It may feel inconvenient to remove your makeup before your tanning session, but here’s why it’s worth the extra step:
- Better Results: When you remove your makeup, you allow the tanning lotion to absorb evenly into your skin. Makeup can block the tanning product from absorbing properly, which leads to patchy and uneven results. If your goal is a smooth, consistent tan, starting with a clean face ensures you’re giving your skin the best chance to develop the color you want.
- Avoid Skin Issues: Leaving makeup on while tanning can clog pores and trap sweat, which may lead to breakouts, irritation, or even the formation of clogged pores. The heat of the tanning lamps open the pores, allowing makeup to sink in, eventually leading to enlarged pores. By cleansing your skin, you help prevent these potential problems and give your skin a chance to breathe and heal, which is particularly important when using tanning products.
- Longer-Lasting Tan: Tanning products work best on clean, exfoliated skin. Makeup residue or oils left on your face can create a barrier, reducing the effectiveness of the tan and possibly leading to streaks–yes, this applies to spray tanning too! Removing your makeup ensures your skin can absorb the tanning lotion/solution fully, helping the tan last longer and look more natural.
- Avoid Streaking or Smudging: If you apply makeup over your sunless spray tan during the minimum development time, it could rub off or smudge, creating streaks or uneven spots. The tanning solution can also interfere with makeup, causing it to break down or shift. By starting fresh with clean skin, you can avoid these messy outcomes.
- Healthier Skin: Self-tanners and UV exposure affect the outer layers of your skin. If you leave makeup on, it may block moisture and prevent your skin from receiving hydration, which could lead to dryness or irritation over time. By removing makeup, you let your skin rejuvenate and avoid complications from makeup mixing with tanning products.
Why not just put a towel over your face?
Using a towel or UV protective face mask can help prevent an uneven tan, but it doesn’t address clogged or enlarged pores. To avoid this, it’s important to cleanse your skin before tanning, as makeup, oils, and impurities can lead to breakouts and an uneven tan. We offer makeup remover clothes for a nominal fee to remove makeup and oils before tanning is a convenient solution, which ensures the skin is properly prepped. These cloths gently clean the skin without harsh scrubbing, saving you time and enhancing the tanning experience.
Proper skin prep not only improves the tan but also helps maintain healthier, clearer skin by reducing the risk of clogged pores and breakouts, making it a small but effective investment for a beautiful, even tan.
Beautiful tan skin is waiting for you!
