Many of us love having a summer glow and, as such, it’s tempting to reach for the fake tan before jetting off for a beach holiday. But with sun, sea and chlorine in abundance, is it best to forgo any pre-holiday tanning when these factors can contribute to patchy-looking fade? And does self tan interfere with our body's "natural" tanning process?
These are all common questions when it comes to using the best self tan and best fake tans for mature skin before a summer holiday. Going for a spray tan or reaching for the mousse and mitt combination has become a natural part of many pre-holiday beauty routines – as obtaining a bronze glow before donning our new swimsuit can feel like a real confidence boost.
That said, numerous environmental factors can contribute to the results of a spray tan going downhill quickly in a warm country, meaning it may be easier to forgo a spray tan appointment (or DIY fake tan session) altogether. To clearly, we approached two tanning experts for their advice on the matter...
Should you use self tan before a holiday? Experts break down the need-to-knows
Why use fake tan before a holiday?
First of all, we must stress that nobody has to use fake tan before a holiday. "Tanning your body prior to a beach holiday is a personal choice," explains Nicky Matthews, founder of Sienna X. "Some people tan prior to a holiday so that they can start it feeling bronzed without having to wait a few days." Either way, there should be no pressure – internal or external – to look a certain way on the beach. "There is no such thing as 'should' when it comes to beach holidays – other than wearing a high SPF without fail," stresses professional spray tanner Gina Garbutt. "All bodies are good bodies and are welcome at the beach."
That said, for some people, there is an understandable appeal to having skin with an extra glow. "Many clients feel comfortable going on a beach holiday with a light layer of self tan on their skin, especially after months without sun exposure, as having this 'second skin' makes them feel more confident," Gina continues. "The correct tan application can emphasise bone structure and [appear to] elongate limbs, making you feel more sculpted and defined. Many clients say this makes them feel ready to wear fewer layers and get into their swimwear."
RRP: £16 for 200ml
As Nicky mentions, bringing along a gradual tan is essential for holidays. This one offers a buildable formula and un-tinted guide colour, meaning zero transfer onto clothes and bed sheets.
RRP: £39
Tan-Luxe’s recent collaboration with Paris Hilton is a must for tanning fans. The Airbrush 360 Self-Tan Mist is a tanning water housed in a 360-degree designed mister, which allows you to get that perfect spray tan from home.
RRP: £34 for 200ml
An easy-to-use mousse formula complete with a guide colour (very handy if you're apprehensive about streaks), St Tropez's Express Mousse is ideal for the time-poor among us. It gets to work in 1–3 hours, depending on your desired intensity, before you rinse it off.
Does fake tan affect the skin's 'natural' tanning process?
Many people wonder if products like the best fake tan for pale skin interact with the development of a natural tan – not necessarily from lying directly in the sun (which, sadly, is never advisable), but after outdoor activities such as swimming in the sea or beach walks sunnier weather, for example.
However, our experts stress that this needn’t be a worry. "Wearing self tan will not restrict you from catching a natural sun tan," Gina confirms. "The key to maintaining self tan is keeping your skin hydrated and moisturised; wear fragrance-free SPF daily and your fake tan will evenly fade as your natural tan deepens."
While self tan won’t inhibit your skin's natural tanning mechanisms, it's crucial to remember that fake tan also won't protect you from harmful UV rays, which will still penetrate your faux glow and reach your skin. This is why you must continue to diligently apply sun protection to both your face and body. As Gina notes, this will also help your self tan to fade evenly – so if you haven't already, be sure to add one of the best facial sunscreens and all-over broad spectrum SPFs to your beauty bag.
How to ensure fake tan fades evenly on holiday
This leads nicely into whether wearing fake tan before a trip will cause more havoc than needed on a nice relaxing holiday by developing unwanted patches as it fades. We're sure you've wondered if sea water, chlorinated pool water and the sun and sand will all just cause a spray tan or even the best fake tan for face and body to do so, rendering the process not worth the effort.
"The longevity of self tan or a spray tan when away on a beach holiday will not be as normal; this is due to added external factors such as frequent exposure to seawater and chlorine," Nicky confirms. "Frequent drying off will also encourage the natural shedding of skin [due to] friction from your beach towel." That said, the experts explain that as long as you follow certain tanning "rules," which they've broken down below, you and your tan will be just fine.
- Exfoliate pre-application: Gina recommends exfoliating and care for skin effectively before applying your tan. "A huge amount of tan performance comes down to the client's prep work."
- Use oil-free body products: "If you wear anything that is oil-based, you will break down the DHA (the key tan ingredient) in fake tan, which leads to streaking and patchiness," Gina notes.
- Be smart pre– and post–swimming: "Sea water and chlorine don’t need to be avoided altogether when you’re enjoying your holiday, but chlorine does dehydrate the skin and can lift a tan because of this sped-up exfoliation process," Gina explains. "Where possible, rinse your skin with clean water before and after entering the sea and/or pool and moisturise the skin so that it stays cared for [afterwards]."
- Take gradual with you: Nicky also recommends bringing one of the best gradual tans with you to apply in the evenings. This helps to even out coverage of a spray or self tan and any natural tan development, as well as helping to keep skin hydrated.
