That frustrating itch after a tanning session is one of the most common complaints among regular tanning bed users — and it ranges from a mild, short-lived tingle to a persistent, uncomfortable reaction that puts you off going back. The good news is that in most cases, tanning bed itch is preventable, and when it does happen, there are fast and effective ways to get relief.
The most effective ways to prevent tanning bed itch are moisturising consistently before sessions, exfoliating beforehand, using the right tanning lotion, keeping session times sensible, and making sure the bed is properly cleaned. For immediate relief after the itch has already started, a lukewarm shower, aloe vera, hydrocortisone cream, or an antihistamine can all help depending on the cause.
Below we cover every cause of tanning bed itch and exactly what to do about each one — both to stop it happening in the first place, and to get relief when it does.
Key Takeaways
- Mild itching after a tanning session is common and usually caused by UV stimulation of nerve endings — it typically passes within a few hours
- Persistent or severe itching often points to a specific cause: dry skin, heat rash, an allergic reaction, or an unclean bed
- Moisturising in the days before tanning and applying lotion before each session are the two most effective prevention steps
- Exfoliating 24 to 48 hours before your session removes dead skin cells and reduces the chance of blocked pores and heat rash
- Tingle lotions are not suitable for sensitive skin — they can make itching significantly worse
- Some medications cause photosensitivity, which can make UV-triggered skin reactions much more intense
- Aloe vera, lukewarm showers, hydrocortisone cream, and antihistamines are the most effective relief options
- If itching comes with a spreading rash, blistering, or lasts more than 48 hours, see a doctor
Why Does a Tanning Bed Make You Itch?
Tanning bed itch isn’t one single thing — it has several different causes, and understanding which one applies to you is the key to both preventing it and treating it effectively.
Normal Post-UV Nerve Stimulation
The most common and least concerning cause is simple UV stimulation. When UV rays hit your skin, they activate nerve endings near the surface, which can produce a mild itching or tingling sensation during or shortly after your session. This is a normal physiological response and usually fades within a few hours without any treatment.
This type of itch doesn’t require intervention — it’s your skin reacting to UV exposure the way it’s designed to. If the sensation is mild and passes quickly, there’s typically nothing to be concerned about.
Dry Skin and UV-Induced Dehydration
UV rays have a significant drying effect on the skin, stripping moisture from the outer layers during your session. If your skin is already on the dry side going into the bed — or if you’re tanning without a lotion — this dehydration can become intense enough to cause persistent itching, tightness, and soreness that lasts well beyond the session itself.
This is one of the most common causes of ongoing tanning bed itch and one of the easiest to address. Consistently moisturised skin handles UV exposure much better, tans more evenly, and is significantly less likely to itch afterwards.
Heat Rash
Tanning beds generate heat as well as UV, and that heat can trigger a reaction known as heat rash — medically called miliaria. This happens when sweat glands become blocked, trapping sweat beneath the skin surface rather than allowing it to evaporate normally. The result is an itchy, prickly sensation, sometimes accompanied by small red bumps.
Heat rash from a tanning bed is more common in people who run hot, who are new to tanning and spending longer sessions in the heat, or who apply thick lotions that can inadvertently block pores during a session.
Allergic Reaction to Lotion or Cleaning Products
Some tanning lotions contain fragrance compounds, bronzing agents, or sensitising ingredients that can trigger a reaction in people with sensitive skin. The itch that follows tends to be more concentrated in areas where the lotion was applied and may be accompanied by redness or a patchy rash.
It’s also possible to react to the cleaning or disinfectant products used on the bed itself, particularly if you have a history of skin sensitivity to chemical agents. If you notice itching develops mainly on skin that was in direct contact with the bed surface, this is worth investigating.
An Unclean Tanning Bed
Tanning beds that aren’t properly cleaned between clients can harbour bacteria, residual lotions, and other contaminants that cause skin reactions. Research has found bacteria and other pathogens present on tanning bed surfaces in salons where hygiene protocols are not consistently followed [Frontiers in Public Health, 2010]. Choosing a reputable salon that uses proper sanitation between every client is an important factor that’s easy to overlook.
Tingle Lotions
Tingle tanning lotions are designed to increase blood flow to the surface of the skin by triggering a mild inflammation response — which can intensify tanning results but also produces a noticeably hot, itchy, tingly sensation on the skin. For some people this is a manageable sensation; for others with sensitive skin, it can become genuinely uncomfortable and last for several hours after the session.
If you’ve recently switched to a tingle lotion and your itching has worsened, that’s almost certainly the cause. Tingle products are not recommended for sensitive skin or for people new to tanning beds. Switching back to a standard accelerator or moisturising lotion will resolve this quickly.
Photosensitivity From Medication
Certain medications make your skin significantly more sensitive to UV exposure — a reaction called drug-induced photosensitivity. Common examples include some antibiotics (particularly tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones), certain acne treatments like isotretinoin, some blood pressure medications, and specific antidepressants. People taking these medications may experience intense itching, burning, or rashes from UV exposure that would otherwise cause no reaction at all.
