Products That Damage Spray Tans
This is not an all-inclusive. Not everyone will have a problem with these items. This is only a guide. If you have any questions, please ask your Tanning Technician.
A women’s tan may develop differently during various hormonal changes (ovulation, menstruation, pregnancy) It may be streaky, patchy, fade worse, or produce lighter or no color.
AHA products (Alpha Hydroxy Acids -Glycolic, Lactic, Malic, Citric and Tartaric acids). Anti-aging products that "renew" "refresh" or otherwise exfoliate skin.
Anti-acne products that exfoliate, or dry the skin- Accutane, and Salicylic acid, can affect tan fading. Skin also peels, which can look unacceptable, especially with a tan. Antibiotics or other medications that affect your skin, can also affect your tan.
Band-Aid or adhesive tape applied to skin will pull the "tan" off.
Bar soaps, especially deodorant, or antibacterial varieties.
BHA Products (Beta Hydroxy Acids-salicylic acid)
Body hair bleach products will bleach the tan; non bleach skin lighteners are fine.
Retin-A type products (Retin-A, Renova, Tazorac, Tretinoin) all will cause faster fading.
Bore type adhesive facial strips, or “peel-off” masks.
Bug spray, perfumes, body sprays when sprayed directly onto skin, can make your tan look splotchy and fade faster. Instead, spray clothing, or spray a "cloud" of spray that you can walk through, instead of directly onto skin.
Dove soap, and Dove Shower gel, Curel lotions will fade a tan faster.
Facial masks and exfoliating scrubs.
Toners containing Alcohols or Witch Hazel in the top three ingredients listed can lighten tan.
Lotions (Jergens etc.) tend to make a sunless tan yellow.
If you exercise and sweat heavily your tan can fade faster, especially in body fold areas. (arm bends, knee bends, between breasts etc.)
In winter skin is often very dry, and tan will fade faster. Switch to twice daily moisturizer use. Use a lotion after showering on damp skin. Try a heavier body cream, or butter, just before bed. Butter can also be used twice daily. Regular light exfoliation prior to spray can be helpful.
Makeup remover cleaning products or oils used to clean away eye makeup.
Pat dry in the shower, don’t rub.
People with oily skin tend to develop a lighter tan then people with dry skin. The oils can coat the skin, dry skin absorbs more products faster, so can look darker.
Shaving exfoliates skin, so it also fades your tan faster as well. Use a sharp clean razor, with a lubricating product will help to lessen the exfoliation, a dull razor scrapes off more skin and "tan". An electric razor or Epilator will fade your tan less.
Submersion in hot tub or swimming pool (an application of a thick waterproof lotion sun block helps build a temporary barrier) Even a long hot bath can break down the color faster.
Sweating feet inside shoes or behind knees and arm bends can fade a tan faster, or make the color guide look greenish or yellowish.
Use of a loofah, scrub, mitt, washcloth, Norwex towels, etc. may strip your color faster.
Wax or Depilatory hair removal products (Nair, Veet, Neet, etc) will strip your color immediately.