural-looking tan on your face.
To learn more about the ins and outs of tanning beds, check out our blog: How do sunbeds work?
Facial Tanning Bulbs vs. Sunlight
It’s tempting to think that sunbathing alone is enough to get that perfect glow. But sunlight is unpredictable. Clouds and the change in UV index can affect how your skin tans. Sun exposure can also leave your face at risk of premature ageing, sun spots, or uneven pigment.
Indoor LED facial tanning gives you much more control. The specially positioned lamps ensure even UV distribution across your face, so you tan without overexposing any one area.
Plus, the environment is temperature-controlled, reducing heat stress and leaving sessions more comfortable. With regulated doses, you still stimulate melanin for colour and vitamin D production, just without the risks of prolonged outdoor sun exposure.
Importantly, the UVB LEDs used in these facial tanners can help increase vitamin D production. In fact, research in photobiology shows that UVB LEDs around 293 to 298 nm can produce vitamin D in the skin more efficiently than midday sun for the same energy dose (Nature.com, 2017).
To find out more about how sunbathing vs sunbed times compare, check out our guide.
The Benefits of LED Facial Tanning
- An even, streak-free tan, since targeted light coverage ensures your face develops an overall glow, unlike natural sunlight, which can be patchy.
- Your sessions become more comfortable, as the light systems are designed to reduce heat and make tanning more enjoyable.
- Advanced LED and infrared elements can help with collagen stimulation, promoting smoother, firmer skin while boosting melanin naturally.
- Unlike the unpredictable British weather, tanning beds provide consistent UV doses, helping to minimise the risk of burning.
Tips for the Best Facial Tan
To get the most from your tanning bed session, follow these simple tips:
- Hydrate and moisturise: Well-moisturised skin tans more evenly and retains colour longer.
- Use a facial tanning accelerator: Targeted creams can enhance results while protecting sensitive areas.
- Protect your eyes: Even when tanning your face, always wear goggles to shield your eyes from UV and LED light.
- Build gradually: Start with shorter sessions, then increase as your skin adapts. Learn more about what tanning routine would be best for your skin type, in a previous blog.
When to Take a Break from Facial Tanning
Your face is more delicate than the rest of your body, which means it usually tans faster. While your body might need multiple sessions to build an even base, your facial skin can reach your desired colour sooner.
Over-tanning your face can increase the risk of dryness, irritation, and premature ageing. A good rule of thumb is to monitor your skin and stop once you’ve achieved the desired tone. You can then continue tanning the rest of your body without worrying about overexposing your face.
Many of our customers cover their face once a base tan is reached, ensuring a balanced, natural look. For more tips on protecting your face while using a sunbed, check out our dedicated guide: how to protect your face in a tanning bed.
Facial Tanning Made Simple
At The SunShine Co., our salons are equipped with advanced LED facial tanners that make it easy to achieve an even, natural-looking glow. The lamps are designed to be gentle yet effective, so your face gets the perfect amount of light without overexposure.
Our friendly team is always on hand to guide you, suggest the right timings, and make sure your tan develops evenly alongside your body sessions.
Whether you’re looking for a subtle everyday glow or a bronzed tan for an event, LED facial tanning gives you consistent results. Pop into your nearest SunShine Co. salon and see how easy it is to get a tan comfortably and confidently.
If you want to find out more features of the advanced tanning beds we use in our salons, read more in our equipment page.
