Not only does fake tan not prevent you from getting a natural tan from the sun, it's worth knowing it doesn't protect you from the sun either. "Where most fake tans do not have an SPF in them, your real tan will naturally build up underneath," says Michaella Bolder, professional tanner at St Tropez.
You absolutely can tan through fake tan. Just make sure to wear spf and reapply, take breaks from the sun, and stay hydrated!
But, just incase it's not super clear… the answer is YES! Please, always apply sunscreen as the last step in your self-tanning routine before stepping outside.
Can you tan through fake tan? The answer is yes and you can also burn through fake tan. Fake tanned or not, if you're out in the sun you still need to apply your SPF and sun cream to avoid skin damage. A sunless tan does not stop you achieving the real thing as it offers no barrier to UVA and UVB rays.
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!
The self-tanner does not block UV rays, so you can still get a tan even if you're using a self-tanner. While the self-tanner will make your skin look like you've spent some time in the sun it won't actually block the UV rays from reaching your skin.
Although the chlorine found in swimming pools can lead to a faster 'fade-off' you can still enjoy a swim and protect your tan. The key is to take quick dips to reduce the time your tan is in contact with the water and to gently pat yourself dry once you've come out of the pool to avoid rubbing off any colour.
You don't necessarily tan faster in water or laying out. This is because water reflects UV rays, so you may not be getting as much exposure as you think if you're actually in the pool.
Once skin is exposed to UV radiation, it increases the production of melanin in an attempt to protect the skin from further damage. Melanin is the same pigment that colors your hair, eyes, and skin. The increase in melanin may cause your skin tone to darken over the next 48 hours.
Ideally, schedule your appointment one to two days before you leave for your trip. This gives the color time to fully develop, and any bronzer can be washed off, leaving you with the tan's true shade. It also ensures your tan has set properly, reducing the risk of transfer to clothing or hotel sheets.
There's no reason why you can't apply sunless tanner over a suntan Рyou'll deepen your existing colour, creating a richer, layered hue that balances out an uneven complexion. But remember that this won't make your tan last any longer; it will simply make it darker.
We would recommend if sleeping in fake tan that you invest in tanning sheets (be it a fancy 'fake tan' specific sheets, old sheets you're not fussed about or a darker shade that doesn't show the tell-tale fake tan remnants so easily) and make sure you wear loose, comfy and fake tan friendly sleepwear to bed.
But how tan is too tan? According to the professional, just about any kind of tan is too much, because it ages you and puts you at risk of bigger, badder things.
You'll be able to top up your tan with a fresh new layer once your existing tan shows signs of fading. We'd advise waiting until your colour has completely faded away before stepping back in the booth to ensure even coverage and to give your new tan the best chance to last as long as possible.
Your fake tan needs time to develop before your next shower, and we recommend waiting for at least four hours but no more than one day. Remember to pat yourself dry and avoid hot water or harsh shower gels as they will strip your tan and dry out your skin.
The same goes for when you want to fake tan your face and body. Bear in mind that all hair types will absorb fake tan and stain if you don't protect them first. But because bleached hair is so light, tanner will show up on it even more so than on unprotected brunette or red hair.
Is 30 minutes a day enough to tan? It depends on your skin type. Those with fair skin likely need a bit longer, while people with darker skin may only require 15-20 minutes daily. Start slow and gently build UV skin tolerance over multiple sessions for the best color development.
Depending on how long your tan takes to develop, it can be best to sleep in it overnight and wash it off in the morning — just be sure to use dark coloured sheets or a tan sheet protector. Use cooler water to wash off the residue of your fake tan.
Why won't my tan go away? When the cells become damaged with pigment, discoloration that doesn't fade occurs, leading to a tan that doesn't fade. In fact, it tends to stay dark unless you choose to have this hyperpigmentation treated professionally.
Moist skin will tan better and more evenly than dry skin. Your skin knows that moisture is important and uses a variety of methods to retain moisture in its surface. Your skin retains water within its natural oils to help them maintain an ordered structure around each skin cell.
Stand-up beds allow your body to tan all around without any pressure points, leading to a more even tan. Some people like them even better because the body isn't in direct contact with the bed. To achieve the best and most even tan, it's crucial to rotate between using lay-down and stand-up beds.
As sweat is acidic, it can cause self tan to break down when left to sit on the skin.
AFTER THE TAN
Shower lightly in cold – lukewarm water for 45 seconds ONLY after your desired development time. Use plain water, don't use shower gels, scrubs, shampoos or loofah during the first 24 hours after your treatment. Pat your skin dry. Do not rub or scrub your skin.