If you’re a regular at the tanning salon or just getting started, you’ve probably asked yourself: Should I be protecting my face in a tanning bed? And if so, how?
Your face is more exposed to things like pigmentation and breakouts, so it makes sense to treat it with more care.
Here’s what you need to know about tanning beds and how to look after your face while still building your perfect glow.
Why You’d Want to Protect Your Face
Your face is exposed to daily toxins more than any other part of your body, so it’s no surprise that it can obtain quicker results in a tanning bed.
From skincare habits to cosmetic treatments, there are plenty of reasons people choose to shield their face, even if just for part of the session.
For some, it’s about protecting their investment (hello, Botox). For others, it’s to avoid the discomfort that can come with sensitive skin.
- Fine lines, wrinkles or pigmentation can develop faster with repeated UV exposure.
- Treatments like fillers or microneedling can be affected by heat and light, so it’s best to cover the face.
- An active ingredient in your skincare routine may interact with the UV and cause irritation to areas that are prone to dryness, breakouts or sensitivity.
- Delicate areas, such as under the eyes or across the nose bridge, will require less UV exposure. Freckles may be more likely to appear depending on the type of skin.
- Intense UV light can leave your eyes feeling dry or tired, so prevent eye strain and discomfort with goggles.
How to Tan Your Face in a Tanning Bed
Tanning your face is possible, but it’s all about being smart with how often, how long, and how you prep your skin. Your face tends to be more sensitive and quicker to show signs of damage, so it pays to take a lighter approach.
Here’s how to build colour gradually, without overdoing it:
Start with shorter sessions than you would for your body, since the face often develops colour faster and can burn more easily.
- Give your face a break between sessions by covering it up every other time to avoid overexposure and help your skin recover.
- Apply a tanning accelerator designed for facial use to encourage melanin production and achieve results in fewer sessions.
- Moisturise straight after each session to lock in hydration and prevent dryness, ideally with a product that won’t clog pores.
- Stick to clean, gentle skincare between sessions to avoid irritating your skin while it’s more UV-sensitive.
And remember, once you’ve got the glow you want, there’s nothing wrong with covering your face during future sessions and just maintaining the colour with your usual routine. It’s all about control and comfort.
How to Protect Your Face in a Sunbed
If you want to keep your face away from the UV lamps, there are a few methods to avoid exposure while still enjoying your session.
Using a towel, a clean cloth, or a t-shirt can help block the rays from going on your face directly. You can also use tanning stickers, shields, or disposable face masks designed for beds to offer extra protection.
Protective goggles are needed to guard your eyes, even if you’re not fully covering your face. Applying an SPF, that’s lightweight and mineral-based, adds another layer of protection.
Many people focus on tanning their bodies and use bronzers or tinted skincare to add natural warmth to the face without extra UV exposure.
Once you’ve built the base colour you want, you might choose to leave tanning your face every other session for maintenance.
Using Accelerator Creams
If you’re concerned about overexposure to UV light, tanning accelerators can be an option. They prepare your skin by boosting melanin production, helping you achieve an even, quicker tan. This means you may need fewer sessions to reach your desired colour.
Applying these creams to both your face and body before sessions can speed up the process. After a couple of sessions, your face may reach the level you want, allowing you to focus on just your body.
Balanced Way to Tan
Protecting your face doesn’t mean skipping your tan altogether; it just means being a little more considerate about how and when you expose your face.
Whether you choose to tan your face every time or cover it up after a couple of sessions, you’re in control.
Find your nearest SunShine Co. salon and chat with our friendly team for guidance. We’ll help you tan and leave with confidence.
