But back to answering your burning (pardon the pun) question, using a self-tanner won't impact your ability to tan naturally. But neither does it provide any protection from the sun.
There's no reason why you can't apply sunless tanner over a suntan – you'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.
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.
I got you! The answer is, YES, you can still get sunburnt and tan with a fake tan on. It is very important to protect your skin from a sunburn with an alcohol free sunblock and know that when your sunless tan fades, your sun tan underneath will show.
Self Tanner
“Self-tanning lotions are a safe alternative to tanning beds and sun exposure, and they work by temporarily staining the outermost layer of the skin with a color additive called dihydroxyacetone (DHA),” notes Aimee Carr, an esthetician, makeup artist, and founder of Voodoo Makeup.
This results in a longer-lasting tan but – here's the kicker – it comes with the risk of sun damage, skin cancer and premature ageing. But back to answering your burning (pardon the pun) question, using a self-tanner won't impact your ability to tan naturally. But neither does it provide any protection from the sun.
The only way to tan safely is by using self-tanning sprays or lotions. Fortunately, self-tanners have come a long way since the days when they left skin streaky and the color of orange cheese-puffs. Self-tanning products are safe and generally don't cause irritation to the 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.
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.
Geetika points out that sunburn is more harmful than suntan as it causes “severe damage to your skin, which may lead to premature ageing and skin cancer." While tanning just increases the melanin level causing the skin to darken, regular tanning may have some negative effects also from increasing the chance of ...
In short, no. 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.
Protected Development: Going to bed shortly after getting your tan minimizes movement, which helps the tan set evenly.
Yes! Especially if you have fair skin that is prone to burning. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If you showered after just a few hours, you might notice your skin is not as tanned as you'd expected. Don't fret! Your colour will continue to develop and darken for a few hours (and a spray tan takes up to 24 hours to develop fully).
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.
Yes, you can get a tan in a swimming pool if it is outdoors. The UV rays from the sun can penetrate the water and reach your skin, causing a tan. Additionally, water can reflect UV rays, potentially increasing your exposure.
Compared to the rest of the body, skin on the legs does not produce the same amount of melanin, which results in legs getting less tan. Skin on the legs is thicker and harder and the UV light from the sun or sunbeds cannot easily penetrate it.