Sunbed After Botox: Is That Ok?

If you’ve just had a Botox treatment, then you’ll be aware that there are a few things you need to do to make sure that your injections not only work, but also settle into the areas as designed.

And one of those things to be aware of is tanning.

Those who love Botox obviously pay a lot of attention to how they present themselves, so may also be fans of tanning — both indoors and outdoors.

So, can you go tanning in a tanning bed after Botox? You should definitely wait to tan in a sunbed for a little while after Botox.

Read on for an explainer!

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Can You Go Tanning in a Tanning Bed After Botox?

You should definitely wait at least 48 hours before you subject your skin to UV exposure, whether it’s from the sun or from a sunbed.

The main reason behind this wait is that some people experience excess redness, itching, swelling, and inflammation after they’ve had Botox injections. Even a bit of bruising isn’t uncommon at the injection sites after treatment.

And that’s because every person is different.

So, depending on how many units of Botox were given during your treatment, and if the injection sites were new, then your skin can react in unpredictable ways.

However, if you absolutely can’t avoid sun exposure, you don’t have to stay out of it altogether.

You’ll just have to focus on how you will protect your skin when it is exposed to the harsh UV rays, such as wearing a hat, sunglasses, and long-sleeved shirt and pants, on top of an SPF 30+ sunscreen.

Do your best to limit the UV exposure, though, and don’t use a tanning bed until after the 48 hours have passed after your botox treatment. If you make the wise choice to wait for at least two weeks after your botox injections, then you can resume your normal outdoor routine and activities without worry.

Always check with your Botox clinician regarding sun and UV exposure with Botox. But in general, you should avoid excess UV exposure for a couple of weeks after Botox. This is similar advice to those who receive other cosmetic treatments like lip fillers.

Always check with your Botox clinician regarding sun and UV exposure with Botox. But in general, you should avoid excess UV exposure for a couple of weeks after Botox.

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Sunscreen Recommendation

Using natural oils and creams on your facial skin after Botox, such as 100% pure aloe vera gel or coconut oil, will have no adverse effects, and may even help to heal your skin faster.

However, if you have to walk outside on the way to work, for example, you’ll need more coverage to keep your skin safe from the sun’s UV rays.

Besides protecting the treated injection areas, as mentioned above, your sunscreen should have a minimum SPF of 30, and should be reapplied every two hours — because the last thing you want is a sunburn while your skin is healing.

Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Continuous Spray Sunscreen SPF 30  is an all-natural, ultra-sheer, and fast-absorbing sun block that will provide full coverage, and has been designed especially for skins that are extra sensitive to harsh chemicals.

This means Sheer Zinc Continuous Spray Sunscreen is oxybenzone and octinoxate free, and it doesn’t contain mineral oil, parabens, formaldehyde, or fragrances. These can all block your skin from being able to breathe.

The sunscreen’s ultra-soothing plant-based ingredients include sunflower seed oil and jojoba oils to reduce skin inflammation while hydrating, aloe vera gel to soothe irritated skin, and is fortified with a Nutri-Soothe Complex and non-nano zinc for broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection.

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What Else Do I Need to Avoid After Botox?

After your Botox treatment, your skin will be more susceptible to redness, bruising, and swelling, so besides avoiding tanning on a tanning bed, there are other factors to be aware of when your skin requires healing time.

A rise in body temperature will make your Botox wear off faster, because it can seep into other areas of your face. So, you’ll need to wait for your skin to fully heal from any redness or swelling before you think about getting a tan on top.

A rise in body temperature will make your Botox wear off faster, because it can seep into other areas of your face.

If you have to exercise, then you shouldn’t do anything too strenuous so that you don’t sweat. You could take a light walk or gentle cycle, for instance. Just schedule the yoga, pilates, and weight training for later on in the week after the 48 hours are up.

This means that you should also steer clear of overheating, which may also lead to sweating. Whether you’re tanning indoors on a tanning bed or outdoors in the sunshine and UV rays, sweat can disperse into the botox injection sites and cause further irritation or infection.

You should even steer clear of using any exfoliants or facial scrubs when washing your face or showering. And products like spray tan should be avoided for at least six hours after you’ve had your injections, otherwise you risk infection in the open sites.

Finally, if you want to heal even faster, then you should only wear a light dusting of makeup so that you don’t block the injection sites. If at all possible, go makeup-free for a couple of days, in order to give your skin the fastest healing experience possible.

You may find red light therapy after Botox to be rejuvenating, but again, take a little time before you start, and check with your clinician.

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Final Thoughts on Botox and Tanning

Whenever you’re wanting to make yourself feel more beautiful and youthful, it is best to take the rest needed after your treatment and give your skin some extra care.

For instance, make sure that you get enough sleep, drink enough water, and limit any smoking or alcohol consumption in the days prior to and just after you’ve had your injections.

Now you know that you can go tanning in a tanning bed after Botox. However, you do need to make sure that you leave at least 48 hours before doing so, and ideally more than that.

Also, take care not to sweat or use any products that will block your pores and cause more irritation while your skin is healing.