Does Spray Tan Cover Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks – almost all of us have them, no matter our lifestyle. Stretch marks can sometimes cause us to feel self-conscious, and many people seek ways to minimise their appearance.
While there is not much you can really do to permanently get rid of stretch marks, there are some ways to hide them. One suggested way to hide stretch marks is to get a spray tan.
So, does a spray tan really cover stretch marks?
Thankfully, yes! Spray tans can often help to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, for the duration that the spray tan lasts. Spray tans are not permanent, but they can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks for some time, while giving your skin a wonderful glow.
What Are Stretch Marks?
Stretch marks are incredibly common for both women and men. They can be caused by a whole host of different things, from pregnancy to weight gain, and even just genetics.
Long, narrow lines appear in the skin where the skin is suddenly stretched. They can appear on the stomach, hips, breasts, thighs, arms, lower back, and almost everywhere else on the body.
At first, stretch marks can appear as thin, pink lines, which may be itchy or irritated. Over time, this develops into raised streaks that can be red, pink, purple or brown.
Eventually, stretch marks fade to a silver colour, becoming less noticeable.
Being scars, stretch marks are permanent. They might fade over time, but there is no way to permanently remove them. They are not dangerous, but can cause a decrease in self-image for many people.
How Spray Tans Help To Cover Stretch Marks
Unlike foundation or make-up, spray tan products are a transparent colour. This creates a sheer wash of colour over the surface of the skin.
Spray tanning products contain DHA, which reacts with the top layer of skin to develop a tanned colour.
This does not cover the skin; instead, it darkens the skin tone, so the skin is still visible after application, rather than being covered up by makeup.
Sometimes, scarred skin does not absorb sunless tanning lotions, resulting in the scarred skin being lighter than the rest of the body.
However, depending on the age of the stretch mark, its thickness, colour, and how evenly it has healed, it is possible for the stretch mark to absorb some of the spray tan and develop a darker tone.
White or silver stretch marks tend to hold onto spray tans more effectively, evening out their appearance to blend in with the rest of the skin.
This is dependent on the client and the nature of the stretch marks, but many people have found that spray tans help to cover up these marks.
How To Reduce The Appearance of Stretch Marks
Deciding to go for a spray tan to try and reduce the appearance of stretch marks can be both exciting and scary.
You are so hopeful that the new golden glow will bring out the best in your skin, but also worried that the spray tan might accentuate your stretch marks more.
To try and ease your nerves, do a spot test the day before your spray tan. This will help you determine how each scar will react to the spray tan.
Using a cotton pad, apply a small amount of spray tan solution to the scarred area. Wash it off after hours and check for absorbency.
You might find that some areas of your body absorb the colour more than others, but this is normal.
Scars that have healed and are not sensitive can be safely spray tanned over.
Some people choose to use over-the-counter products to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, such as bleaching agents, creams, or acids; however, these should be avoided if you are getting a spray tan.
You should also avoid using spray tan if a scar is still healing. When you go for your spray tan, let your spray tan applicator Know that you want to cover your stretch marks as best as possible.
They will do some test patches to check how your skin reacts, and they will help the spray tan formula blend better into the skin, allowing the stretch marks to be less noticeable.
Visiting a salon for a spray tan to cover stretch marks provides an opportunity to speak with a professional who has likely performed numerous spray tans for individuals seeking to conceal stretch marks.
They will be able to guide you in choosing the right tone to better blend your skin colour, making you appear more even and natural-looking.
While a spray tan may not completely cover stretch marks, many people have found that it helps reduce their appearance, and who doesn’t love a bronzed tone?
How To Prepare Skin (And Stretch Marks) For A Spray Tan
Preparing your skin before a spray tan is so important! The same applies to preparing your skin for a spray tan to cover up stretch marks.
The areas of your body that have stretch marks should be treated the same as the rest of your skin.
Exfoliate
You should exfoliate your body the day before a spray tan, and this is particularly important for reducing the appearance of stretch marks.
The skin sheds its outer layer daily, which can cause a build-up of dead skin cells. This build-up can result in darker patches in your spray tan.
Gently exfoliate over your stretch marks to ensure there is no excess of dead skin cells.
This will help the spray tan appear more even and natural, blending in the stretch marks with the rest of your skin.
My favourite body scrub for reducing stretch marks is this one. I like it because it has arnica, which is known for reducing the appearance of stretch marks.
Moisturize
The skin surrounding stretch marks can be quite dry. This is another factor that could result in the skin around the stretch marks taking on a darker tone than the rest of the body.
While exfoliating helps remove excess dead skin cells, moisturising with an oil-free, perfume-free lotion will provide the skin with much-needed moisture, allowing it to absorb more colour and blend in with the rest of the skin.
My favourite body lotion to use before self-tanning is this one, which you can pick up on Amazon.
Moisturised skin holds a spray tan much better, so be sure to apply moisturiser regularly to your skin leading up to your spray tan.
Avoid Products
Do not apply any lotions, creams, perfume or deodorant to your skin the day of your spray tan. These products will act as a barrier to the spray tan, causing streaks and patches.
Something you definitely want to avoid if you are looking to cover up your stretch marks.
Spot Test
It is always a great idea to do a patch test the day before the actual spray tan. Apply some of the product to a hidden area of your body with stretch marks.
Once developed, wash it off. This will give you a good indication of how the spray tan will look once applied to your entire body.
Related Questions
Does fake tan hide blemishes?
Spray tans, self-tanners, Fake tan products can help cover up blemishes such as cellulite and uneven skin tone.
Whether applied at home or at a salon, many people have successfully covered up a wide range of skin conditions thanks to a sunless tan.
Does a spray tan cover bruises?
Spray tans do not cause damage to your skin and will leave you with a gorgeous, bronzed glow.
Spray tans are effective at covering up bruises, as they work with the outer layer of the skin, turning it a darker tone. As the bruise fades, the coverage will be better.
How else can I cover stretch marks?
If you don’t want to commit to a spray tan, you can cover up stretch marks using body makeup. Foundations and bases can be used to cover stretch marks and paint them with a natural tone.
This is different from using spray tan, as a spray tan changes the colour of the skin, whereas body makeup is similar to painting over a wall.
It is not long-lasting or permanent, but it can help when you need to cover up for a special occasion.
Does a spray tan cover dark spots?
Spray tans should not darken dark spots more than they already are, but instead, they will darken the rest of the skin to even out the tone, which helps blend the dark spots in and makes them appear less visible.
Spray Tanning and Stretch Marks
If done correctly, spray tanning can effectively reduce the appearance of stretch marks, especially older ones.
The spray tan will not be permanent, and you will need to visit a salon regularly to maintain your sunless tan.
However, it is a great way to boost your body image if you are conscious of your stretch marks.
Covering your stretch marks is another motivation for you to achieve a beautiful summer glow, without the damage done to your skin from sitting in the sun.
It is a win-win situation!
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