If you are wondering if you can tan with fake tan on, 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.
As fake tan offers no sun protection, it will not stop any of the sun's rays from getting through. You should assume you have no sun protection at all
Did you know that cases of severe sunburn are the highest they have been in the last six years? While everyone wants an all-over glow, many are neglecting safety in favour of it. So how do you stay safe when tanning?
There are a number of questions raised with both natural and fake tanning. Read on as we answer the query "Can you tan with fake tan on?"
How Do Self Tanners Work?
To understand if you should use tanners or not, it helps to understand how fake tanning products work. To operate, they use the dead skin cells that are on the top layer of all our skin. A chemical that is known as dihydroxyacetone then reacts with these, darkening the layer of skin.
Fake tans will fade over time. As the layer of epidermis wears away in a natural process, the tans wears away with it.
What Is Sunburn?
Sunburn can be much more complex than most people believe. It usually manifests as a red, sore area on the skin, though this can change depending on your skin colouration. Burnt skin can peel, blister, become tight and is often sore.
The problem occurs when the skin is exposed to too much ultraviolet light. UV is found in the natural light spectrum, especially in light from the sun. When you have too much the skin burns, UVB rays are responsible for causing sunburn, while UVA rays penetrate deeper and can lead to long-term damage, including skin cancer.
The skin’s natural way of protecting itself is to produce melanin. This natural pigmentation is what causes the skin to go darker in colour, tanning it. When there is not enough melanin in the skin to protect it burning takes place.
Over time, too much exposure to UV can cause serious problems. Not only does it age the skin quicker, but it is known to be linked to harmful skin cancers.
Can You Put Fake Tan on Sunburn?
Many people also ask the question "Can you fake tan over sunburn?" Fake tan is an application that makes the skin look like it has increased levels of melanin. It is applied in the form of a lotion or cream.
In short, the answer is yes. However, it should only be done in certain situations when the burn is very mild.
Fake Tan Over Peeling Sunburn
Should you have blistering and peeling, then the skin is in the process of healing. Applying fake tan to this is essentially adding it to an open wound. You wouldn’t consider rubbing it into a cut, so you shouldn’t apply it to a severe sunburn either.
As mentioned, tanners contain a chemical named dihydroxyacetone (DHA). It will react with amino acids in dead skin cells. As such, you don’t want to apply it to the large swathes of dead skin peeling from your body.
Keeping the skin moisturised is crucial to achieving an even and healthy tan, as hydrated skin absorbs the tan better and helps it last longer.
Regardless of the health costs, a fake tan on peeling skin won’t look right anyway. It will come away in flakes and have an uneven appearance.
Does Fake Tan Help Prevent Sunburn?
Not at all. Even a natural tan will not prevent sunburn, as it does not have enough UV-blocking capabilities. Sunblock and shielding yourself with the right clothing are the only ways to prevent it.
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At most, a tan may add to your natural protection rating of SP 2 or 3. Fake tan has no sun-blocking properties. If you buy a fake tan that claims to do so, then check the small print very carefully and see what it actually does.
Can You Tan Over Fake Tan?
Yes. Since fake tan does not provide any sun protection, it won't block any of the sun's rays. It's best to assume you have no protection whatsoever. Please remember that sometimes the active ingredients in self-tanners can affect the efficacy of sunscreen.
Can You Spray Tan Over a Sunburn?
As previously mentioned, applying a fake tan over sunburn depends on the severity of the burn. In the case of a spray tan, you also need to think about the location on your body.
Once again, if you have peeling or blistered skin, then you should not apply any fake tan. Even if the burn is extremely sore, you should avoid adding anything to it (unless it has healing properties) and wait until it has healed.
Achieving a Natural Tan with Fake Tan
Achieving a natural tan with fake tan requires some skill and practice. Here are some tips to help you achieve a natural-looking tan:
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Choose the Right Product: Select a fake tan product that suits your skin type and tone. If you have fair skin, opt for a lighter shade, and if you have darker skin, choose a deeper shade.
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Even Application: Apply fake tan evenly and avoid using too much product in one area. Use a mitt or gloves to apply the product and blend it well into your skin.
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Focus on Natural Areas: Concentrate on areas that would naturally tan, such as your face, arms, and legs. Avoid applying fake tan to areas that wouldn’t normally tan, like your palms and soles.
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Blend Well: Make sure to blend the fake tan well into your skin, especially around the edges and creases. Use a gentle circular motion to ensure an even application.
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Avoid Irritated Skin: Do not apply fake tan to broken or irritated skin as it can exacerbate the condition and lead to an uneven tan.
How to Get Rid of Sunburn
The best way to improve your natural tan or get a more even coat from your self tan is to heal your skin. While this requires patience and does mean you need to stay out of the sun for a while, there are some other steps you can take to help it along.
Sunless tanning is a safe and effective alternative to traditional tanning methods, highlighting the benefits of achieving a sun-kissed look without the harmful effects of UV exposure.
Start by moisturising your skin. When the sun burns it, the skin loses its natural moisture. By restoring this, you can help speed up the process.
Avoid moisturisers that contain alcohol or petroleum jelly. They can dry the skin out even further. Any items that contain numbing agents can also irritate the skin, so opt for a light, water-based moisturiser.
You can also hydrate your skin from the inside by drinking lots of water. This will stop you from being dehydrated and restore the natural water levels in the skin.
Finally, don’t peel the skin away or break blisters. These are part of the body’s natural healing process. In the case of a blister, it is your body’s natural way of preventing dirt and bacteria from entering the body, so don’t pop them!
Maintaining Your Fake Tan
Maintaining your fake tan requires some effort, but it’s worth it to keep your skin looking smooth and sun-kissed. Here are some tips to help you maintain your fake tan:
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Moisturise Regularly: Keep your skin moisturised to maintain its hydration and suppleness. This will help extend the life of your fake tan.
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Limit Exfoliation: Avoid exfoliating your skin too frequently as it can remove the fake tan. Instead, exfoliate once a week to maintain a smooth and even texture.
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Gentle Products: Use gentle cleansers and moisturisers that are suitable for your skin type. Harsh products can strip your skin of its natural oils and fade your tan.
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Avoid Chlorine: Stay away from swimming pools and hot tubs as the chlorine can fade your fake tan. If you must swim, apply a waterproof sunscreen to protect your skin.
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Touch Up: Regularly touch up your fake tan to maintain a natural-looking colour. Use a self-tanning product to touch up areas that have faded.
By following these tips, you can enjoy a beautiful, natural-looking tan without the risks associated with UV exposure.
Responsible Tanning and UV Rays
Now you can answer the question "can you put fake tan on sunburn?" and other queries, you can tan responsibly. Care for your skin and limit its contact with the sun. You will then get an even tan when false tanning, and build a natural glow underneath.
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