27 Ulta Products That'll Make You Feel Like You Have A PhD In Skincare
Get ready to fling your skincare graduation cap into the air.
1. A TonyMoly Plump-kin retinol eye patch, because it'll make you feel like you have a PhD in both skincare *and* self-care. These hydrating and cooling eye patches are a fun staple in any Sunday skin reset routine.
Ulta
Promising review:"I have had puffy under-eyes genetically my entire life, and these have been game changers for me! Added them to my morning routine, and my under-eyes have never looked better. I did take the advice from another review and put them in the fridge for a cooling effect. So many come in the little jar, it's so worth the price. The toner by this brand is lightweight and amazing, too. I've purchased a ton of face products, this is the first one I've seen actually make a noticeable difference." — E
2. A Milk Shake facial toner mist is one of those formulas that provides a "before" and "after" effect with the ease of just one spritz. This bi-phase formula contains probiotic extracts, goat milk, and mugwort to help balance your skin's microbiome while squalene and hyaluronic acid create an instant radiant glow. Just shake the bottle and spritz to set your skincare routine, your makeup, or for a quick refresher throughout the day.
Ulta
Promising review:"Does exactly what I needed it to! As I'm getting older, my usual makeup routine is making my skin look drier and my makeup look more caked on. I wanted something that would add a glowy finish and make my skin look more hydrated. This is perfect! It also helps my makeup look better, longer. I definitely recommend this. I have sensitive skin and this hasn't caused any unpleasant reactions." — Globnar
3. A glycolic acid 7% toner by The Ordinary, because chemical exfoliation is a critical step toward glowing, smooth skin! This toner gently whisks away dead skin cells from the surface to help the rest of your skincare penetrate deeper. A lot of people also use this on their body to help brighten scars and reduce the appearance of acne!
4. An Anthelios Melt-In Milk face and body SPF 60 is perfect if you want to pack your beach bag with as few products as possible. This chemical sunscreen protects both your face and body without leaving behind a white cast.
Ulta
Promising review:"This was so light and sheer, it didn't feel like I was putting on sunscreen. It went on my skin like a moisturizer. Also, it did not have a heavy smell or leave sticky residue. I will definitely be rebuying this. It is now my go-to sunscreen and is light enough that I can apply it daily for car trips or other occasions where my skin is exposed to the sun." — Jamie756
5. A Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment, because TikTok is all over this high-shine, buttery formula. Like a lip gloss, pout preserve offers a mirror-like finish in colors that'll go with all your makeup moods. Its formula sets it apart from other lippies, though, as it's full of peptides and kokum butter to soften the lips and help smooth fine lines.
Ulta
Promising review:"Love this lip balm / treatment. I bought the 'strawberry sorbet' color/flavor, and it smells and tastes delicious. The product itself is very moisturizing and hydrating. I can pop it on with just lip liner, wear it by itself, or with a full lip look. Very versatile. It's been a great purse lippie. I've been using it so much that I had to force myself to put it away to use my other lip balms/treatments in my collection. Would repurchase!" — Gogorama
6. A pack of Starface pimple patches, because even though having a pimple might not be fun, wearing a pimple patch can be — especially if you use it to give your look a whimsical touch. 💫
7. An Avène Cicalfate+ protective barrier cream that's the bee's knees when it comes to calming redness and irritation. If you're prone to psoriasis, eczema, or just need something to relieve acne- or sun-related redness, this is the one for you.
Ulta
Promising review:"If you have a broken skin barrier, sunburn, or got irritated after trying out a product, this is what you NEED. This is meant to restore and soothe the skin; it works wonders. A little goes a long way! Been using this for a year and it has helped my skin out so much. As an aesthetician, I approve. :)" — riah
8. A — no — THE snail mucin essence that has had a chokehold on the skincare world for years! Snail essence has long been a K-beauty secret to glowing, glass-like skin. Incorporate this into your routine after your toner and before your other serums to deliver a surge of hydration to your skin.
Ulta
9. A body glow gel with SPF 45, because there's no reason you should have to pick between body shimmer and skin protection! While the SPF 45 protects your skin from harmful UV rays, this lightweight gel soaks in immediately while creating a barely-there shimmer (no chunky glitters here).