If you’ve recently started a new medication and your skin is reacting badly to your tanning sessions in a way it previously didn’t, check the medication’s side effects or speak to a pharmacist. In many cases, tanning should be avoided entirely while taking photosensitising drugs.
Overexposure — Spending Too Long in the Bed
Staying in a tanning bed longer than your skin can handle is a reliable way to come out itching — and at worst, burning. Overexposure intensifies every skin reaction and dramatically increases the chance of lasting irritation. If you’re new to tanning beds and have been pushing session times in an attempt to build a tan faster, this is likely contributing to your itch. Our tanning bed time chart gives recommended session lengths by skin type and experience level.
How to Prevent Tanning Bed Itch
Most tanning bed itch is preventable with the right preparation. Here’s what to do before every session.
Moisturise Consistently in the Days Before
Well-hydrated skin handles UV exposure significantly better than dry skin. The key is building hydration before your session — not just applying lotion immediately before you get in. Apply a quality body moisturiser daily in the 2 to 3 days leading up to your session and continue this habit between sessions to maintain skin health long term.
Exfoliate 24 to 48 Hours Beforehand
Removing the buildup of dead skin cells before a session has a dual benefit: it reduces the risk of blocked pores and heat rash, and it also allows UV rays to reach the skin more evenly. Don’t exfoliate immediately before your session — freshly exfoliated skin is more UV sensitive. Aim for 24 to 48 hours before as the ideal timing. Our guide on how to exfoliate before tanning covers the best technique.
Apply the Right Tanning Lotion Before Your Session
A quality tanning lotion serves two functions: it supports the tanning process and it protects skin moisture levels during UV exposure. Using a lotion before every session significantly reduces the dehydration-driven itch that’s one of the most common complaints. For guidance on choosing the right formula for your skin type, see our full guide on what tanning lotion does and our roundup of the best tanning bed lotions.
Avoid Tingle Lotions If You Have Sensitive Skin
If you’re prone to itching or have sensitive skin, tingle lotions are not for you — at least not until you’ve built solid UV tolerance over many sessions. Stick to standard accelerators or deeply moisturising formulas. Read ingredient labels and avoid products with high concentrations of niacin or benzyl nicotinate, which are the active agents behind the tingle effect.
Check That the Bed Is Properly Cleaned
Before getting into a tanning bed, check that the surface has been properly cleaned. A reputable salon will clean between every client — it’s completely reasonable to ask about their hygiene protocol or to wipe the bed yourself with a clean cloth before use. If a salon is vague about its cleaning practices, that’s a red flag worth taking seriously.
Keep Your Session Times Sensible
Resist the urge to stay in longer than recommended for your skin type. Building a deeper tan takes consistency across multiple sessions — not longer individual sessions. Overexposure doesn’t produce a better tan; it produces irritation, itch, and eventually a burn. If you want to get darker faster, our guide on how to tan darker without burning covers the right approach.
Check Your Medications
If you take any regular medications, check whether they include photosensitivity as a side effect before using a tanning bed. Your pharmacist can advise you on whether your specific medication makes UV exposure a concern.
How to Get Relief From Tanning Bed Itch Fast
If the itch has already started, these are the most effective ways to calm it down.
Lukewarm Shower or Oatmeal Bath
A lukewarm shower is one of the quickest ways to bring relief — it gently cools the skin without triggering the opposite response that a cold shower would (cold water causes the body to generate heat to compensate, which can worsen the sensation). Use a very gentle cleanser during the shower — products formulated for sensitive or baby skin work well as they avoid harsh ingredients that can further irritate.
If the itch is more intense, an oatmeal bath is worth trying. Colloidal oatmeal has well-established skin-soothing properties and is recognised by dermatologists for its ability to reduce itch and calm inflammation. Add finely ground oatmeal to lukewarm bathwater and soak for around ten minutes. You can repeat this two or three times a day during recovery.
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera is one of the most effective natural remedies for UV-irritated skin. It provides immediate cooling relief, supports skin hydration, and helps calm the inflammatory response that drives post-UV itch. For the purest form, you can split open a fresh aloe vera leaf and apply the gel directly to the affected area. If using a bottled product, look for one with a high aloe vera concentration and minimal added ingredients.
We recommend: Seven Minerals Aloe Vera Gel — high-purity, no added fragrance, and ideal for post-tanning skin soothing.
After-Sun Lotion or Cooling Moisturiser
Rehydrating the skin after a session is essential, especially if dehydration is driving the itch. After-sun lotions are designed for exactly this situation — many contain soothing ingredients like aloe vera or menthol that provide additional cooling relief alongside the hydration. Apply generously to any areas that feel tight, itchy, or irritated. Check the ingredient list for anything you know your skin reacts to before applying.
Hydrocortisone Cream
For itching that’s more persistent or accompanied by minor redness, a low-strength hydrocortisone cream (available over the counter at any pharmacy without a prescription) is very effective. It works by calming the immune response in the skin, reducing itching, redness, and swelling. Apply a thin layer to the affected areas as directed on the packaging.
