I'm going abroad for a wedding and would like to be nice and brown. I have 2 days before the wedding - I do tan easily (but safely) so am debating whether to rely on 2 days of sunbathing, or to have a spray tan before I go. I if have a spray tan, will I get a natural tan through it or would it stop me from catching the sun naturally?
11 answers
Hi,
Having a spray tan prior to going away on holiday is a great idea. It stops you from feeling too pale and wanting to overcompensate with the sunbathing.
You will still tan after having a spray tan, just remember to tan safely and reapply your sunscreen. It's a good idea to use a higher SPF for your face as this needs more protection and start to exfoliate 3 days after spray tan to ensure an even fade off.
I hope that helps!
Search Treatwell for Spray Tanning and Sunless Tanning near you
Tantherapist
Hi Spray tans don't contain any SPF factor so you can still tan thru a spray tan. Personally I believe they give some protection from burning , but they cant advertise this as it is not the purpose. Spray Tan is the safe way to tan without damaging the skin equivalent to 2 wks tanning in the sun/.
ShimmerSprayTanning
Hi, you can still get a tan through a spray tan so you need to make sure you apply sun screen. However, make sure your sun cream is water based (ie a lotion) and not oil based as the oil will strip your spray tan.
sher66
Yes you can it is a great way of beating the shyness of being white
bronzedfx
As others have said, if you spray tan just make sure you use sunscreen for protection. Rinse off the chlorinated or sea water and reapply your sunscreen. Make sure you pat dry - no rubbing.
Danii000
You can still tan if you use a sunless product (spray tan or tanning lotions).
Sunless products do not offer protection from the sun so you can still soak up the rays. Always be mindful of how much sun you are actually getting and be sure to apply an SPF as normal. A sunless tanning treatment before you leave Is a great idea and very popular option, although it will be difficult to detect a suntan/burn until it's too late. Use a sunscreen that is DHA Friendly-that way it won't harm your existing sunless tan.
yokoso
You can tan through a spray tan as it has no protection against the sun's rays. But if you decide to have a spray tan before you leave the UK, it is important that you don't reck your spray tan applying protection when you arrive on holiday as most suncreams will leave you with streaks and patches. You must go for an 'oil free' sun protection spray otherwise your spray tan will streak and fade in patches. One make I know that is good is Piz Buin Oil Free sun spray, also Banana Boat make a sport sun spray that is 'oil free'. Make sure that after swimming in a chlorine pool, you then shower with fresh water as chlorine also strips a tan. I wish you were getting married in Crete as I would be able to give you an airbrushed tan the day before your wedding which is usually the best day of a fake tan - never mind have a wonderful wedding where ever it is. Best wishes and hope this helps.
Tiana
Having a spray tan does not stop you from sunbathing. I would recommend you continue your sun protection as you normally would. Most of my clients find that the best way to ensure they have a healthy glow from start to finish of their holiday is to start with the spray tan before they leave and by the time that was worn off they will have had time to work of the tan from the sun.
GlamorousAffair
As said previously, yes you can tan through spray tans. I would like to add though, when using suncream avoid those that contain oil, or are oil based. These will strip your spray tan prematurely.
Angeline22
Spray tan does not have any UV filters in it so will not stop the suns rays from penetrating the skin. Yes you can still catch a tan but you must still tan safely and wear an SPF. Lots of people have a spray tan before going on holiday, its a very popular treatment. Hope that helps!
Avantibeauty
Hello, your spray tan will not stop you tanning, you will tan through it and not notice it fade, you'll stay an even colour all over. But it doesn't have spf so make sure you still wear suncream x
FAQs
Hi, you can still get a tan through a spray tan so you need to make sure you apply sun screen. However, make sure your sun cream is water based (ie a lotion) and not oil based as the oil will strip your spray tan.
Can you tan through spray tan? ›
You DO tan through a spray tan
“It's important to remember that a spray tan will offer no protection from the sun and as your spray tan fades, your real tan will develop if you're out in the sun. Remember SPF is more important than self tan!
