Can I Use a Tanning Bed if I Have Photosensitive Skin?

Photosensitivity and indoor tanning are not compatible. Continue reading to learn more about the dangers of tanning with photosensitive skin, as well as some safer alternatives to sunless tanning if you suffer from photosensitivity yourself.

Spray Tanning Salon Broad Ripple Indiana 317-257-8262
Spray Tanning Salon Broad Ripple Indiana 317-257-8262

Photosensitivity is a Sunlight Skin Condition

Photosensitivity is a condition that renders the skin extra-sensitive to UV and UVB ray exposure. You can get this exposure from the natural sun, or from an indoor tanning bed. Those who live with photosensitivity experience faster and more exaggerated reactions to sunlight and UV rays, including redness, swelling, epidermal irritation, and of course, sunburn. Sunburns can develop severely if a photosensitive person is exposed to sunlight for an extended period of time without proper sun protection measures like lotion, hats, and clothing coverage.

Tanning Indoors With Photosensitive Skin

Although photosensitivity is a condition that renders you extra-susceptible to UV light reactions and burns, you may be able to use a tanning bed if your doctor says it is okay. If you have photosensitive skin, always consult with your physician or medical practitioner before using an indoor tanning bed or tanning in the natural sun.

In most cases of photosensitivity, skin will not tan properly, so it is not recommended to go tanning at all, under any circumstances. Instead, they should avoid prolonged sun exposure as best they can, and when forced to be in the sun, always wear sunscreen and cover their bodies with the lightweight, breathable clothing to ensure their skin does not react severely to the UV light exposure.

Detecting Photosensitivity

Not sure if you have photosensitive skin? You do not have to be born with photosensitivity to have photosensitive skin. There are certain medications, products, and even lifestyle choices that can render you more susceptible to UV light reactions. Talk to your doctor to see if there are some tests you can take to determine the level of photosensitivity you experience when exposed to UV light before using a tanning bed or tanning in the natural sun.

Tanning Alternatives For Photosensitive Skin

Fortunately, there are several wonderful and effective alternatives to getting a glowing complexion without exposing your sensitive skin to UV light, whether in a tanning bed or out in the natural sun. Consider options such as automatic spray tanning beds and sunless tanners to achieve the custom color and depth you desire.

Not sure where to get the best spray tanning service and sunless tanning products in Indianapolis? Contact Broad Ripple Tans at 317-257-8262 to learn all about our luxury automated spray tanning bed in Indianapolis, Indiana. We also offer sunless tanning products and spray tan coupons!

Related Posts:

Which Skin Type Are You?
How to Tan According to Skin Type
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Indianapolis Tanning Salon 317-257-8262
Indianapolis Tanning Salon 317-257-8262

The Effects of Tanning on Prescription Medications

Indianapolis Tanning Packages 317-257-8262

Indianapolis Tanning Packages 317-257-8262

Medicine is a predominant part of human sustainability and health. Without medication, we are vulnerable to disease, pain, suffering, and more. But medicine can come with possible side effects, so it is important to take your prescription medications seriously in order to maintain your health, as well as, protect yourself from potential dangers. Be sure to ask your doctor about activities, foods, and other factors that may influence your meds to cause any unpleasant or dangerous side effects.

One such activity that can cause you to have adverse effects while on prescription medication is tanning. Tanning is a prevalent part of today’s society, and provides several mental and physical benefits. But tanning while taking certain prescription drugs can be unsafe, and can potentially cause frustrating health issues. Continue reading to learn some helpful information about tanning and prescription medications.

Photosensitivity

One of the most common side effects of tanning on prescription drugs is photosensitivity, or a heightened sensitivity to UVA and UVB rays. Both the sun and tanning beds provide these types of UV-light. Photosensitivity is manifested in one of two ways, either phototoxic reactions or photo-allergic reactions. Evidence of a phototoxic reaction will generally occur right away, or within 24 hours after tanning. It will feel and appear much like a sunburn, and eventually diminish once the medication is no longer being used.

Indianapolis Tanning Packages 317-257-8262

Indianapolis Tanning Packages 317-257-8262

In contrast, a photo-allergic reaction is a bit more serious and complex. When taking a prescription medication, your body recognizes the medicine and uses it appositely. But some medications will change structure when exposed to UVA or UVB light, causing your body to treat it as an “intruder” since it cannot recognize it as it did before. As a result, your skin will begin to develop eczema-like patches and blistering that can last beyond the discontinuation of the medicine. A photo-allergic reaction can show up anywhere from
1 to 3 days after UV-light exposure.

The best defense against suffering from phototoxic and photo-allergic reactions is to wait until your medication is complete before tanning. But if you are on a medication that you require for long-term purposes, consider using sunless tanning products to achieve a safe, bronze glow.

Broad Ripple Tans

Broad Ripple Tans 317-257-8262

Broad Ripple Tans 317-257-8262

Call Broad Ripple Tans at 317-257-8262 to learn about our fantastic tanning packages in Indianapolis, Indiana. We offer a wide range of tanning beds, sunless tanning services, tanning products, tanning coupons, and more, all at the most competitive prices in town! Schedule a free tanning consultation to determine the best strategy for color with a professional tanning consultant. Call 317-257-8262 for free estimates and information about tanning in Indianapolis, IN today.