Can You Use Retinol If You Use Sunbeds?
If you’re a fan of retinol and also use sunbeds, you’re not alone in wondering whether the two are compatible. Retinol is powerful—but also photosensitive.
UV light, natural or artificial, can change how it affects your skin.
Let’s break down everything you need to know about using retinol while exposing your skin to UV light, including sunbeds, tanning, and proper skincare habits to stay protected and glowing.
First, What Does Retinol Do?
Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A that speeds up cell turnover in your skin. This means it encourages old skin cells to shed faster while helping newer, healthier ones reach the surface.
This process helps:
Fade dark spots and acne scars
Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Improve overall texture and tone
Fight acne by keeping pores clear
But with faster cell turnover comes increased skin sensitivity, especially to UV rays.
Are Retinol and Sunbeds a Bad Combination?
In short: yes, it’s not ideal. Technically, retinol won’t cause your skin to burn more easily on its own. But the new skin it brings to the surface is more sensitive and vulnerable to UV damage.
Sunbeds, which emit high doses of UV radiation, accelerate skin aging and damage.
Using them while also applying a potent ingredient like retinol puts your skin at higher risk for irritation, redness, and long-term harm.
So while it’s not strictly forbidden to use both, it’s strongly discouraged by dermatologists.
Why Using Sunbeds While on Retinol Is Counterproductive
The entire point of using retinol is to improve the skin’s appearance, reduce aging signs, and even out tone.
Sunbeds, however, have the opposite effect. Prolonged UV exposure:
Breaks down collagen
Thickens the skin unevenly
Causes hyperpigmentation and sunspots
Weakens the skin barrier over time
So if you’re investing time and money into a good retinol routine, using sunbeds will only undo your hard work.
What Happens If You Go Into the Sun With Retinol on Your Skin?
If you expose freshly retinol-treated skin to direct sunlight or artificial UV (like sunbeds), here’s what may happen:
You could experience redness, irritation, and peeling
Your skin may feel tight, dry, or itchy
You increase your risk of sunburn and long-term UV damage
Retinol becomes less effective, as sunlight breaks it down
That’s why retinol is recommended only at night. You should then wear SPF 30 or higher the next day to protect the new skin cells.
Does Retinol Make Skin More Sensitive to Sun?
Yes, it does—but not in the way many think.
Retinol doesn’t make the skin burn more easily by itself. But it thins the top layer slightly while increasing cell turnover, exposing newer, more delicate cells.
These new cells aren’t as equipped to handle UV exposure and can become damaged faster. That’s why SPF is crucial, even if you’re just walking to the car or sitting by a window.
Does Retinol Remove a Suntan?
Yes, it can. A suntan is essentially a visible sign of sun damage caused by an increase in melanin production.
Retinol helps to fade pigmentation by speeding up the removal of damaged, melanin-rich skin cells.
Over time, this means:
Your tan may fade faster than expected
Your skin may appear patchy or uneven if you’re still tanning
Your complexion may look brighter but less tanned
If you’ve recently tanned or use sunbeds and start using retinol, don’t be surprised if the color fades more quickly—retinol is doing its job.
Should You Stop Retinol in the Summer?
Not at all. Many people think they need to pause retinol during summer, but this isn’t necessary if it’s used properly.
Keep these summer retinol tips in mind:
Only apply retinol at night
Always use broad-spectrum SPF 50 the next morning
Limit prolonged sun exposure when possible
Wear hats and sunglasses to protect your face
Use gentle cleansers and hydrating moisturizers to support your skin barrier
If you’re diligent with SPF and sun protection, retinol can be a safe and effective year-round product.
What About Fake Tan—Does Retinol Affect It?
Yes, it does. Retinol can fade fake tan because it speeds up the removal of the outermost layer of skin—the same layer that tanning products adhere to.
This means:
Your face tan may fade faster than your body
Your tan might look uneven over time
Reapplication will be needed more frequently
If you’re planning to fake tan your face, consider pausing retinol 48 hours before and after your tan to help maintain even coverage.
You can also focus your routine on hydrating ingredients like:
Hyaluronic acid, Glycerin, Niacinamide
These support the skin barrier and help your fake tan last longer.
What Should You Not Mix with Retinol?
Retinol plays well with a few ingredients, but there are some it shouldn’t be combined with to avoid irritation. These include:
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) – conflicting pH levels
Benzoyl peroxide – may deactivate retinol
Glycolic acid and lactic acid – can cause excessive exfoliation
Salicylic acid – increases dryness and irritation
Instead of applying all at once, alternate these ingredients:
Use vitamin C in the morning, retinol at night
Use exfoliating acids on different nights from retinol
Keep skin hydrated and calm with ceramides and peptides
A balanced routine means you can benefit from multiple actives without overwhelming your skin.
Can You Still Tan If You Use Retinol?
If you’re using retinol, tanning—especially in sunbeds—is not a good idea.
But if you choose to tan:
Avoid applying retinol the day before or after tanning
Use SPF religiously, even if you’re indoors
Cover your face while on the sunbed, or skip it altogether
Consider using self-tanning products instead of UV exposure
Retinol helps fight aging, while sunbeds accelerate it. It’s a contradiction—like using toothpaste while eating candy.
Summary: Can You Use Retinol If You Use Sunbeds?
Here’s the quick breakdown:
Technically, yes, but it’s not recommended
Retinol doesn’t protect skin from UV, and can leave it more sensitive
Sunbeds cancel out the anti-aging effects of retinol
You risk irritation, redness, and sun damage
Fake tan fades faster with retinol use
Retinol should be applied at night only and never right before UV exposure
Always use SPF 30 to 50 in the morning, even on cloudy days
Best Practices if You Use Retinol and Still Tan
If you’re not quite ready to quit tanning, follow these protective tips:
Avoid using retinol the day before and after a sunbed session
Apply a thick moisturizer to reduce sensitivity
Use retinol at night and never during the day
Use high-SPF sunscreen daily and reapply often
Use retinol alternatives like bakuchiol for gentler use during summer
Choose fake tanning products over UV beds for a safer glow
Final Thoughts
While it’s not “dangerous” to use retinol and sunbeds at the same time, the two are clearly at odds with each other. One repairs the skin, while the other damages it.
If your goal is to reduce wrinkles, clear your skin, and slow aging, it’s best to ditch the sunbeds altogether. Let retinol work its magic at night, and protect your glow with SPF by day.
If you’re unsure how to balance your skincare and tanning routine, consult a dermatologist to get tailored advice for your skin type and goals.
