Getting that sought- after tanned look without sitting under the scorching heat of the sun is made possible by a breakthrough equipment called sunbeds. The production of the compound Melanin, which is responsible for that tan color of the skin, is boosted in sunbeds by emitting UV waves similarly to what the sun does. 

Sunbed is attracting attention in the beauty enhancement industry today. The idea of having that healthy and sexy- looking tan without having to drive for miles to go sunbathing on beaches makes getting sunbed a go-to option along with other weekend beauty and self- pampering routines.  

But unfortunately, as much as one wants an overall, lash to toe treatment, getting sunbed isn’t such a good idea especially when you just came from the lash salon to have your eyelash extension. It isn’t surprising if your lash tech would even prohibit and warn you about exposing your eyelash extension to heat or UV light within the 24 or 48-hour window after its application. This is because of a proven fact that heat or UV light damages the lash bond and the eyelash extension itself. 

To fully understand, here are the 2 main reasons why sunbeds can be harmful to your eyelash extension:

1. THE MATERIAL YOUR EYELASH EXTENSIONS ARE MADE OF

Lash extensions are made of two kinds of fiber: organic and artificial. But with the current shift of interest to cruelty- free products, artificial eyelash extensions have become more widely used in the industry over the organic ones. 

Most high-quality synthetic/artificial eyelash extensions are made from a material known as PBT (Polybutylene Terepethalate) fibers- a type of polymer or plastic, in simple terms. And even though technology has made advancements in modern eyelash extensions, plastics remain to react awfully with heat and UV light. 

The heat is the most damaging component of sunbeds to eyelash extensions. Low heat can alter the shape of the lash extension. It could straighten the lashes defeating the purpose of getting lash extension for that added glamorous curl in the eyes. On the other hand, excessive heat can also melt the artificial lashes.

2. THE LASH ADHESIVES USED IN THE EYELASH EXTENSION APPLICATION

A professional lash artist knows fully well which lash extension glue to use on every lash client for a specific type of environment she has. As amazing as it can be, a lash extension adhesive only works best around its specified condition and not one glue has been made yet to be the all-purpose, all-around and has-it-all bottle. A lash extension glue that is formulated for a certain range of humidity in the environment works best on that range only and risking using it beyond its specifications may not be worth it. 

The work around temperature and humidity of lash extension glues are the main reasons why sunbeds can be damaging to one’s lash extensions. First, the UV light emitted by sunbeds weakens the lash bond- that is the bond made by the lash glue between the artificial lashes and natural lashes. UV light makes the lash glue become brittle breaking the bond and causing the lashes to fall off. Secondly, the heat produced by sunbeds to boost melanin production of the skin can be way over the work-around temperature of the lash extension glue causing it not to work especially if it is still within its curing period.   

Other conditions which occur during a sunbed session that deteriorate lash extension glue includes sweating and the body oils and salt sweating is mixed into. When sweat, body oils and salt are mixed to the lash extension glue, it causes breakage of glue and affects lash extension retention terribly. 

WHAT YOU CAN DO…

Now cheer up! Though sunbeds are known to be harmful to lash extensions, it does not mean that getting tanned by sunbed while still having the perfect lash curls is totally impossible. If you take heed of these little precautions, you can be easily on your way to flexing that tan skin and blinking non- stop to show off your beautiful lash extensions at the same time: 

1. Wait for about 48 hours from the time of lash extension application before you expose your lashes to extreme heat and UV light. Either you go tanning in a sunbed or lie under the sun, it is best to give time for your lash extension glue to fully cure. After the 48- hour window, your lash extension glue is more tolerant to heat exceeding its working temperature.
2. Use goggles during your sunbed tanning session. Goggles not only protect your eyes from the UV light but also protects your lash extensions from the direct heat and light exposure. Moreover, goggles also keep out any forming sweat around your forehead or face that may wet your lashes and damage the curing process of the lash glue.
3. When tanning using sunbeds, choose tanning creams or lotions that are not oil-based as oils are harmful to new lash bonds and one of the reasons for poor lash extension retention. 
4. Try using a lash sealant. A lash sealant provides an extra layer of protection for the lashes from unwanted elements such as debris, sweat and heat.

Despite the advancement of science, there are still limitations to some of the beauty enhancements today. As much as we want to harness the advantages of all these treatments, one can’t really have it all. 

If it can be done, then try avoiding getting sunbed tan when you just got your lash extension. However, if getting these two treatments at a time is unavoidable, following precautions and doing the aftercare tips religiously are imperative to have both beauty treatment’s benefits to the fullest.