Sporting a sun-kissed glow can certainly make you look healthy and head-turning. Thanks to modern-day technology, you don’t necessarily have to sit under the sweltering sun just to get a lovely golden complexion. For instance, the use of a tanning bed at a reputable tanning salon can make it look like you have just been to a tropical getaway.
However, no matter how reliable the local tanning salon or sophisticated the tanning bed is, there are certain issues that may show up and keep you from having the complexion of your dreams. Take for example what’s known as tanning bed rash — it can make your skin so itchy, and it’s definitely not a pretty sight.
According to experts, one of the common causes of tanning bed rash is being exposed to excessive amounts of UV light. Basically, a tanning bed works just like the sun — the bulbs installed in such piece of equipment emit UV light that prompts special cells in the skin to produce more of that dark-colored pigment called melanin.
Then another known cause of tanning bed rash is too much heat. Just like what’s earlier said, a tanning bed works pretty much in the same manner as the sun in tanning your skin. Needless to say, it also gives off heat. This particular cause of tanning bed rash applies to people who are prone to developing rash when exposed to high temperatures.
Fortunately, tanning bed rash is something that can be dealt with at home, and it usually goes away without causing any complication — unless you scratch those itchy bumps, which may lead to a nasty infection. So remember to resist every urge to scratch and try one or many of the following home remedies for tanning bed rash:
Quit Getting a Tan
The most sensible step for you to take the moment you spot the presence of tanning bed rash is quit going to the local tanning salon for a while. What you need to do is give your skin plenty of time to get itself healed. Aside from quitting the use of a tanning bed, you should also limit your exposure to the sun to keep UV light from touching your skin.
Stay Cool
Just like what’s mentioned earlier, too much heat can also cause tanning bed rash to strike. When you have such problem, it’s a good idea for you to stay in cool environments. If you have to engage in strenuous physical activities or exercise, consider wearing clothes out of cotton to help in keeping your skin from overheating.
Keep Moisturizing
Using a tanning bed can make your complexion look awesome all right, but it can make your skin dry up — this can make tanning bed rash to appear. So in order to bounce back from the problem at a much faster rate, keep your skin moisturized. But steer clear of any moisturizing lotion that contains harsh or irritating chemicals.
Avoid Irritants
It’s not just moisturizing lotion with strong ingredients that you should steer clear of, but other products that can cause skin irritation. Otherwise, coming into contact with them is just like dumping more fuel to the fire. Switching to personal care and household products containing mild or all-natural ingredients is a wonderful idea.
Wet Cold Compresses
Tanning bed rash can cause so much itchiness, but scratching is a complete no-no because it can lead to an infection. In order to keep the itchiness to a minimum, rely on wet cold compresses — soak a washcloth in cold water, wring out excess water slightly, fold neatly and apply on problem areas. You may also place the area under running cool water.
Oatmeal Bath
Finally, you may pulverize a cup of raw oatmeal with the help of a coffee or spice grinder. Afterwards, have it dissolved in cool bathwater. Remain soaked in it for several minutes until you obtain relief. Similarly, you may cook oatmeal according to package directions, and apply it on trouble spots once already at room temperature.
