Should You Do Red Light Therapy Before or After Tanning?

Before stepping into the tanning bed, you might be wondering, “Should I do red light therapy before or after tanning?” This is an important question, as the timing of each session can affect your skin’s health and tanning results.

In this guide, we’ll let you know the best time to use red light therapy to enhance your tan and keep your skin looking radiant.

Key Takeaways

• Red light therapy can be used after tanning to enhance skin recovery, but keep sessions short (10-20 minutes) to avoid irritation.
• Doing red light therapy before tanning can boost collagen production and blood flow, improving your tan.
• Allow at least 15-30 minutes after red light therapy before tanning to ensure your skin absorbs the benefits.
• Always use sunscreen after tanning to protect your skin from damage.
• Stay hydrated and monitor your skin’s response to adjust your routine as needed.

Is it okay to do red light therapy immediately after tanning?

"Look out for local skin irritation, such as redness, burning, and eye irritation.

Because it’s used without supervision, you definitely want to always follow the device’s instructions and seek professional help if needed," says Dr. Liu, a surgeon, researcher, oncologist, mentor, and scholar.

Using red light therapy immediately after tanning can be safe, but it’s important to avoid overdoing it.

You can use red light therapy for about 10 to 20 minutes after tanning to enhance skin recovery and collagen production.

However, excessive use right after tanning may cause irritation or sensitivity. Always start with shorter sessions to see how your skin reacts.

Benefits of Combining Red Light Therapy with Tanning Beds

Help with skin healing

Combining red light therapy with tanning beds speeds up healing by boosting collagen production and reducing inflammation. This duo repairs damaged skin cells, soothes irritation, and ensures your skin stays healthy while tanning.

Enhanced Skin Health

Red light therapy and tanning beds together promote cell regeneration, improve hydration, and reduce inflammation. This combination strengthens your skin’s barrier, leaving it healthier, balanced, and better equipped to handle environmental stressors.

Improve Skin texture

Using red light therapy with tanning beds enhances skin texture by boosting circulation and stimulating collagen. This pairing smooths fine lines, evens skin tone, and leaves your skin looking radiant and feeling rejuvenated.

Improved Overall Wellness

Together, red light therapy and tanning beds enhance overall wellness by reducing stress, improving mood, and supporting skin health. This balanced combination offers relaxation and confidence-boosting results for both your body and mind.

Improved Tan Longevity and Evenness

Red light therapy helps your tan last longer by boosting circulation and stimulating skin cells, which supports melanin production. When your skin is healthier, your tan fades more evenly instead of becoming patchy. It also keeps your skin hydrated, preventing dryness that can cause uneven color. The therapy improves skin texture, making the surface smoother so your tan develops consistently. Using red light therapy daily can enhance these benefits, keeping your glow fresh for longer. When combined with tanning, it helps prevent streaks, giving you a flawless, golden look that lasts. Want the best results? Make red light therapy part of your routine!

Should red light therapy be done before or after tanning for best results?

For the best results, it’s recommended to do red light therapy before tanning. This order helps prepare your skin, improving collagen production and increasing blood flow, which can enhance your tanning experience.

Wait at least 20 minutes between red light therapy and tanning to avoid overloading your skin.

Combining both in one session can boost the effectiveness, but spacing them out gives your skin time to absorb the benefits.

Red light therapy should definitely be part of your tanning routine for healthier, more glowing skin.

Are There Precautions to Take with Red Light Therapy and Tanning?

• Wait Before Tanning: Allow at least 15 to 30 minutes after red light therapy for your skin to fully absorb the treatment before tanning.
• Use Sunscreen: Protect your skin with a broad-spectrum sunscreen to prevent sunburn and skin damage.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin hydrated and maintain its elasticity.
• Monitor Skin Response: Pay attention to how your skin reacts and adjust your routine if needed.

Does Red Light Therapy Tan You?

Red light therapy doesn't give you a tan. It uses low-level red light to promote skin health, reduce wrinkles, and improve circulation, but it doesn’t stimulate melanin production like tanning beds or sun exposure. 

Are There Other Things I Shouldn’t Do Before and After Tanning?

Don’t shower immediately after tanning

After tanning in a bed or under the sun, it's important to avoid showering immediately.

Your skin needs time to absorb the tan and lock in the color. Waiting at least 3-4 hours before showering allows the tan to settle.

If you shower too soon, you risk washing away some of the bronzing effects. When you shower, use a gentle body wash and avoid scrubbing or exfoliating to protect your tan.

Avoid hot showers or sauna before or after tanning

Hot showers and saunas can open your pores, making your skin more vulnerable and sensitive to the UV exposure from tanning.

This can lead to uneven tanning or skin irritation. It’s best to avoid them both before and after tanning.

After tanning, opt for lukewarm showers to prevent your skin from becoming irritated.

Keeping the water temperature moderate helps maintain your tan and keeps your skin comfortable.

Avoid tight clothing after tanning

Tight clothing after tanning can create friction on your skin, leaving marks or disrupting your tan.

To help your skin breathe and prevent any pressure on the freshly tanned areas, wear loose, comfortable clothes.

Wait at least a few hours before putting on anything tight. This will allow your tan to set properly without any unwanted imprints or irritation on your skin.

Avoid wearing makeup before tanning

Makeup is a barrier between your skin and the sun’s or tanning bed’s UV rays.

Wearing makeup before tanning can block the tanning process, causing an uneven tan. 

It’s important to cleanse your skin before tanning to ensure the UV exposure is even and effective.

After tanning, you can go ahead and apply makeup, but make sure your skin has cooled down and the tan has had time to set.

Avoid shaving or waxing before tanning

Shaving or waxing right before tanning can irritate your skin, leaving it sensitive and prone to uneven tanning.

It’s best to shave or wax at least 24 hours before you tan. This gives your skin time to heal and reduce irritation. Shaving after tanning can also disrupt the tan, so it’s better to wait and do it before tanning for the best results.

Avoid alcohol before or after tanning

Alcohol can dehydrate your skin, making it more susceptible to sunburns and drying out your tan. It’s crucial to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water before tanning to help your skin handle UV exposure better.

Alcohol also makes your skin more sensitive, which could cause irritation after tanning. So, stick to water and hydrating drinks to help your tan last longer and protect your skin.

Does Red Light Therapy Enhance the Effects of Tanning Lotions?

Red light therapy can enhance the effects of tanning lotions by helping the skin absorb them better. When used before applying lotion, it preps the skin by boosting circulation and opening pores, allowing the lotion to work more effectively. Certain tanning lotions, especially those with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or aloe vera, respond even better to red light therapy by keeping the skin moisturized and improving color development. It also helps extend the life of a tan by supporting skin health and reducing peeling. With consistent use, red light therapy makes tanning lotions more effective, ensuring a deeper, longer-lasting glow.