I have been going to the tanning bed for about a month and a half. I am using the Hawaiian Tropic tanning lotion and i have not had any problems. But recently on only a few areas I have been breaking out and itching. I don't know if it is because I am allergic to something in the tanning bed or my body wash or something else like that. I don't want to keep going until I figure it out because it makes me miserable. What should I do?

That's very strange because tanning usually has the exact opposite effect on most people and it often used to clear up acne. If I had to take a guess I would say it's a reaction to something, possibly even the cleaner they use on the bed. What I would say, is try a new lotion, try a salon quality (sold in most tanning salons) not drugstore brand (it will make a HUGE difference) and use a standup unit rather than the bed so you wont have to actually touch the acrylics to your skin and see if that makes a difference.

thanks, i didn't think about going to a stand up bed. i will try that and hope it works because i really would like to have a nice tan for my wedding.

I have the same problem...I'm just as baffled as you are. I have tanned successfully before but I just started again, and suddenly my skin has painfully itchy red patches all over my stomach that are not sunburn. It is incredibly painful and is making me insane. I sort of need a tan for work. Any other info on this type of thing would be helpful. Should I just switch to spray tanning? Is there any way to prevent this horrible itching?? AGHH! Help! :confused: :confused:

be careful when u go tanning at a place. always check the bed and make sure it looks spotless and that u dont feel anything on it. ive always noticed that people get so careless when cleaning them, esp if a place has like 30 beds and r busy. if it isnt clean u can get infections and that really isnt uncommon at all. if they have the little pillows in their for ur head...dont use those! they hardly ever get cleaned.

as for stand ups...sometimes those r even worse. the employees get the misconception that bc its a stnd up bed, they dont need to clean the sides! i went into one onetime and there was sweat caked all over the sides in the place and even the floor u stood on looked dusty and dirty. i got dressed and hightailed it out of there!

i like the places where u clean the beds urself bc that way i can clean it when i get in and so i know its clean!

I would agree with the above i've been going for a month now and my acne has really cleared up on my face and back =). Im using some tanning stuff from walmart too. So i donno, maybe switch tanning places the one your going to may not be very clean?

I think, like me, you are developing a photosensitivity allergy. It is not the tanning beds. I developed this allergy 7 years ago, and the more you go to a tanning bed or sit in the sun the worse it will get. I've had to take Prednisone every time I go on a tropical holiday to avoid the rash and itching-this is a steroid which makes your skin thin and even more suseptible to UV rays. Also, the side effects are awful. Its best to just use a self tanning product.

Hey everyone! I worked at a tanning salon for years and know a lot about tanning. THose itchy red patches are sometimes an allergic reaction. Are you on the Pill or other medication? It could also be the tanning bed cleaner (if you are using lay down beds). Sometimes people are sensitive and the cleaner could be irritating your skin. It is most likely medications though. And like the above poster, you can develop a major sensitivity to the rays and you should tan at very small intervals or not at all if this happens.
If your skin is dry it is b/c you are simply drying out your skin from all the tanning. It is very important to moisturize after tanning. You will get a better tan if you continue to moisturize. I can't express this enough.
Also, be sure to use an in-door tannning lotion. There is a difference from the ones you buy for the beach. You cannot use these in a tanning bed. I like to use California Tan products b/c they help to tan you but are also heavy moisturizers. (And buy them on E-bay - you will save a TON!)
I used to tan very easily but as I have gotten older, all I do is burn. Burning is SO BAD for you so take it slow!!!! I started out at 4 minutes in a 20 minute bed last time I tanned. After one month of tanning, I only made it up to 12 minutes (and I often cover my torso and lay on a towel for half of the time).
Let's face it, tanning is not good for you and we are hearing more and more about it in the news. I always tell people that "overexposure" is what is bad for you - so take it slow and don't over do it - i.e. burning and tanning all year around!
Hope this helps!