To protect skin against sun damage, more people are turning to spray tans for that golden glow without the wrinkles and potential exposure to skin cancer. But when we still want to spend some time out in the sun, can we protect our skin and spray tan with sunscreen?
Read on to learn the facts and tips around sunscreen with spray tans. And of course, some of our favorite sunscreens for spray tan.
4 Best Sunscreens for Spray Tan Reviews
Some Sunscreens That We Love Include:
#1: La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 60
- Multi-award winning sunscreen with advanced protection in a fast-absorbing, velvety texture that leaves skin hydrated and smooth. Broad Spectrum SPF 60
- Allure 2022 Best of Beauty Award Winner. Water resistant (80 minutes)
- Formulated with Cell-Ox Shield technology: broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection with antioxidants. Formulated and rigorously tested for skin tolerance, even on sensitive skin
- Face and body sunscreen in a non-greasy, fast-absorbing texture leaves skin hydrated and smooth with a velvety texture
- Octinoxate- & Oxybenzone-free sunscreen provides broad spectrum SPF 60 protection
Last update on 2023-12-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This body and face sunscreen is broad spectrum and offers SPF 60 UVA and UVB protection; perfect for long days in the sun! It is super light on the skin, non-greasy, and absorbs really fast.
We especially love how the skin feels hydrated and smooth after using. The light formula makes it suitable for all skin types too, especially sensitive skin. Yay for that!
#2: Neutrogena Clear Body SPF 30
- 5-fluid ounce bottle of Neutrogena Clear Body Breakout-Free Liquid Sunscreen Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 30 for acne prone skin. The oxybenzone-free sunscreen is developed with Helioplex technology to provide superior defense against harmful UVA/UVB rays
- Sunscreen lotion from the #1 dermatologist recommended suncare brand has a water-light texture that leaves a weightless, matte finish and allows skin to breathe while keeping any unwanted skin problems at bay
- Dermatologist tested sunscreen formula is oil-free and non-comedogenic, so it won't cause breakouts or clog pores. Ideal for individuals with acne prone skin
- Liquid sunscreen lotion formula is fragrance-free and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. It helps keep your skin protected from the sun during outdoor activities
- Clear Body Liquid Lotion Sunscreen with SPF 30 is formulated to help prevent sunburns without aggravating or causing breakouts and, when used as directed, may help prevent skin cancer caused by the sun. Stay safe in the sun with superior protection
Last update on 2023-12-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is the perfect sunscreen for acne prone skin. The lightweight formula was developed for everyday use against UV harm, without clogging pores and causing skin to break out.
The liquid-lotion style is crazy light and leaves your skin feeling moist and bright. It’s so great how the skin doesn’t feel weighed down by goopy product but instead is so breathable!
#3: Jacket Sunscreen SPF 50+
- SPF 50+ Blocks UV Rays- Jacket contains Zinc oxide, a physical blocker, which is proven to provide broad spectrum coverage, but Zinc alone is NOT complete. Jacket enriches zinc oxide with homosalate, octisalate and octocrylene creates superior protection from damaging rays of both the UVA and UVB spectrum. In addition it won’t leave you with the white “clown” look that everyone is trying to avoid with zinc only sunblocks.
- Water Resistant Sunscreen for Athletes - Be confident that you are protected, even when you get wet. Jacket will stay on through a heavy sweat, or even a big kahuna surf session for maximum skin sun protection for your face and body.
- Anti-Aging Sunscreen - Jacket is designed to lighten and fade sun spots or “age spots” caused by sunlight. When we are out in the sun, ultraviolet rays create damaging free radicals which hurt the DNA in our skin cells. Jacket contains a host of antioxidants that prevent free radical damage and repair previous damage caused by the sun.
- Safe Natural Ingredients- Green Tea – Natural sun protector & strong antioxidant, Alpha Arbutin – A natural herbal ingredient responsible for fading sun damage spots away, Pomegranate Extract – One of the most potent antioxidants to clean up free radicals, Cucumber Extract – Known to reduce puffiness around the eyes, Vitamin C Extract – Known to help hyper pigmentation and reduce wrinkle depth, Aloe, Vitamin E, Sunflower Oil – To hydrate, sooth and repair.
- PROUDLY MADE IN USA: Dr. Thomas Balshi started Balshi Dermatology, a skin care and cosmetic service provider in South Florida. He is a board certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgery expert. Balshi's skincare collection is inspired by his experience helping patients maintain optimal skin health and is formulated with pharmaceutical-grade ingredients.
Last update on 2023-12-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Jacket sunscreen is awesome for athletes and people who are active in the sun and water. It is formulated with zinc oxide to stay on the skin all day no matter the activity.
It is also packed with vitamins and antioxidants like cucumber, green tea, and pomegrante that are anti-aging because they prevent free radical damage.
This sunscreen has a great consistency and won’t leave your skin white like other products containing zinc oxide.
#4: Australian Gold Botanical SPF 30
- POWERFUL NATURAL SUNSCREEN FOR SKIN SUN PROTECTION - The gentle Australian Gold Botanical SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray with organic alcohol offers broad-spectrum protection that blocks harmful UVA & UVB rays, for a refreshing powdery-clean feel
- FORTIFIED WITH AUSTRALIAN BOTANICALS - The antioxidant rich sunscreen spray, created with soothing elements like Eucalyptus & Red Algae, forms a unique blend of antioxidant-rich plants to fight free radicals for nourishing skin
- 360 DEGREE SUN COVER - The weightless, non-whitening continuous Australian Gold Sunscreen Spray, in an easy-to-use spray bottle, quickly gets absorbed by the skin & dries fast so you remain active at all times. It is water resistant (up to 80 minutes)
- LUXURIOUS SUNBLOCK SPRAY FOR EVERYDAY ADVENTURES - This daily sunscreen is hypoallergenic with a subtle & sophisticated fragrance of Citrus Oasis, which is so light & refreshing that you can use it every day, and not just when heading to the beach
- ECO-CONSCIOUS RANGE OF SUNSCREENS FOR CHILDREN, TEENS & ADULTS - The Botanicals range is designed to be free of Parabens, PABA, Phthalate, Petroleum, SLS (Sulfate), Dye & Oil. It is Dermatologist & Pediatrician Tested. Not tested on animals
Last update on 2023-12-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is a great sunscreen for on-the-go and easy application. The lightweight spray is easy to get all over the body and is water resistant.
