2. Myth 1: Sunless Tanning Products Act As A
Sun Block
• While using a sunless tanner give you a
healthy glow, it does not act as a barrier to
the sun.
• Most sunless tanners do not contain UV
filters.
• Some products may contain a low SPF
(usually gradual tanners) but these aren’t
usually enough to protect you in the hot
sunshine.
3. Myth 2: Spray Tans Are Bad For You
• This may once have been true, but now they are made with
different ingredients which are not harmful to the body
• Spray tans containing DHA (dihydroxyacetone) and erythrulose are
deemed safe.
• Older tanning preparations used to contain tyrosine which was
carcinogenic, which may be where this myth stems from.
4. Myth 3: Spray Tans Last For A Month
• Nothing will make a spray tan last for a month
• Constant shedding of skin cannot be avoided and will cause your
tan to fade regardless of what you do to prevent it
• You can prolong the life of a spray tan by exfoliating before it is
applied, or moisturising thoroughly afterwards
• Many tans have faded completely within two weeks, and some go
within just a few days
5. Myth 4: Spray Tans Always Give An Even Tone
• If they are done correctly, this is often
true
• However, dry areas of the body can go
darker than others due to their thirst for
moisture…
• …But make sure you rub moisturiser in
thoroughly or you could get white patches
• If over-applied, they can streak and run.
Not a good look”
6. Myth 5: Home Self Tan Products Don’t ‘Go Off’
• All cosmetic products have a shelf life
• Once a product has been opened, it can degrade or degenerate
which may not cause the product to behave in the way it should
• Most items have a picture of what looks like an open pot, with ‘12m’
or ‘24m’ next to them, which means ‘Once Opened, Use Within xx
Months’.
• Keep track of this of you may get unexpectedly tangoed, or
worse….
7. Myth 6: Fake Tan Won’t Go On Your Clothes If
You Let It Dry Properly
• If your tan isn’t totally dry when you get dressed, it will often leave
stains
• Even if you wait for it to dry thoroughly, false tan can still get on
your clothes, and so you should apply it ideally in the evening so it
has plenty of time to dry before bed and before you show it off the
next day
• Sweating, rain or friction can cause unsightly marks on clothing
• For 24-48 hours after applying your sunless tanner, wear dark
colours just in case.
8. Myth 7: It Is Not Safe To Use Fake Tan During
Pregnancy
• Part of this myth is true: spray tans (especially home
spray tans containing a propellant or those in an
unventilated booth) are not usually recommended
during pregnancy in case chemicals are inhaled that
could cause harm to baby
• However, rub-in preparations such as lotions, mousses,
creams or wipes are deemed to be safe by many
sources as it reacts with the outer layer of skin and is
not absorbed into the bloodstream.
• If tanning for the first time since discovering your
pregnancy, proceed with caution, as sometimes the
skin becomes more sensitive and you may react
differently compared to what you usually would.
9. Myth 8: Fake Tans Make You Go Orange
• If you have a spray tan, a properly trained beautician or tanning
technician will know how to properly apply tan and choose a shade
that suits your skin tone
• You will only look like a Satsuma if you select a shade that is too
dark to compliment your natural skin tone
• Choose a salon that has a variety of tanning products, or when
buying a home tanning product, look for one designed for you
(most are marked with whether they are for fair/medium or
medium/dark skin).
10. Myth 9: If You Have A Shower, Your Tan Will
Streak Or Wash Clean Off
• If only this were true sometimes!
Especially when you have a tanning
disaster just before that big night out
• When you follow tanning aftercare
from a salon, they usually recommend
waiting at least eight hours after tan
application before taking a shower
• Your tan will only mess up if you do
not wait for it to dry
11. Myth 10: Applying More Tan On Top Of A Bad Tan
Will Repair It
• If your tan has streaked, gone patchy, or not turned out the way
you intended, applying more tan is probably the worst thing you
can do
• Exfoliate and moisturise your skin thoroughly and repeat on the
affected areas to help the tanning error fade
• If you need to, use mineral make up, sleeves or tights to hide or
disguise the problem until you can fix it.
• In future, prepare your skin better prior to tan application and use a
mitt to avoid streaking and uneven application.