Ulta
Promising reviews:"I love this product and have been using it for years. As someone with dry skin, I love the glow and hydration this gives my skin. I prefer this texture compared to standard sunblocks." — LG
"This is my second bottle of this stuff. I really like it. It smells nice, it's silky on my skin, and it just seems like a luxurious sunscreen. Something fun to use! I don't notice the shimmer, which is fine because I don't want to look glittery. It's pricy, so I only buy it when it's on sale." — RLTH
10. An Elemis pro-collagen cleansing balm that melts all types of pollution and makeup (even waterproof!) with just a few swift swipes. It's chock-full of lavender, chamomile, and eucalyptus oils to create a calming aroma, while sweet almond and coconut oils leave behind a soft, moisturized feeling.
Ulta
Promising review:"I've been using this product for a few years and I swear by it. It smells good. It leaves your skin so clean and soft. I can notice the glow on my face every time I use Elemis cleanser. The large size lasts a looooong time." — Madi
11. A skin-refining serum will take you one step closer to achieving your glass skin goals. Ingredients like peach extract and hyaluronic acid help to plump and hydrate, while niacinamide helps to brighten the complexion and a peptide complex helps to firm up your skin. Basically, it gives you a lot of the benefits of a 10-step routine without all the... err... steps.
Ulta
Promising review:"I have never left a review in my life. However, I originally bought this in August 2024. I use it every single day, and I am still shocked when I do my skin care in the morning and night, and it's still not out yet. I have several backups for when I'm finally out because I never want to go out now that I've had it. A little goes a long way here. One pump and your whole face, neck, and chest are good to go. Gives you the most beautiful glow and is even more amazing when you pair it with other Peach & Lily products, like the Glass Skin Face Polisher in particular and the Wild Dew Treatment Essence. It's also amazing to pair with their other serums." — Never ending glass skin
12. An Osea hyaluronic sea serum that's one of my favorite serums for giving my dull skin an instant refresh. This soaks in pretty immediately with its gel texture and helps to plump and hydrate all skin types with hyaluronic acid and Japanese miru seaweed.
Ulta
Promising review:"My face completely changed after using this product. My lines have gotten better, and my skin is more glowy. If I had to pick one product, this would be it. I use the cleanser, plus the atmosphere protection cream to follow, and just love it!" — PhRomo
13. A Buttah Skin charcoal detox mask that's basically like spring cleaning, but for your pores. This mask, like other detox masks, uses charcoal to soak up excess oil and grime from your pores. What sets it apart from others, though, is its moisturizing texture that leaves skin feeling fresh and soft — never tight or stripped!
Ulta
Promising review:"I have very sensitive skin and severe allergies to some preservatives in cosmetics. Although I am 50 and post menopausal, I still have slightly oily, clog-prone skin. This simple formula seemed like it would be safe when I checked the ingredients. I couldn't believe how soft, smooth, and radiant my skin looked after the first use. I was hoping it would help address the clogged pores on my chin that even topical prescriptions can't seem to keep clear. Now, I can't imagine being without this. I experienced no irritation or dryness whatsoever from this formula. It's so gentle. I hope they keep making this for a long time. I don't want to be without it!" — K
14. A Tatcha rice wash cleanser is basically your next glow-up in cute purple packaging. This creamy, foamy wash is packed with Japanese rice powder to help gently exfoliate, Okinawa algae to help flood the skin with moisture, and hyaluronic acid to plump things up before the rest of your routine.
Ulta
Promising review:"I bought a value kit to see if I liked this brand. I ABSOLUTELY love this!! My skin feels and looks amazing! There is a slight exfoliation, but I use the hydration cream afterwards and have had no issues. I'm in my late 30s and had my teenager use this and immediately saw a difference. Skin looks clearer and brighter." — Tiff
15. A Shiseido Benefiance eye cream, because it's the creamy, dreamy, and superrrrr moisturizing answer to all my dry under-eye woes. This eye cream applies like butter to hydrate my skin while working fantastically under makeup. (No pilling here!)
