Beware of salons that promise their tanning beds give you a safe, healthy tan. Although many tanning beds emit mostly ultraviolet A radiation, the type of rays that make your skin tan, some ultraviolet B rays sneak in as well, states the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. UVB rays are the rays in the UV spectrum that make your skin burn as well as age prematurely. Tanning beds offer no assurance that you won't get a sunburn–and it may be up to 24 hours before you see the full extent of the damage. Cool down and treat skin tenderly until your sunburn goes away.
Step 1
Chill off. Take a cool bath, advises the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Alternately, you can wet a towel in cool water and gently press it against smarting skin, says Mayo Clinic dermatologist Martin E. Gibson, M.D.
Step 2
Smooth on a soothing topical. Dr. Gibson states that aloe vera gel, nonprescription hydrocortisone cream or another moisturizer are all good choices. However, avoid any topical cream or spray that end in "-caine." Chemicals such as benzocaine can cause irritation to your skin. There's also no proof that they work, Dr. Gibson says.
Step 3
Swallow your pride. If your sunburn is particularly painful, Dr. Gibson recommends taking nonprescription pain relievers like aspirin or ibuprofen. They are anti-infammatory as well. Take them as directed until pain and redness go away.
Step 4
Don't pick at your skin. If you get blisters, don't pop them–let them dry out on their own. First-degree sunburns usually resolve after a few days, sometimes with a little peeling, says the AAD. Continue to moisturize the burned skin, Dr. Gibson says.
Step 5
See a doctor, if your sunburn is severe. You may notice other symptoms, such as chills, fever and a headache, along with marked blistering over a large portion of your body. The AAD states that second-degree sunburns may be an emergency situation.
Tips and Warnings
- There's no safe way to get a tan using a tanning bed or by seeking out the sun. If you want color in your skin, the AAD and AOCD advise using sunless tanning lotions or sprays.
- Tanning beds cause your skin to age prematurely, cautions the AOCD. Moreover, UVA rays are linked to all types of skin cancer.
Things You'll Need
- Cool compress
- Nonprescription pain reliever
- Aloe, nonprescription hydrocortisone cream or another soothing moisturizer
