Can spray tanning help mask your acne?

Acne is never fun to deal with especially the more severe it gets. We’ve all been through it and, although it may seem difficult, with most people it eventually subsides with little effect. So what can you do to cover it up? Is spray tanning the right solution?

Of course when we talk about tanning solutions for acne we aren’t referring to UV based tanning. This includes both bed tanning and traditional tanning under the sun; Both of which cause trauma to the skin and increase melanoma leading to cancer risks.

One of the main bi-products of acne is dead skin – The bane of tanning solutions! Spray tanning solutions contain the chemical DHA which can change the color of dead skin cells. Typically, dead skin tends to hang around pimples which can actually darken that area when spray tanning is applied. This means dark spots on your face!

So what’s the solution? Exfoliating! The more you exfoliate in the little time before your spray tan, the better chance you have of an even tan across your face. It’s also good to explain your situation to your spray tanning professional as most have tips to ensure even coating across acne areas. An easy trick is to apply thin coats to ensure proper toning of the skin and prevent spotting. It may take longer but will definitely produce the results you’re looking for.

Don’t worry about tanning solutions causing more acne. With proper exfoliation you’ll remove dead skin cells and prevent escalating your acne after your next spray tan.

• Making use of shades.
• Avoiding sunburns.
• Sun protection using hat, sunglasses, and clothing.
• Avoiding UV tanning.
• Use of sunscreen with a broad spectrum.
• To keep the newborn babies out of the sun.
• Periodic examination of the skin.

Can I Shave After A Spray Tan?

This is a very common question and the answer is YES as long as you follow a few simple rules.

Shaving Before Your Spray Tan:

First things first, BEFORE your spray tan appointment go ahead and exfoliate your body and shave.  This gives us a smooth pallet to spray over and removes the dry patchy skin that can lead to an uneven sunless tan.

Can You Shave The Day Of A Spray Tan?

Shave the night before your tan, it gives your pores a chance to close up before the spray tan is applied so the tanning solution doesn’t settle into them resulting in little polka dots.

Shaving After Your Spray Tan:

Please wait 8-10 hours after getting your spray tan before you are shaving anything. Shaving does exfoliate the skin, so to shave AFTER your spray tan there are a few tricks to remember:

1. USE A NEW RAZOR.  The old razor that is hanging out in the shower is dull and will drag on your skin taking your tan off with it. This isn’t going to make anyone happy so go grab a fresh one so it can glide along without dragging against your skin as much.
2. DON’T USE SHAVING FOAM.  Shaving products often have ingredients that can damage your tan. Alcohol and heavy detergents which can dry and strip your tan away.  In a pinch use your conditioner or a sulfate free, shower wash so you are not applying harsh products to your freshly sprayed tan. If your razor has a moisturizing strip make sure that you are rinsing all that product off your skin too. PRO TIP: Never dry shave.
3. LIGHT TOUCH. Don’t press hard when you are shaving.  Let the razor glide along your skin gently so that you are not taking off the tan when you shave.

Spray Tan Tips For Men

When it comes to my male clients getting their spray tan applied we need to have a quick conversation about your shaving routine.

You are shaving your face and/or head so if we mess this up it’s gonna show.

My questions are:

• How often do you shave?
• Do you use a blade or electric?
• Are you using any pre-shave products or after-shave products?

First shave your face and/or head before you come in for your spray tan appointment.

This gives me a clean palate to start with.

Before shaving the first time after I have applied your airbrush spray tan, wait at least 8-10 hours for the sunless tan to fully develop before showering or shaving.

Skip the pre-shave products as they have ingredients in them that will break down your tan.

Don’t use a foam based shaving product.  These have alcohol and detergents in them that will break down your tan.

Do use a plain alcohol free lotion after you shave to soothe and hydrate your skin and keep your tan moisturized.

Don’t shave daily if you can help it.

Use an electric razor over a blade. This is gentler to your spray tan helping it to last longer.

Spray Tan Tips For Shaving

Try not to shave daily after your spray tan if you can help it.  The more often you are shaving the faster you will fade out your color. Also, waxing after your spray tan will definitely remove your color as waxing removes some skin along with the hair so make sure that if you are waxing that you do that 24 hours BEFORE your spray tan.

