What Are the Risks of Tanning a Few Days Before a Chemical Peel?

Tanning puts you at much higher risk for melanoma so it is a bad idea from a medical standpoint.  From a practical standpoint, getting a chemical peel after tanning would be a waste of time as the peel would remove the newly tanned  layers of skin.

As mentioned by other physicians, tanning increases one's risk of developing skin cancer, such as melanoma.  Therefore, I do not recommend tanning for anyone.  That aside, I definitely do not recommend tanning before getting a chemical peel as the skin will likely be much more sensitive to the peel and possibly impair wound healing.  I also absolutely insist on strict sun avoidance after a peel, for the same reasons. If you want to look tan, then use a self-tanner or go for a spray tan.  

Ultra violet light causes damage to DNA in your skin.  Tanning is a protective mechanism that is stimulated by the damage to the DNA.  The more we know about tanning beds, the less they are accepted as safe.  A peel helps to eliminate damaged upper layers of skin.  It is not a good idea to purposely damage your skin before repairing your skin.  Find a good spray tan product instead.  That's the only healthy option.

Dear Soccwr009,

I am so glad you offered us the opportunity here in the RealSelf forum to talk to you about tanning!

The real risk of doing it is the increase susceptiblity of getting malignant melanoma. I have had the unfortunate opportunity to take care of young white women who develope this fatal illness in the prime of their lives. If you want to do something great for yourself and your future, then get a "tan" in a bottle and stay out of the tanning bed.

 

Yours in good health,

B Johnson MD