Ulta
Promising review:"I am absolutely obsessed with this eye cream. It is so moisturizing and feels amazing. I cannot recommend this enough!" — Julia
17. A Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide cream, because not all peptides are created equal! This cream has a whopping NINE different signal peptides that all work together to help restore plumpness, radiance, and moisture to your skin. It also comes in a handy airless container to ensure your skinvestment stays fresh 'til the last drop!
Ulta
Promising review:"This is my can't-live-without daytime moisturizer! It's the perfect texture, and not too rich to wear under makeup. I get that the price can be a lot, but I've tried to find cheaper alternatives and I keep coming back to this. Gotta love the packaging too!" — Carrie
18. A Hero Cosmetics Rescue Balm that I use on my post-adult-acne dark spots, which I thought would never go away. This formula contains panthenol that will hydrate the area while beta-glucan works overtime to diminish the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
Ulta
Promising review:"I've been picking my face for the past five years due to anxiety, and this product has been such a holy grail for me. Any time I pop a pimple, I wash my face and apply this. I've seen a lot of improvement in the marks left behind by the pimples, and it's cleared my skin so much. It also has protected the open wounds from the pimples from makeup and other bacteria. I highly reccomend for anyone who picks a lot or has acne scarring." — Carl E
19. A beachy-scented Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance SPF 50 spray, because you apply sunscreen every day — but how often are you really reapplying it? This makes re-application as easy as a quick spray. The best part? It also helps add antioxidant protection with pongamia seed extract and niacinamide!
Ulta
Promising review:"I LOVE IT!!! This sunscreen is perfect; it gives my skin a hydrating look and feel. I was also not expecting it to smell exactly like their 87 perfume. 1,000% recommend to everyone." — Emma
20. A squalane facial oil if you like your skincare routine to feel à la carte. This facial oil is made with just one ingredient: 100% olive-derived squalane. It's a great noncomedogenic (meaning it won't clog your pores!) ingredient for helping fortify your moisture barrier while upping your overall ~glow.~
Ulta
Promising review:"I have been looking for a product that would make my skin not dry out in the cold winter here in the Northeast. This does the trick. My skin is not tight after washing and feels good throughout the day. I use it right after washing my face before applying sunscreen." — Sie
21. A hydrating rose sleeping mask, because the key to hydrated skin is locking moisture in while you sleep! Think of this mask as slugging in a jar — it creates a moisture seal to help hold all your replenishing skincare ingredients close to your skin!
Ulta
Promising review:"I have used this cream for slugging with skincare products a couple of times a month. I love this product; it is very lightweight and absorbs well. Does not cause breakouts in sensitive skin. Great product and smells like natural roses" — Goardenorgohome
22. A Dermalogica vitamin C serum so that dull skin can be a distant memory, once and for all. This serum contains ultra-stable vitamin C to help brighten and protect from environmental aggressors, plus lactic acid and peptides to help firm the skin.
Ulta
23. A bottle of Magic Molecule's The Solution that you can spritz on whenever you sense that a breakout or redness is coming on. This spray has hypochlorous acid, which, while it can sound scary, is actually one of the top ingredients for relieving redness and soothing sensitive skin types!
Ulta
Promising review:"I have more dry/sensitive skin and use a low-dose retinol. I needed something to help with sporadic breakouts without dying my face. I use this most days on my face and upper back, and my skin has never been clearer. It's made a huge difference. I'm getting more compliments on my skin, too. It doesn't strip it dry when I use it." — Steph
24. A Kiehl's microdose retinol serum, because retinol, while it's great for stimulating collagen and elastin production, can sensitize a lot of skin types! Retinol is typically synonymous with dry skin and irritation — but this retinol serum aims to neutralize those effects with moisture-rich ceramides and skin-firming peptides so that you can enjoy plump, clear skin without the downtime.
Ulta
Promising review:"I am able to use this product. It works well to diminish fine lines and wrinkles and improve overall skin texture. It is not drying, and I've experienced no irritation. I do use it at night and use sunscreen during the day. I will purchase again and highly recommend." — Kay
25. A Fur Oil that is, honestly, pretty necessary if you're an adult human with body hair. Whether you shave, wax, or go au naturale, this oil helps to minimize ingrown hairs, smooth skin, and soften hairs.
