Can you tan through makeup to achieve the perfect tan? The answer might surprise you…

Understanding whether you can tan through makeup has confused many people, especially when contemplating what beauty products to use and anticipating UV exposure. In this article, we will explore the possibilities on, can you tan through makeup on a sunbed, as well as other tanning methods —natural, spray, self-tanning, and indoor—on makeup-wearing skin. Furthermore, we will cover practical tips on choosing the right products and how to protect your skin, ensuring a flawless glow without compromising the safety of your skin.

Key points:

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Can You Wear Makeup On A Sunbed?

Getting a tan on a sunbed requires preparation and awareness to ensure safety and achieve the best results: 

1. Completing a Skin Analysis Form: Before your first tanning session, it’s crucial to understand your skin’s needs and limitations. Fill in a skin analysis form to determine your skin type, which will guide the number of sessions and their duration suitable for you. For those with very fair skin (Skin Type 1), it’s advisable to avoid sunbeds as they are prone to burn rather than tan.
2. Tanning Equipment: Tanning salons typically offer two types of sunbeds: lie-down and stand-up models. Lie-down sunbeds allow you to relax flat while tanning, whereas stand-up versions provide a more hygienic option as you don’t contact any surface directly. Assess both options at your salon to decide which suits your comfort and hygiene preferences.
3. Cleaning: Prior to use, ensure the sunbed is clean. Salons usually sanitise sunbeds after each use, but taking a moment to use provided sanitizers to wipe down surfaces yourself adds an extra layer of precaution.
4. Removing Makeup: To avoid uneven tanning and potential skin reactions, remove all makeup and cosmetic products. This can be achieved with makeup remover wipes, ensuring your skin is clean and ready for an even tan.
5. Using Sunbed Creams: Apply a sunbed cream or tanning accelerator to enhance your tanning results. These products contain ingredients that moisturise your skin and help develop a deeper, longer-lasting tan. Choose products suitable for your skin type to avoid any adverse reactions.
6. Clothes: Decide what to wear based on the tan lines you desire. Options range from swimsuits to tanning nude, which can help achieve an even tan without lines. Remember to cover or protect sensitive areas.
7. Eyewear: Never use a sunbed without proper eye protection. The thin skin of the eyelids cannot protect your eyes from UV radiation. Ensure you wear suitable goggles to prevent both immediate and long-term eye damage.
8. Positioning: Once you’re ready to tan, position yourself correctly. If using a lie-down sunbed, try to remain still to avoid pressure points that could cause damage to the sunbed’s surface. In a stand-up sunbed, stand centrally to ensure an even exposure.
9. Aftercare: Once finished, use cleansing wipes to refresh your skin and apply a moisturiser to combat dryness caused by UV exposure. 
10. Use in Moderation: Build your tan gradually. It may take several sessions to develop a base tan, typically requiring 1-2 weeks with 2-3 sessions per week. After establishing a base, reduce the frequency to maintain your tan while allowing your skin time to regenerate.

Delve into our range of makeup products and choose what makeup to use on and off the stage.

 

What Other Ways Can You Tan?

 

There are a number of other ways in which you can without the need for a sunbed, but which option is right for you and your skin?

Natural Tanning

Did you know that you can still tan when wearing makeup, especially under natural sun conditions? Absolutely, but it’s important to remember that makeup can sometimes alter the way your skin reacts to sun exposure. Products with SPF are beneficial as they protect your skin, but they can wear off, requiring reapplication to prevent sunburn. The key is to choose water-resistant, non-comedogenic makeup that allows your skin to breathe while still offering protection from UV rays.

Spray Tanning

Spray tanning offers a sunless option to achieve a tanned look without UV exposure. When it comes to spray tanning, can you wear makeup? It’s advisable not to. Makeup can act as a barrier, preventing the tanning solution from evenly coating the skin, which may result in a patchy tan. For the best results, apply your makeup after the tanning solution has fully set, typically about six hours later.

Self-Tanning

Similar to spray tans, self-tanners involve applying a product directly to your skin. Can you tan with makeup on when using self-tanners? It’s best to start with a clean slate. Applying self-tanner over makeup can prevent the product from absorbing properly, leading to uneven coloration. Always apply self-tanner to a freshly cleansed face for an even, sun-kissed glow.

Indoor Tanning

Indoor tanning, including tanning beds and sunbeds, intensifies your exposure to UV rays. Wearing makeup during an indoor tanning session is not recommended. Can you wear makeup on a sunbed? Doing so can lead to uneven tanning and potential skin damage as makeup may block UV rays from penetrating evenly. For optimal results and to maintain skin health, remove all makeup before using any indoor tanning equipment.

Selecting the Right Makeup for a Flawless Tan

When aiming for that perfect, even tan, the type of makeup you choose will determine the quality of the tan. Here’s how to select products that improve your tanning experience without harming your skin.

Tinted Sunscreen

Opt for a tinted sunscreen specifically designed for tanning. These products combine essential sun protection with a touch of colour, providing both SPF benefits and a seamless, flawless-looking complexion. This dual functionality ensures that your skin is protected while still achieving a beautiful, bronzed look.

Choosing Tanning-Friendly Makeup

To ensure your makeup complements your tanning goals without damaging effects, follow these tips:

• Non-comedogenic products: Choose makeup that won’t clog pores, reducing the risk of breakouts and skin irritations.
• Broad-spectrum protection: Look for products labelled as “broad-spectrum” to ensure they offer better protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
• SPF: Make sure your cosmetics have an SPF of 30 or above for better protection from the sun.