You CAN have bronzy smooth skin if you follow these spray tan tips for shaving after your spray tan!

And as always, following up with a good moisturizer or sunless glow creme can help to keep your color longer.

Which one do you do first? Your lashes or your spray tan?

Eye Lashes are a hot topic.

There are eyelash serums to help them grow.

False lashes for a special event.

Eyelash Lift and tint to curl and darken.

And eyelash extensions that last 4-6 weeks.

So lets dive in and figure out when you should get your lashes put on and when to schedule your spray tan appointment so they are in the right order and no damage happens to either beauty treatment.

But you girls keep coming in with your gorgeous lashes making me a bit jealous.  So, I decided that a little research was needed to make sure we have our timing correct.

Turns out it does matter when you GET your lashes in relation to WHEN you get your spray tan.

Let’s break this down.

Eyelash Serums

The eyelash serums are for conditioning and growth.  They help your natural lashes to be soft and strong and not fall out so that they get longer.  There are many different ones on the market from prescription (think Latisse) and over the counter ones. As we get a little older, our lashes tend to thin out and can become sparse.  The serum definitely helps to correct this (bonus you can pop a little on your eyebrows to help them grow as well)

You can use your favorite lash serum with your spray tan and NOT worry about any timing issues for applying. Same day is fine before or after your spray tan appointment.

Lash serums can be used same day as spray tan

False Lashes

Next up false lashes. These are great for special occasions and can range from individual clusters just to fill in your lashes a bit all the way to super dramatic! It really just depends on what your personal style is and what your event is.  Wedding lashes, Halloween lashes, picture lashes, they give you the flexibility to pop them on (or have them applied—we do this at the shop) when you need/want them. But you can rock your natural lashes without any commitment.

Since you will be applying your false eyelashes with your makeup they will be put on after your tan the day of your event.

False lashes can be applied after your first shower, after your spray tan.

Eyelash Lift and Tint

An eyelash lift and tint is sort of like having your hair permed and colored.  Your aesthetician (this is NOT something that you do at home) places your lashes on a curling rod that is shaped to your eye and the curling and tinting solution are applied and timed before they are cleaned off and your new darker and curled lashes are revealed to the world!  This option gives you a more awake look still with your natural lashes.  And you can use your lash serum a lift and tint to keep your lashes growing and conditioned.  This option lasts about 6 weeks.

With an eyelash lift and tint you do have to have this done 24-48 hours BEFORE your spray tan.  When your aesthetician is prepping the eye area they are cleansing your lashes and applying a sticky pad under the eye to keep the dye off of your skin and then washing the area free of the treatment products.  All of this can remove your tan around your eyes resulting in a reverse raccoon look.  Not cute.  Also, you have to keep your newly curled and tinted lashes dry for 24 hours after to allow the lashes to set.  Book your spray tan 1-2 days after your lashes.

• Lift and tint application can remove spray tan
• Must keep lash area dry for 24 hours after application
• Schedule spray tan 1-2 day AFTER eyelash lift and tint for best results

Lash lift and tint should be done 24-48 hours BEFORE your spray tan

Eyelash Extensions

And finally, the eyelash extensions.  I see so many of my brides opting for these because they have so many special events in a short period of time that require photos and glam makeup looks. It helps to simplify the makeup application allowing you to wake up with your eyes on!  I would caution to really research who and where you are getting your lashes from.  I have heard many times from my girls that they feel that the lashes are more extreme then they really wanted.  Less is more here and a natural set can go a long way to enhance your everyday or wedding look.

You do have to plan your eyelash extension and spray tan appointment in the right order.  When they apply your lash extensions they place a sticky pad under your eye to keep the glue off of your skin. This can pull your tan off of the under eye area leaving patchy white areas.  You also have to keep your new lashes dry for at 24-48 hours. So, schedule your spray tan according to what your lash professional is recommending.

• Lash application can remove spray tan
• Must keep lashes dry for 24-48 hours after application
• Schedule spray tan 1-2 days AFTER eyelash extensions are applied for best results

Eyelash extensions should be done 24-48 hours BEFORE your spray tan