Ulta
Promising review:"Despite my extensive experience with body care products, this one is the best. The texture is opulent, the aroma is delicate yet refreshing, and it absorbs well without leaving any residue. OUTSTANDING JOB, FUR! Love this stuff." — Liv
Price: $28+ (available in two sizes)
26. A personal microdermabrasion tool so that you can say farewell to expensive in-office treatments. Much like a microdermabrasion treatment at your local MedSpa, this tool whisks away dead skin cells while sucking gunk from the pores.
Ulta
Promising review:"I'm so happy with the results, even after one use. I made sure to watch a tutorial and read instructions to avoid a burn, which is from user error, not the product. I noticed right away how much brighter my skin is — even my husband commented on how my skin was glowing. Afterwards, I definitely noticed I had to use less product because my skin had better absorption. I had been going back and forth for a while on purchasing, and finally did when there was a sale. I wish I had purchased this long ago!! Totally worth it. If you're contemplating, go for it, read instructions — you won't be disappointed." — Sara
Price: $159 (available in two colors)
27. And an advanced night repair serum, because your skin does most of its recovery while you're asleep — this serum just helps it out! It contains a proprietary Night Peptide to restore firmness, plus hyaluronic acid to add a juicy glow. Even though this serum has the word "night" in its title, you *can* totally use it during the day for extra antioxidant protection!
Ulta
Promising review:"I recently added this serum to my daily skincare routine and it has made my skin so incredibly soft, moisturized, balanced, and blemish-free. I will continue to buy this product!" — Cam
Price: $55+ (available in four sizes)
The reviews for this post have been edited for length and clarity.
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Cosmopolitan
2 hours ago
- Cosmopolitan
Dermatologists and a Psychiatrist Explain The Gen Z Tanning Trend
In the year 2025, we all know the dangers associated with tanning and unprotected sun exposure. In my decade-long beauty editor career, I've written countless stories preaching sun safety. Dermatologists and aestheticians constantly stress the importance of staying out of the sun to prevent premature aging, and more importantly, skin cancer. Not to mention, there are legitimately hundreds of excellent sunscreen options to choose from on Sephora, Ulta, and Amazon to protect your skin. Despite all of this, it seems that Gen Z (and even Gen Alpha) have missed the memo—or simply chosen to ignore it. Tanning is back—and arguably bigger than ever. According to a recent survey from the American Academy of Dermatology, 28 percent of Gen Z respondents said getting a tan was more important to them than preventing skin cancer, and 70 percent reported having tanned skin. 'As a 50-plus-year-old dermatologist who has been seeing patients for decades, I can definitely say that Gen Z is tanning far more than Millennials and Gen X ever did," says board-certified dermatologist Noreen Galaria, MD. "I thought that tanning on purpose would go the way of smoking, but it's made a comeback and its harmful effects will last far longer than things like cardigans and platform sneakers," she adds. At first go, I chalked the current tanning obsession up Gen Z's current nostalgia for the early aughts and the rise of all things Y2K (hello low-rise jeans and bandage dresses, but after speaking with several dermatologists and psychologists, the reasons for the rise of tanning among teens and 20-somethings are far more complex. Not surprisingly, TikTok and Instagram have played a huge part in glamorizing tanning routines. "Videos about UV-oil hacks and watching the UV index as a tanning schedule are everywhere," says Anthony Rossi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and medical advisor at JOYA Health. Young social media users take to #TanTok to trade tips on how to get the best tan and proudly show off their "color" the way you would a new haircut or manicure. They admire and emulate the deep tans of influencers and even celebrities, like Hailey Bieber, who has been known to combine Carroten with SPF to intensify her tan (for the record, beta-carotene, the main ingredient in Carroten increases sun sensitivity, reducing the effectiveness of sunscreen). 'There's a strong social component—both online and IRL—to tanning,' says Whitney Hovenic, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder SPF brand SPOOGE who also happens to be a mom to a Gen Zer. 