Remember, while you can tan with makeup on, selecting the appropriate products is crucial for avoiding patchy results and ensuring your skin’s health.

How To Tan With Makeup

Achieving a perfect tan while preserving your makeup is a skill that requires the right techniques and products. Follow the steps below to achieve the best sun-kissed glow safely and evenly.

Combining Sunscreen and Makeup

Start by applying a ‘broad-spectrum’ sunscreen as your base to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Choose a lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen that integrates seamlessly with makeup. Allow the sunscreen to fully absorb before moving on to the next step.

Adding Makeup

Choose makeup products that include SPF benefits. A BB cream or foundation with SPF can aid your protection without compromising your look. For touch-ups during the day, use a compact powder with SPF to maintain your skin’s defence against sun exposure.

Tanning 

If you decide to tan with makeup, it’s crucial to select products designed for exposure to the sun:

• Tinted Sunscreen: Provides coverage while protecting your skin.
• SPF Face Primer: Prepares your skin and adds an extra layer of sun protection.
• Tinted Moisturiser with SPF: Hydrates and evens out skin tone without heavy coverage.
• Lightweight Foundation with SPF: Offers a more substantial barrier while still allowing your skin to tan evenly.

Wearing Makeup While Tanning

Makeup can act as a barrier to sun exposure, potentially leading to uneven tanning—similar to how clothing can create “farmer tan lines.” The ingredients in makeup might block some UV rays, which can affect how evenly you tan.

How Makeup Affects UV Exposure

• SPF makeup can reduce but not eliminate sun exposure, which may result in a lighter tan on your face compared to unprotected areas.
• If you have sensitive skin or are on certain medications, be extra cautious as your skin may react more intensely to the sun.
• The sun is strongest between 11am and 3pm. Tanning during these hours with makeup on can lead to noticeable differences in tan intensity across different parts of your body.

Skin Issues from Tanning With Makeup

Wearing makeup in the sun can not only affect the tanning results but also lead to additional skin concerns:

• High temperatures may increase your skin’s oiliness, potentially causing clogged pores and breakouts.
• Heat and makeup together can irritate your skin, resulting in redness and uneven skin tone.

Don’t let tanning ruin your natural skin – figure out the difference between beauty marks and moles and reassure yourself about them.

Maintaining Skin Health While Tanning

To minimise skin damage and improve your tan, you should:

• Avoid makeup that clogs your pores, such as mineral powders, blush, and concealer.
• Apply your makeup over sunscreen to enhance UV protection without sacrificing your look.
• After a day in the sun, thoroughly remove your makeup to let your skin breathe and recover. This helps prevent breakouts and irritation.
• Stay hydrated by consuming at least 7-8 cups of water per day, as well as using a hydrating lotion to aid with skin moisture.
• Use a soft cleanser to remove any remaining tanning product or makeup.
• Use a non-comedogenic moisturiser to maintain skin health without clogging pores.
• When reapplying makeup, choose products like tinted lip gloss or a light bronzer to enhance your tan without heavy coverage.

For more tips on keeping yourself hydrated whilst tanning, check out this guide on skin hydration.

Tanning Through Makeup Made Possible

In conclusion, tanning with makeup requires careful consideration of products and practices to ensure skin health and achieve an even tan. Whether going for natural, spray, or indoor tanning, removing makeup, choosing the right sunscreen and makeup with SPF, and following proper tanning techniques will determine the quality of your tan. Whilst you can still wear makeup when tanning, it’s still recommended that you remove makeup when jumping onto a sunbed to prevent potential problems, thereby answering the question – can you wear makeup on a sunbed?

For those curious about why women wear makeup, we have the perfect guide for you. Read about it now and see the benefits makeup brings to women.

FAQs

Does wearing makeup affect my tan under UV rays?

Yes, makeup can affect the tanning process because it may block some UV rays from reaching the skin, leading to uneven tanning.

Can you get a tan if wearing concealer?

Yes, it is possible to develop a tan while wearing concealer, but the coverage might result in uneven tanning.

What is the correct way to apply foundation on tanned skin?

When applying foundation on tanned skin, choose a shade that matches your tanned complexion and blend well to avoid uneven patches.

Can UV rays penetrate through sunscreen when tanning?

Yes, UV rays can penetrate through sunscreen, but sunscreen significantly reduces the amount of UV radiation that reaches the skin.

Should I wear mascara on a sunbed?

Wearing mascara in a tanning bed is generally safe, but heat can cause mascara to smudge or melt, potentially irritating the eyes.

What impact does applying makeup have on skin tanning in sunlight?

Makeup can create a barrier that partially blocks UV rays, which may lead to an uneven tan.

Should I take my makeup off when I tan?

Yes, it's advisable to remove makeup before tanning to ensure even colour development and to avoid skin irritation.

Do UV rays go through makeup?

UV rays can partially penetrate through makeup, depending on the type and thickness of the makeup applied.

Sources

Badger Balm. (2021) What is SPF Sunscreen? Sun Protection Factor Explained. [online] Available at: 

https://www.badgerbalm.com/pages/what-is-spf-sunscreen-sun-protection-factor [accessed 09/07/2024] 

Debara, D., (2022) How to Hydrate Skin from the Inside: Daily Guide and Quick Tips. Healthline. [online] Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/better-skin-in-3-days [accessed 09/07/2024]