Spray Tans and Oils: What You Need to Know

When it comes to maintaining your airbrush tan, choosing the right oils can make all the difference. Oils, in particular, can be tricky territory. Some can help extend the life of your tan, while others can cause it to fade prematurely.

While they're excellent for moisturizing and nourishing your skin, not all oils play nicely with spray tans. In this post, we'll demystify different oil options and their impact on your airbrush tan, helping you make informed choices to elongate the life of your faux bronze. Let's dive into which oils are spray tan-friendly and which ones you should avoid.

Oils to Embrace

Coconut Oil: Despite its popularity, coconut oil is not ideal for use with spray tans. It can actually break down the DHA (the active ingredient in spray tans) and cause your tan to fade faster.

Jojoba Oil: This lightweight oil closely resembles human sebum, making it an excellent choice for moisturizing without interfering with your spray tan.

Almond Oil: Rich in vitamin E, almond oil can help nourish your skin without compromising your tan.

Argan Oil: Known for its moisturizing properties, argan oil is safe to use with spray tans and can help keep your skin hydrated.

Dry Oils: Consider using a spray tan-safe dry oil, like those containing grapeseed, safflower, sunflower, or avocado oil. These absorb quickly and don't leave a heavy, oily layer on the skin.

Best Practices for Oil Use

  • Wait at least 24 hours after your spray tan before applying any oils to allow the tan to fully develop.

  • When it comes to the order of application, apply oil after your moisturizer. This helps seal in the hydration from your moisturizer and creates a protective barrier.

  • Opt for spray tan-safe moisturizers that are specifically formulated to extend the life of your tan.

  • If you have oily skin, you may find that using oil alone is sufficient. For those with dry skin, combining oil with a moisturizer can provide extra hydration.

  • Before using a new oil, do a patch test on a small area of skin. Wait 24 hours to ensure you don't have any adverse reactions.

Oils to Avoid

Mineral Oil: This petroleum-based product can create a barrier on your skin, preventing the spray tan from developing properly and potentially causing it to fade unevenly.

Essential Oils: While some may be okay in small amounts, many essential oils can be too harsh and may strip your tan.

Citrus Oils: Oils derived from citrus fruits like lemon or orange can have an exfoliating effect, which can cause your tan to fade more quickly.

Baby Oil: This popular moisturizer is actually a mineral oil-based product. It can create a barrier on your skin that prevents proper development of the spray tan and may cause it to fade unevenly.

Massage Oils: Many massage oils are formulated with ingredients that can break down your spray tan. These oils are often designed to be long-lasting and deeply penetrating, which can interfere with the DHA in your tan.

Remember, proper moisturizing is key to maintaining your spray tan, but it's crucial to choose the right products. Always check the ingredients list and avoid any products containing mineral oil or petrolatum. When in doubt, ask your sunless artist for guidance.

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