'Girls hang out together outside, work on their tans, and compare tan lines. One of summer's accessories is a triangle-top tan line peeking out of their clothing. There's a strong message from social media that having a little color is desirable.' The irony in the resurgence of tanning is that Gen Z is more invested in skincare than previous generations. But all the exposure to skincare and cosmetic treatments has created a false sense of security. With endless GRWM videos, countless morning sheds, and images of celebrity makeovers, Gen Z has (wrongly) adopted an 'I can fix it later' attitude. 'This generation has the idea that they can damage their skin and then when the damage becomes visible, they can save up and get a procedure to reverse what they have done," says Dr. Galaria. She adds that this summer alone, at least a dozen teens have said to her, "Remember how Lindsay Lohan used to have all those freckles and sun damage as a teen? Well, she got some peels and lasers and now her skin is flawless, so if I do get sun damage, there are a ton of ways to reverse it." But what Gen Z doesn't know is that while you may be able to fix signs of sun exposure on the surface of the skin, below the surface, there is damage to your cells, which increases your risk of skin cancer. 'Just because you can reverse some of the visible signs of aging on the skin, doesn't mean you are decreasing your risk of skin cancer—especially melanoma," says Dr. Galaria. Gen Z is collectively open about its mental health struggles, so any psychological benefits tanning may have are especially appealing too. 'From a clinical standpoint, tanning does not directly boost serotonin in the brain but it may still enhance mood through other mechanisms,' says Shivangi Maniar, DO, a board-certified psychiatrist at House of Wellness Medical Corporation and medical advisor at JOYA Health. Dr. Maniar also cites a study that indicates that exposure to bright sunlight is associated with increased serotonin turnover, which may contribute to improved mood and reduced risk of depression; however, this effect is attributed to overall light exposure rather than the act of tanning itself. "For Gen Z, spending time outdoors to get that sun-kissed glow may offer a low-cost and accessible way to feel better physically and emotionally,' says Dr. Maniar. At the end of the day, while the resurgence of tanning is concerning and appears to be a step backwards in the progress we've made with skin cancer awareness and healthy skincare habits, experts agree it's an opportunity to reconsider the current discourse around tanning. 'Gen Z knows more about skincare than any generation before, yet many are still falling for dangerous trends," says Dr. Hovenic. "We have to change our messaging to make an impact because social trends and pressures are powerful and the consequences can be devastating." Lamees Hamdan, MD, an Integrative Medical Doctor and expert in biological longevity, believes that we've collectively vilified sun exposure, which is the wrong approach.' Dr. Hamdan states plainly that the reason people tan is because 'in truth, a tan looks nice and healthy and makes you feel more attractive.' For a generation obsessed with apperances, a desire to be tan makes sense. Instead of vilifying it, 'what we should have done is teach people to be sun smart—too much sun exposure is not good for you while too little is also not good for you because of vitamin D levels," says Dr. Hamdan. "We evolved to be outside as humans—there is a deep, primitive drive in all of us to want to have our bodies exposed to sunlight,' she says. 'The sun is a life force, but we need to learn how to use it wisely.' Taryn is a beauty writer and editor in digital media with more than 10 years of experience. She has covered the newest and most innovative skincare and beauty products, aesthetic treatments, and plastic surgery trends. Her stories touch on everything from the best products to treat hyperpigmentation to why fat grafting is the better alternative to filler. In addition to Cosmopolitan, she currently contributes to Allure, InStyle, PS (formerly POPSUGAR), Marie Claire, The Zoe Report, and Bustle. In addition to her writing, Taryn directs, produces, and writes short films that have appeared at numerous film festivals around the country. Whenever she has a free moment, you can find her hopping around New York City with her Maltese pup, Bryn, and probably daydreaming about being at the beach. Follow her on Instagram for the latest.
