Spray Tan Tips For Pale and Fair Skin

pale woman tanning

Pale skin often does not tan on its own, but spray tans help pale-skinned people get the perfect tan without any negative effects. To get the perfect spray tan there are a few things you have to keep in mind. 

Although sun tanning has become a common procedure, it comes with its risks and side effects. Most people who have a good amount of melanin in their bodies find it easy to tan naturally. 

However, pale skin that lacks melanin may take longer or need additional support to get an even tan. In this article, we will share spray tan tips for pale skin that will help people with lighter skin tones to get a tan safely and effectively.

Tanning for People with Fair Skin

Fair skin is a genetic trait a person naturally inherits from their ancestors. The major component that gives our skin its color is melanin. High levels of melanin lead to better tanning and darker skin tones, whilst lower levels lead to pale skin. 

People with fair skin can tan naturally or artificially depending on which method works best with their skin type. Even within fair-skinned people, individuals have different reactions to different tanning methods. Though generally speaking a spray tan is the best choice which leads us to our advice on the matter:

Spray Tanning Tips for Fair Skin

If you are someone with pale skin and are looking for the perfect tan make sure to follow these tips:

1. Exfoliate Your Skin

Exfoliate your skin to make sure you get rid of all the dead skin cells. Such skin cells hinder proper absorption of the spray tan and can sometimes mean an uneven tone. If you exfoliate properly, you will have an even tan. For more advice on exfoliating check out our article – how to exfoliate before a spray tan.

2. Wash Off Any Skin Products You Have On Your Skin

Remove all lotions or creams from your skin as they sometimes work as a moisture barrier. This would make it difficult for the spray tan to absorb into your face. This is why your face and pores should be cleansed so they can absorb the maximum pigment.

3. Keep Your Face and Body Makeup Free

It is important that you do not wear make-up to a tanning appointment. If you do, your tan can end up looking patchy and uneven. Make-up, much like lotions, acts as a barrier between the skin and the tanning chemical. For an even tan, remove all makeup before the appointment.

4. Wear Loose Clothing.

It is important to wear loose clothing before spray tanning because it gives your tan enough room to breathe and set into the skin. Tight clothing will cause friction against the skin, which can cause your new tan to rub off or smear. 

5. Wear Open Toed Shoes

A tan has to be even and all over the body. Certain areas like the feet are prone to uneven tanning because close toed shoes can cause excess sweat and moist conditions. Wearing open-toed shoes helps improve airflow and keeps the feet fresh and pigmented.

6. Do Not Take a Shower for at Least 6 hours After a Tan

It is imperative that you do not take a shower for at least six hours after your tanning session. This is because spray tan pigments take their time to absorb into the skin and any contact with water may lighten your tan significantly. For more on this check out our article – washing off spray tan too early.

7. Moisturize Your Skin in Between Tanning Appointments

Keeping skin moisturized in between tanning appointments helps keep skin healthy. Healthy skin readily absorbs pigment and results in an even tan. It also will help make the tan look more natural. You can use lotion after a spray tan though it’s a good idea to wait.

8. Adhere to Instructions Provided by the Tanning Technician

Spray tans are of different kinds depending on the pigments and chemicals used in them. The most important tip to get the perfect tan is to stick to the instructions the tanning technician gives you. This will make your tan look better and last longer.

Is It Safe To Tan Fair Skin?

When it comes to fair skin, tanning in the sun isn’t really an option as you would be getting more sun damage than any other skin tone, and are more susceptible to sunburns. 

This leads you looking for alternatives and asking the questions like, do spray tans work on pale skin? Yes, they do.

Therefore, opting for a chemical-induced tan, like a spray tan can help you tan better without worrying about any adverse effects.

The best way for fair skin to look tan is by following the tips listed above. They will help protect your skin whilst giving the outcome you require. Always tan safely and responsibly. 

Important Points to Consider When Tanning Fair Skin

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, tanning in the sun every day can lead to skin cancer and other skin issues. This is especially important for pale skin as it is more sensitive and prone to burning.

Due to this common issue, spray tans are the most effective way to get an even tan. Spray tans have skin-friendly chemicals that leave pigmented tans without burning or reactions. With spray tans, you can also choose the degree to which you want to tan.

Related Questions

What spray tan is best for pale skin?

One of the best spray tans is Body Drench Quick Tan. Since pale skin does not tan naturally even when exposed to the sun for long periods of time, the best spray tan is chemical or fake tans. These are easy to administer and have a lot of pigment.

Do spray tans look good on fair skin?

To determine whether a spray tan looks good on fair skin, you need to see if it compliments your eye color, undertones, and hair color. This will help you create a more natural look.

Is it safe to use supplements to increase the amounts of melanin in my skin?

Experts agree that the most important thing to avoid is capsules claiming to be melanin supplements. As they have no proper effect on melanin levels of the body, these supplements can be harmful to a person’s health.

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