Can You Tan Through Fake Tan? This is a question many people ponder, and the answer is yes, you can. Fake tanning and sun tanning both alter the colour of your skin, but they do so in different ways.
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!
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.
Run a hot bath with some body or bath oil in it and soak in for as long as possible. If you're a shower person, apply oil all over your body, let it sink into your skin completely and take a hot steamy shower to wash it off. NIVEA Body Oil is a great product to get rid of fake tan.
We generally recommend sticking to one self tanning product per application. If you do not find the colour to be as deep as you would like, you can always apply a second coat 30-60 minutes after initial application, or the following day.
Gradual tan is best applied once a day, or every few days depending on the colour you wish to achieve. It Is not recommended to apply gradual tan twice a day as this can cause the product to build up, too much product can affect how even your colour is.
- Lemon juice can help to dissolve uneven patches of self-tan on small areas, such as your ankles, wrists and palms. - Mixing lemon juice with a tablespoon of sugar or bicarbonate of soda will gently exfoliate the area which will further help to pull out any excess tan.
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.
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.
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.
To prevent any smudging or unwanted interaction between the DHA and your sunscreen, wait until your self-tan is developed before applying SPF. It's recommended to allow 12-24 hours after tanning before using sunscreen, so tanning in the late afternoon or evening can be a good idea.
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.
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.
Exfoliation is the best way to remove tan at home. It removes pigmented dead skin cells and promotes new ones, reducing the appearance of the tan.
Add a layer of radiance
A single application can extend your colour for a few more days and balance out an uneven fade off. Once your special event is over, allow your tan to fade away in full and exfoliate your skin a day before your next spray tan. This creates the perfect base for a new application of tanner.
Squeeze the mousse onto a tanning mitt and apply it to the body in smooth, circular motions. Top tip: to avoid orange patches, go light on the ankles, elbows, knees, knuckles, and nose. These areas are the most absorbent and will darken quickly. The more mousse you apply, the deeper the tan will be.
This can make self-tanning in the morning more difficult as you must wear dark, loose clothing to avoid any transfer and you can't use deodorant or perfume. The best time to fake tan is at night as this will give the tan full developing time and you don't need to worry about what you are wearing.
Tinted Lotion - These fake tan lotions are a great way to either top up an existing tan or to create a beautiful tan in an instant. Use them on your face or body and wash them off easily at the end of the day.
the longer you keep the tan on, the darker it will get. however, some skin types may experience discoloration (looking a bit orange or yellow) if left on too long past around 8 hours. you may also get a streaky tan as you're more likely to rub or wash off some sections.
Fake tan will not stop you getting a natural tan, it will simply act as an extra layer between your skin and the sun, and so the effects of the sun's rays will not be as strong.
For those who desire a deeper colour, applying an additional layer of Bronzie Oil or Mousse is key. Start by ensuring your first coat has developed fully and has been rinsed off. Once your skin is dry, take a fresh tanning mitt and apply the second coat evenly using long, sweeping motions.