Business Insider
3 hours ago
- Business Insider
Improving your posture is a hot longevity trend — and cheaper than a facelift
I wasn't blessed with good posture. My mom, a Pilates teacher, likes to remind me that I have a curved spine, or mild scoliosis, with a head that protrudes forward and rounded shoulders, apparently from leaning over my homework on the floor as a child. She says my posture is the cause of my chronic headaches (probably true) and if I don't sort it out, I'll end up bent over like a hunchback (still up for debate). Over the years, I've been to physio appointments, yoga and Pilates classes, and hung my neck off a foam roller every evening for five minutes, all in the name of correcting my posture to prevent more chronic pain. Don't get me wrong, these things helped and I was privileged to have access to them. But, particularly when I was in school, the strengthening exercises and orthopedic props felt embarrassing and prematurely geriatric. In my mind, they were in the same bucket as orthotics (which my mom made me get at age 11 for my pigeon toes), neck braces, and retainers. Necessary but deeply unsexy, and certainly something you keep to yourself, hidden from friends and all future lovers. Lately, though, I've noticed a vibe shift. In May, for the first time, I heard musculoskeletal affairs spoken about purely as an antiaging beauty hack. I came across an influencer, Helen Leland, dissecting how Emma Chamberlain could improve her posture to look better on the Met Gala red carpet. Leland suggested Chamberlain try the same simple exercises she said she used to push back her rounded shoulders and "slow down the visible signs of aging." @helenleland If Emma Chamberlain has bad posture… odds are, you do too!! Not trying to call you out — it's just super common, I had really bad rounded shoulders too!! BUT it is not just in your shoulders, it's showing up on your face too! Tech neck, jaw tension, early jowls — they're all linked to posture. Do this routine with me and try it for 2 weeks — but get back to me after Day 1 and tell me if you felt that shift!!! #emmachamberlain #metgala #posturecorrection #posture #posturecheck #posturecorrector #foryoupage #fyp #roundedshoulders #posturefix ♬ original sound - Helen Leland - Helen Leland After a quick search, I found the twin sisters Valentina Giselle and Julia Aether, who use the handle @ByThatGirl, promoting a 12-minute routine to their 645,000 followers, which they said fixed their rounded shoulders and helped them " glow up." "My posture wasn't just affecting my body. It was affecting my jawline, my puffiness, even the brightness of my eyes," the caption read. It echoed Leland's TikTok, in which she said: "When your posture's bad, everything's blocked. More neck lines, more wrinkles, more puffiness, jowls. Posture literally controls the shape of your face." I'm not sure it's quite that simple, but it made me think. The boundary between healthy aging and looking young forever is blurring A few months ago, I started doing more Pilates and posture exercises because my headaches were becoming more frequent. It's reduced the pain, but I also like how, in my opinion, they made the skin on my neck a little smoother and my jawline a little more defined. These shifts align with current body trends — a snatched jawline arguably being the " thigh gap" of our time. As longevity and biohacking continue to trend and innovations in cosmetic procedures advance, I'm seeing the boundary between staying healthy for longer and staying beautiful blurring. Earlier this month, Elle described "perfect posture" as a "hot pursuit in wellness circles." While posture as a marker of beauty is nothing new (think of the girls in twentieth-century finishing schools balancing books on their heads to develop poise and grace), what feels new is posture existing at the nexus of beauty and longevity. Correcting your posture is cheaper than a facelift My brain quickly connected the dots between Leland's take on posture helping her to "get hot and stay hot," and how Kris Jenner, Lindsay Lohan, and Christina Aguilera 's suddenly ageless faces have rocked public consciousness. Their sharper jawlines and tighter neck and face skin shaved years off their appearance (Jenner confirmed that she had an expensive facelift to achieve her look, Lohan put it down to skincare, facial lasers, botox, and dietary changes, while Aguilera hasn't commented). When Kim Kardashian's shapewear brand, Skims, launched a product called Face Wrap last month, it further convinced me that correcting your posture, and all that comes with it, has the potential to become the next big beauty trend. The brand has described the $50 compression garment that wraps around the head, jaw, and neck as "a must-have addition to your nightly routine." It was an apparent nod to the "morning shed" trend, where women go to bed wearing anything from skincare products, collagen masks, jaw straps, mouth tape, LED neck masks, and heatless curlers, in the hope of waking up looking beautiful. In an Instagram video shared by Skims, an influencer takes off the Face Wrap and says: "shout out to Skims for giving me this snatched jawline," although there is no evidence to suggest a compression garment can change the shape or structure of a person's face. Skims didn't immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider. But the appeal of the wrap is clear. While demand for both face and necklifts has risen slightly in the last year—according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 2% more necklifts, or around 22,000 in total, and 1% more facelifts, around 79,000 total, were performed in the US in 2024 than in 2023 — most of us don't have a spare $100,000 or the weeks it takes to heal after one of these surgeries. I don't see myself donning a Skims Face Wrap anytime soon, but we may just be witnessing the start of the perfect posture industrial complex. Perhaps a Rhode neck support pillow or a Savage X Fenty posture corrector bra are on the horizon.
