In the battle against acne, some people turn to quick fixes like tanning beds—devices that emit artificial ultraviolet (UV) light to darken the skin. At first glance, tanning might seem to help by making blemishes less visible or by reducing redness. But the question remains: Do tanning beds really help treat acne?
The short answer is: No—they don’t.
Why Some Think Tanning Beds Help with Acne
There are a few reasons this myth persists:
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Temporary antibacterial effect: UV light can kill some surface bacteria, including Propionibacterium acnes (now called Cutibacterium acnes), which plays a role in breakouts.
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Visual masking: Tanning darkens the skin, which can temporarily conceal acne scars, redness, and blemishes, giving the illusion of clearer skin.
However, these effects are short-lived and come with significant long-term risks.
The Reality: How Tanning Beds Can Worsen Acne
1. Rebound Oil Production
UV exposure dries out the skin, which may trigger your body to produce more oil (sebum) to compensate. This can clog pores and worsen acne over time.
2. Skin Damage & Hyperpigmentation
Tanning beds accelerate skin aging and increase post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH)—especially in medium to dark skin tones—making acne marks last longer and appear darker.
3. Increased Risk of Skin Cancer
Tanning beds emit UVA and sometimes UVB radiation, both of which damage skin cells at the DNA level. According to the World Health Organization, tanning beds are classified as a Group 1 carcinogen—the same category as tobacco and asbestos.
Safer & More Effective Acne Treatments
If you struggle with acne, there are much safer and more effective options:
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Topical treatments: Salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, retinoids
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Oral medications: Antibiotics, hormonal therapy, or isotretinoin (under medical supervision)
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LED Light Therapy: Blue and red light devices that target acne without UV exposure
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Dermatologist-guided care: Personalized routines based on your skin type and acne severity
Conclusion
While tanning beds might give the illusion of clearer skin in the short term, they do not treat acne and can actually make it worse—while exposing you to serious health risks like premature aging