Can you tan in a tanning bed after spray tan? ›
Absolutely, you can tan after a spray tan. You can use the natural rays from the sun or hop into a tanning bed. If you keep the after spray tanning fun facts in mind, you are sure to gain the glow of the summer you've been searching for.
Does fake tan stop you from tanning on sunbeds? ›
Unlike a real tan, these products do not provide protection against UV rays from the sunbed; however, the layer of fake tan may act as a barrier, hindering the tanning process to a degree. While it will not prevent tanning altogether, using fake tan products can affect your ability to develop a natural tan.
Can you get a tan while wearing a self-tanner? ›
The answer is yes, you can tan in the sun despite self-tanner. Self-tanners only affect the top layer of the skin, while tanning from sun exposure occurs in the deeper layers of the skin. The active ingredient in self-tanners, DHA (dihydroxyacetone), reacts with the top layer of the skin and turns it brown.
Is it worth it to get a spray tan before vacation? ›
Some people think that a base tan helps protect your skin, but this definitely isn't the case. Dermatologists everywhere promote the importance of skin protection in the sun (even on vacation). Increased confidence - Everyone wants to feel great on vacation and getting a spray tan will help with that.
Will sitting down ruin my spray tan? ›
It's normal for your hands and face to fade more quickly because you wash those areas more frequently. A touch-up spray like our Sunless Tanning Mist can help extend the life of your tan on your hands and face. Can You Sit After Spray Tanning? Yes!
What are the don'ts after a spray tan? ›
You should avoid bathing and activities that make you sweat heavily for at least 4 hours following a spray tan. And because chlorine can quickly break down a spray tan, we suggest avoiding chlorinated swimming pools entirely.
What happens if I put lotion on after spray tan? ›
Many people wonder whether or not moisturizing after a spray tan is a good idea and now you know the facts! Wait to moisturize until after your first shower, only use a moisturizer that's natural, organic, and won't strip your tan, and moisturize twice a day (ideally right after the shower) to lock in max moisture.
How long does it take for a tan to develop after spray tanning? ›
How long does a spray tan take to develop and what should I do? The tanning development process usually takes place over a period of about 8 hours, dependent on the type of tanning formula used. Therefore avoid showering for at least this time.
As you progress in your tanning journey your skin becomes thicker. This means it is harder for UV light to penetrate your skin. That is typically when you will reach a point where your skin is not getting any darker.
Why am I not tanning in the sun anymore? ›
Basically, everybody's skin reaches a cut-off point when their skin can't tan anymore. This is due to the fact it's physically unable to produce any more melanin, the pigment that makes our skin turn darker.
What is the best tanning accelerator? ›
- Australian Gold - Accelerator Spray 250 ml (Pack of 1) ...
- ultrasun SPF30 Tan Activator Body 150ml. ...
- EcoTan Face and Body Tanning Accelerator Gel 500ml, Stimulates, Boosts, Prolongs & Protects Natural Tan, with Aloe Vera, Soothes & Hydrates Skin, Fast Absorbing & Non-Greasy.
The Best Self-Tanners At a Glance:
- Best Self-Tanner Overall: St. Tropez Luxe Whipped Crème Mousse, $48.
- Best Gradual Self-Tan: Isle of Paradise Even Skin Tone Self-Tanning Body Butter, $28.
- Best Express Self-Tanner: Tarte Brazilliance Plus+ Self-Tanner with Mitt, $39.
Elbows, knees and heels have a tendency to end up looking much darker if care is not taken, as they are so much drier than the rest of the body and absorb the tan more. Wrists, feet and hands can end up looking patchy if fake tan is not applied correctly.
How long do you have to wait after a spray tan? ›
For the best results, it's recommended that you wait eight hours to shower after your spray tan is completed. The minimum amount of time to wait is four hours. If you don't wait long enough to allow the DHA to set in, it could cause the tan to be less intense.