Refinery29
3 hours ago
- Refinery29
Those Red Light Sunbeds You're Seeing Everywhere? Yeah, They're A Scam
Welcome to Sun Blocked, Refinery29's global call to action to wake up to the serious dangers of tanning. No lectures or shaming, we promise. Instead, our goal is to arm you with the facts you need to protect your skin to the best of your ability, because there's no such thing as safe sun. 'They are much safer as the red light has the opposite effect of [UV], it protects your skin.' I wince as I read this. I'm exchanging emails with 19-year-old Crisiant, who uses a red light tanning bed roughly every six weeks. Last year, she discovered that a tanning salon in her area had two of these beds, and she assumed they would be better for her skin. These machines‚ also known as collagen-boosting sunbeds, combine ultraviolet (UV) light — which tans the skin — with tubes that emit red light. Even if you've never stepped inside one, you've probably seen red light before. From LED face masks to full-body treatments that immerse the skin in red light, these devices have become skincare staples, promising to boost collagen, reduce acne and heal skin. ' Collagen sunbeds make no logical sense at all. Sunbeds that deliver UV radiation are harmful and cause skin cancers, full stop. Cloaking them as something good for your skin health is totally disingenuous. Dr Clare Kiely, consultant dermatologist ' Later, on the phone, it sounds like Crisiant is well aware of the dangers of regular sunbeds. She first tried one aged 18, but learning more about the risks put her off: 'If you [use] one now and then, I didn't think it'd be too bad, but I didn't want to do it consistently because I knew how dangerous they were,' she tells me. To Crisiant, red light tanning beds felt different — a little safer: 'It still gives you a tan while doing your skin good,' she says. 'I went on it once and noticed [a difference] within the same day. I had a really bad breakout on my face and it sort of soothed and cleared my skin. It was really strange as sunbeds have never done that for me before.' It also made her feel more confident. It's not hard to see why Crisiant thinks these machines are a safer, even beneficial alternative to regular tanning beds — and she's not the only one. But it highlights worrying misconceptions around red light sunbeds and their damage. Head to TikTok or Instagram, and you'll find countless videos posted by people who are convinced these beds can be used safely and that the risk of burning is lower. But that's not true. Combining red light with UV in a sunbed counteracts any of the potential benefits. Consultant dermatologist Dr Clare Kiely, cofounder of The Skin Diary, puts it plainly: 'Collagen sunbeds make no logical sense at all.' It is important to point out the differences between a red light-only bed and a sunbed that emits both UV and red light. 'Red light therapy without UV is a very different proposition,' confirms consultant dermatologist Dr Derrick Phillips. 'It is generally considered safe and may help with things like inflammation, wound healing and improving overall skin tone. However, the results do tend to be subtle and I always remind patients that it's not a quick fix.' Dr Beibei Du-Harpur, scientific engagement lead at The Skin Diary, agrees: 'More clinical evidence is needed to confirm the effectiveness [of red light] as a treatment for the skin, but there have been promising small studies from a skin ageing perspective.' The bottom line? On its own, red light is low-risk. But its popularity in skincare has made some see red light sunbeds as a good thing. ' Not only does UV increase your risk of skin cancer, it breaks down collagen — the very thing red light is supposed to help boost — and speeds up the skin's ageing process. In other words, any benefits of red light are immediately cancelled out by the UV. ' Are red light sunbeds 'safer' to use than regular sunbeds? The World Health Organisation has classed UV-emitting tanning devices as carcinogenic to humans since 2009. It doesn't matter if UV comes from a sunbed that also emits red light; it still causes damage to our DNA. Not only does UV increase your risk of skin cancer, it breaks down collagen — the very thing red light is supposed to help boost — and speeds up the skin's ageing process. In other words, any benefits of red light are immediately cancelled out by the UV. Dr Kiely says that those who market machines combining UV with collagen-boosting red lights can't have a good understanding of how light affects our skin. Why? It just doesn't make sense: 'Sunbeds that deliver UV radiation are harmful and cause skin cancers, full stop,' she says. 