It contains kakadu plum, eucalyptus and red algae; ingredients that leave the skin supple and refreshed.
The only problem is the nozzle has a tendency to get clogged making it hard for the spray to get out.
Facts and Tips Around Sunscreen with Spray Tans
What is Spray Tan?
In short, spray tan is a tanning solution that comes in the form of a mist that can be sprayed over the body to give the skin a bronzed color without having to spend time in the sun.
Spray tan products can be purchased at the store for at-home application, or you can go to a tanning salon for a professional all over spray tan.
How does Spray Tan work?
The active ingredient in most spray tans is an additive called dihydroxyacetone or DHA.
DHA is naturally derived from plant sources like sugar beets and sugar cane. It is colorless, but when it touches dead skin cells on the skin’s surface, it binds with the amino acids and reacts causing a darkening effect.
To help the bronzy color get darker and look more even on the skin, another ingredient is often added to combine with DHA. This ingredient is called erythrulose. Erythrulose is another sugar found commonly in raspberries.
Like DHA, it also binds and reacts with the amino acids in dead skin cells. Erythrulose, however, takes longer to develop its full effect. This in turn can help your tan appear richer and potentially last longer without fade.
How long do Spray Tans last?
Well, because the darkening effect of spray tans happens on dead skin cells, once those skin cells are removed, the color fades away. The skin is constantly producing new skin cells which means most spray tans last 7 to 10 days.
Do Spray Tans Protect the Skin From the Sun?
An important thing to know is that most spray tans do not contain any ingredients suited for protecting the skin from the sun. There are sunscreens on the market that contain tanning effect ingredients, but not the reverse. Thus, regular use of a broad spectrum sunscreen when spending time in the sun is crucial to keeping your skin healthy and happy.
Can I Wear Sunscreen With a Spray Tan?
Yes, and as mentioned before, you absolutely should!
Wearing sunscreen is the only way to protect your skin from UV damage. It is recommended by the American Dermatology Association to use a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. It is also imperative to reapply regularly according to the directions on the sunscreen (usually every 80 minutes), especially if you are spending time in the water.
By and large, Sunscreen will not ruin your spray tan. It can, however, degrade the spray tan by drying out your skin. So, to keep this from happening, avoid sunscreens that contain alcohol or oil. While many of us think of oil as hydrating for skin, the ones used in sunscreen are not great moisturizers.
Overall, look for sunscreens that say “alcohol-free” and/or “oil-free”. And, even if you find sunscreens that do not contain alcohol and oil, it is always a good idea to moisturize before heading into the moisture-sucking sun, just to be sure your skin is plump and hydrated.
Another thing to look for when selecting a sunscreen is “water resistant”. Water resistant sunscreens will keep your spray tan from fading if you are spending time in the water. Water resistant sunscreens also stay longer on the skin, meaning you don’t have to reapply as often.
What is Oxybenzone?
Oxybenzone is a hot buzz word in the sunscreen world these days. This is because the CDC has found it to be harmful to people, according to the Environmental Working Group. Oxybenzone can cause allergic skin reactions, can interfere with healthy hormone function and is potentially even more harmful to children. So, choosing a sunscreen that is oxybenzone-free is another thing to keep in mind.
FAQs
What is the best waterproof sunscreen for spray tans?
Look for sunscreens that advertise water resistance. These are usually formulated to get deeper into the skin for longer sun protection even if spending time in the water or actively playing sports. We love the La Roche-Posay Anthelios, a melt-in sunscreen milk body and face sunscreen lotion.
How often should I reapply sunscreen if I have a spray tan?
It’s important to read the suggested use on the packaging of your sunscreen. Most sunscreens recommend reapplying every 80 minutes to 2 hours. The time between reapplying can change depending on your level of activity and time in the water.
Spray tans will not be affected by reapplying sunscreen, especially if the sunscreen you use is alcohol and oil free. Instead, protecting the skin will have a more lasting effect on skin health and in the long-term help you maintain a healthy glow.
If using sunscreen that seems to be drying your skin out, moisturize with lotion before using. It’s the drying effect that fades spray tans, not the sunscreen itself.
Sun Bum is a popular brand, is this good to use with a spray tan?
Sun Bum has been in the sunscreen biz since 2010 and makes products that are animal-cruelty free with the planet and your health in mind. Many of their products are perfectly suitable for protecting your skin and your spray tan.
Try the Original Sunscreen Lotion for a safe, everyday use sunscreen. It is broad spectrum, water resistant, oil-free, oxybenzone-free, and enriched with vitamin E to help moisturize the skin. All things we love!
Sunscreen For Spray Tan Wrap Up
Spray tans have been around since 1999 and have only gained popularity since then. As more people become aware of the lasting damaging effects of the sun, sunless tanning is a healthy alternative.
But, who doesn’t still love being in the sunshine?! So, to protect our skin we need to have happy sunscreen habits.
To find the best sunscreen for you and your spray tan, look for those that moisturize instead of dry the skin to help keep your spray tan colored and glowing.
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