Firstly, before we talk about sunscreen and fake tan, we need to discuss why it’s beneficial to wear sunscreen. It is important to use it because it definitely does protect your skin. The sun emits UVA and UVB rays, which can have harmful effects on the skin. So if you use your sunscreen, it reduces signs of aging, protects the skin from painful sunburns, and even reduces the risk of skin cancer. Sunscreens are the best thing we have when it comes to fighting the sun’s harmful effects.
People believe, that darker skin, which is a result of fake tan, can protect you from the sun so much, that you don’t need to wear sunscreen anymore. This is simply not true. Even though your skin is a bit darker, it can only protect you to a certain extent. So in that sense, skipping sunscreen after you’ve already got a tan is a big no. Don’t be fooled and give your skin what it needs protection!
You might object and say that some fake tans will protect your skin with your ingredients. But still, that is not enough. Some of the skin-protecting effects of the fake tan will soon wear out and you will need protection again. So sunscreen is definitely essential for our skin.
And now to the topic of today’s blog post.
Does sunscreen actually ruin a fake tan? Yes, a fake tan can definitely interfere with how your fake tan will turn out. One of the first things to know is definitely the fact that it depends on the sunscreen you use. Some sunscreens could end up shortening the life of your spray tan due to the ingredients that they contain. But don’t worry, there are some steps you can take, so it doesn’t affect your fake tan all that much.
First, you need to give your fake tan time to settle in. It is recommended to wait at least 12-24 hours after you apply it. If you will apply it before that you may risk your fake tan getting smudged. Applying sunscreen before your fake tan sets could also result in fading and patchiness.
Secondly, don’t forget to moisturize your skin. It is more likely for moisture to improve how your fake tan looks and it will also prevent issues with the sunscreen. Regular application of SPF with a moisturizing effect will help maintain your tan. Hydration is essential for a long-lasting tan.
Thirdly, use a sunscreen that is compatible with your fake tan. It is beneficial to look at some of the reviews and find sunscreens, which have fewer chances of ruining your perfect tan. Do some research and find the best combo. But in general, look for sunscreens with labels “oil-free” and “alcohol-free”.
So there you go, some tips on how to prevent your sunscreen from ruining your fake tan. But now, we need to look in another direction. There is another risk, which is important, that we address. The biggest problem, when it comes to sunscreen and fake tan is not smudging and patchiness, but it’s how fake tan affects sunscreen’s efficacy.
Fake tanning products work with a chemical DHA. It works by making a reaction at your upper skin cells and changing their pigment. Sadly, UVA filters, which are present in sunscreens react to DHA, which results in UVA filters not working very efficiently. So actually, when it comes to fake tan and sunscreen, we are blaming sunscreen for messing things up, but believe it or not, it’s fake tan, which is making more harm than sunscreen.
Personally, I use Tanzzo tanning cream in the summer, because it helps me get tanned faster, so it’s not fake tan, but an actual tan accelerator. I absolutely love it, but sometimes I use fake tan as well, just because I don’t always have time to lay in the sun and get a tan. I usually do my tan late in the afternoon and stay out of the sun for that period of time. Then I go to bed and apply my sunscreen in the morning, just before I go out. I also make sure to drink a lot of water, to keep my skin hydrated. What I think is essential… Moisturizing your skin every single day. I noticed, that if I apply a moisturizer every day, my tan will last much longer and it will even look much better. I make sure to use an oil-free moisturizer and to also try and stay away from saunas and long showers, which can also make tan fade away quicker.
Be smart when using fake tan and sunscreen together.