'Cloaking them as something good for your skin health is totally disingenuous.' Dr Phillips agrees and sees no evidence that combining red light with UV neutralises the harm. 'If anything, it gives a misleading impression of safety,' he says. 'These are still sunbeds emitting UV radiation, and they carry all the same risks as traditional tanning beds. From a dermatological perspective, they're just as concerning.' Why do people still use sunbeds despite the dangers? It's difficult to say how many of these red light and UV machines exist, but IBISWorld, a global industry research platform, reports that there were more than 28,000 tanning salons in the United States in 2024. In the UK, it's estimated that there are over 2,000. A quick Google reveals that plenty offer combined UV-red light beds. The reasons why people use beds like these are complex. Bronzed skin remains a beauty ideal, and among younger people, sunbeds are still seen as trendy. Crisiant hints that this is partly why she first tried one: 'You see all the girls getting these sunbeds and a nice tan from it,' she says. 'I feel like sunbeds are that phase that doesn't end for a lot of people.' Some credit sunbeds for boosting their mood. Others believe they help them get enough vitamin D — a proven myth. Another misconception is that they can help improve skin conditions like acne or eczema, but prolonged use of sunbeds can actually worsen these conditions and weaken the skin over time, making it more susceptible to infection. Then there's the theory that using sunbeds occasionally or for short bursts makes it 'safer' — something I thought was true as a teenager. Because sun damage isn't always visible right away, it's easy to underestimate the harm. Even those who understand their risks struggle to stop using them, with some describing themselves as feeling 'addicted'. The idea of sunbeds being most popular with young people is worrying, too. Melanoma Focus estimates that a third of UK 16 and 17-year-olds are using sunbeds illegally. 'I think people really should raise a bit more awareness about [the dangers],' Crisiant says. If sunbeds are so dangerous, why aren't they banned? While sunbeds remain so widely available, often without clearly displayed warnings, there is always a risk that members of the public may assume that they are somewhat safe, else they'd be banned. Refinery29's stance is clear: sunbeds should be banned, as they are in Iran, Brazil and Australia. Just one session before age 35 more than doubles your lifetime risk of melanoma, a skin cancer that can spread to other parts of the body. Red light doesn't change that. That's why many experts support a sunbed ban and agree that the growing trend for red light sunbeds is another reason it's needed: 'The messaging of these collagen-boosting sunbeds confuses those who may not understand the detrimental effects that sunbeds have on our skin,' says Dr Du-Harpur. She adds this is particularly dangerous given beauty standards around having a 'healthy' tan — a phrase that doesn't make any sense when a tan is our skin's damage response to UV. Marketing red light sunbeds as collagen-boosting, she adds, 'will encourage people to risk their health in the name of beauty and present an illusion that it may be safer or different to a conventional UV-focused sunbed.' She stresses, 'Sunbeds aren't safe — with or without red light therapy.' When I ask Crisiant if anything might put her off using a red light tanning bed, she says it's like she has 'a devil and an angel on each shoulder.' She might change her mind one day, but she can't say she'll stop for now. Crisiant isn't against a sunbed ban, though: 'Even though I use them, if they were [banned] I don't think I'd be massively annoyed because I know that the government would be doing it for our benefit,' she says. In June, the UK's All-Party Parliamentary Group for Beauty & Wellbeing launched its UV Safety Inquiry, but little has changed since Refinery29 reported on what it would take for sunbeds to be banned entirely last May. Here, it's illegal for under-18s to use sunbeds, while only a handful of US states have a blanket ban. But if we're serious about tackling rising skin cancer rates, intervention is needed. At the very least, more regulation around any kind of sunbed use, or better yet, a total ban.