Antihistamine
If the itch feels more like an allergic reaction — widespread, intense, or accompanied by hives — an oral antihistamine is the appropriate response. Antihistamines work by blocking the histamine response that drives allergic itching. Non-drowsy formulas are available if you need to function normally during the day. If this type of reaction keeps happening after tanning sessions, it’s worth speaking to a doctor to identify the specific trigger.
Ibuprofen for Pain or Significant Swelling
If the itching is accompanied by pain, significant redness, or swelling — suggesting more than mild irritation — ibuprofen can help. It reduces inflammation, brings down localised temperature, and provides pain relief. Always follow the recommended dosage on the packaging and consult a doctor or pharmacist if you’re unsure whether it’s appropriate for you.
Tanning Bed Itch vs Rash — When Should You Be Concerned?
Mild itching that fades within a few hours after a session is generally nothing to worry about. But there are signs that what you’re experiencing goes beyond normal UV skin response and warrants more attention.
See a doctor if you notice any of the following:
- Itching that persists for more than 48 hours despite avoiding further UV exposure
- A rash that spreads or develops blisters
- Significant swelling in the affected area
- A fever alongside the skin reaction
- Any open sores or skin that begins to break down
For a more detailed guide on what to expect and when to act if a rash develops, see our article on rashes from tanning beds. And if you suspect you’ve burned rather than just irritated your skin, our guide to tanning bed burn relief covers what to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does tanning bed itch last?
For mild post-UV nerve stimulation, the itch typically passes within a few hours. For itch caused by dry skin or minor heat rash, it usually settles within 24 to 48 hours — especially with proper moisturising and avoiding further UV exposure during recovery. If it’s persisting beyond 48 hours, there’s likely a more specific cause that needs addressing.
Why does my skin itch during the tanning session, not just after?
Itching during a session is usually caused by heat rash or by a tingle lotion that’s actively increasing blood flow to the skin surface. If you’re using a tingle formula and the sensation is uncomfortable rather than mild, it’s worth switching to a standard lotion. Heat-related itching during the session can be reduced by exfoliating beforehand to keep pores clear.
Can I take an antihistamine before a tanning session to prevent itching?
Some people who know they react to tanning beds take a non-drowsy antihistamine before their session and find it helps reduce the reaction. If your itch tends to be allergic in nature — widespread, hive-like — this can be a practical strategy. It’s worth checking with your pharmacist before making it a regular habit, especially if you’re on other medications.
Is tanning bed itch the same as an allergic reaction?
Not necessarily. Tanning bed itch has several causes, and only one of them is allergic. The key difference is that allergic reactions tend to produce hives, are usually tied to a specific trigger (a lotion ingredient or cleaning product), and often respond well to antihistamines. UV-driven itch is more diffuse, doesn’t typically produce hives, and is better addressed with cooling and moisturising measures.
Should I shower before or after using a tanning bed?
Showering before a session helps ensure skin is clean and free of any products that might interfere with your lotion or cause a reaction in the bed. After your session, wait at least 2 to 4 hours before showering to allow your skin’s UV response to complete. For more on timing, see our guide on whether to shower after tanning.
Can I continue using a tanning bed if I always get itchy?
In many cases, yes — but you need to identify and address the cause first. If the itch is mild and passes quickly, adjusting your moisturising routine and lotion choice will often resolve it entirely. If the reaction is more intense or you suspect photosensitivity from medication, it’s worth speaking to a doctor before continuing. Persistent severe reactions to UV exposure should always be investigated properly.
Does moisturising before or after tanning make more difference?
Both matter, but consistent moisturising in the days before your session makes the biggest preventative difference. By the time you’re in the bed, your skin’s hydration levels are largely set. After-session moisturising is important for recovery and for holding the tan, but it’s the preparation beforehand that does the most to prevent itch from occurring in the first place.
Final Thoughts
Tanning bed itch is common, but it’s rarely something you simply have to put up with. In most cases it comes down to a combination of dry skin, inadequate preparation, or a specific trigger — all of which are identifiable and fixable. Start with the basics: moisturise consistently before sessions, exfoliate 24 to 48 hours beforehand, use a quality tanning lotion every time, and keep your session times appropriate for your skin type.
If you’re already dealing with the itch, aloe vera and a lukewarm shower will give you the fastest relief for most types. For allergic or more intense reactions, hydrocortisone cream or an antihistamine is the better route. And if the reaction persists or escalates, that’s always a signal to speak to a doctor rather than pushing through it.
Consistent preparation is the difference between sessions you enjoy and sessions you endure — and once you find the right routine for your skin, the itch stops being a problem at all.
References
Tanning Bed Hygiene & Bacterial Contamination:
Frontiers in Public Health. (2010). “Bacteria and Contaminants on Tanning Bed Surfaces.” Research examining microbial contamination on tanning bed surfaces in commercial salons, highlighting the importance of proper cleaning protocols between clients to reduce the risk of skin reactions and infection.