Can You Tan Through Makeup?
You might find yourself out in the sun with some makeup on, and while the makeup is adding to your flawless glow, will it stop your skin from tanning?
Can you tan with makeup on?
Makeup does not act as a complete barrier to UV rays, so you can tan through makeup. The tan you will achieve when wearing makeup might be uneven and blotchy, so it is best to wear a tinted moisturizer with SPF when tanning.
So yes, you can tan through makeup, but it is not something to be encouraged!
Why You Shouldn’t Wear Makeup When Tanning
Many people have found that wearing makeup acts as a barrier between UV rays and the skin, resulting in an uneven tan.
Whether it is base, foundation, powder, blush, eyeliner, eyeshadow, lipstick, or mascara, no makeup should ever be used as a substitute for sunscreen.
Although makeup can act as a tanning barrier at times, it does not fully and properly protect your skin the way sunscreen would.
Without proper protection, your skin will be vulnerable to sun damage, which can cause sunburn, long-term skin damage, or even increase the risk of skin cancer.
Makeup tends to act as a barrier to the sun when applied to the skin, as most makeup products contain ingredients that protect against UV radiation.
These chemicals can be difficult to break down, which prevents UV rays from reaching the skin and causing the production of melanin, a pigment that contributes to tanning.
Not only will your skin be vulnerable to sun damage, but if you do happen to tan with makeup on, you can expect it to appear blotchy, uneven, and red.
How Makeup Affects A Tan
Wearing any type of makeup on your face will definitely affect your tan, whether the effect is subtle or very noticeable.
Some areas might tan, others might not, and your skin might burn more than usual as well.
The makeup, along with certain other factors, will affect how you tan.
SPF Protection
Some makeup, mainly concealer, comes with built-in SPF protection.
It is not strong protection, but it is enough to provide slight protection for your skin. For optimal protection, look for an SPF of 30 or higher.
My favorite BB cream comes with SPF 30, and this helps build sun safety into my everyday routine.
Skin Type
Sensitive skin is more prone to sun damage and sunburn than other skin types.
Medication also plays a significant role in determining how sensitive the skin might be to the sun.
Therefore, it is essential to understand your skin type and consult with your doctor about any medications you are taking and their potential impact on skin sensitivity.
Time of Day
It is evident that the sun is at its strongest at specific times of day, particularly between 11 am and 3 pm.
Your skin will be most vulnerable to sunburn or tanning during these hours, so it is essential to ensure your skin is properly protected if you are outdoors during this time.
There are other ways that makeup might affect your skin if worn whilst in the sun, possibly damaging your skin further.
Pores
You will most likely break out in a light sweat when out in the sun, and wearing makeup can cause your pores to become clogged.
Excess oil is also produced by the skin when exposed to sunlight, which can lead to clogged pores.
Breakouts
Clogged pores can lead to irritation and breakouts on the skin, which may, in turn, make your skin more sensitive to both the sun and makeup.
How To Tan With Makeup
If you are desperate to achieve some coverage with concealer and perhaps a dash of mascara, there are safer ways to tan with makeup on.
Tinted Sunscreen
Instead of using a concealer, you could opt for a tinted sunscreen.
You can use this sunscreen all over your body to achieve an even tone, without needing concealer, while still providing your skin with much-needed protection from the sun.
If I am looking for the most natural-looking finish possible, I opt for this lightly tinted sunscreen.
Tinted Moisturizer
There are some wonderful tinted moisturizers on the market that come with added SPF protection.
They aren’t as thick as concealers, and instead, help to moisturize and nourish the skin when applied.
With the slight tint and SPF protection, you can confidently go out into the sun, knowing your skin looks great and is protected from UV rays.
Foundation with SPF
Instead of using a heavy concealer, opt for an oil-free, lightweight concealer with SPF protection.
Being oil-free and non-comedogenic, the concealer should not clog up pores or cause breakouts, and it will be light on your skin.
The SPF protection will go a long way in preventing any damage to the skin caused by the sun.
However, with all these options, excluding tinted sunscreen, you will need to have a base layer of sunscreen applied before applying any other products.
It is essential to remember that the strength of the sunscreen determines how often it needs to be reapplied throughout the day to effectively protect your skin.
How To Properly Remove Makeup Before Tanning
Removing makeup before tanning will help you achieve a natural, even tan that is free from blotches and sunburn. Here are some tips for removing makeup:
- Go slow, do not rub too roughly or too fast. This could cause your skin to become irritated and increase sunburn.
- Use soap and water to remove makeup gently from the skin. Use mild soap and warm water to clean the area. It will remove any residue and prep your skin well.
- Using a cleanser or makeup remover is also a gentle way to remove any excess makeup. Not only will it remove the makeup, but it will nourish your skin.
- Remove all makeup from the edge of your eyelids. This area is often overlooked and can be vulnerable to sun damage.
- Cleanse your hairline. This is another area that is often forgotten. When tied in a ponytail, move the hair back to properly access this area.
- Apply a moisturizer with SPF after removing all makeup from your skin. It will moisturize and nourish your skin, keeping it hydrated when exposed to the sun, while also providing some extra protection.
- Wear sunscreen all over to protect your skin from any damage done by UV rays.
A proper skincare routine is essential for maintaining healthy, breakout-free skin.
Wearing makeup in the sun will aggravate your skin by clogging up pores and leaving you with an uneven tan. It isn’t worth the risk of damage to your skin in order to wear makeup in the sun!
Related Questions
Can I wear makeup in a tanning bed?
The same rules apply for tanning in a tanning bed as they do for tanning in the sun.
Makeup will act as a barrier to UV rays, resulting in either a patchy tan or sensitive skin that burns more in some areas.
Wearing makeup in a tanning bed can also lead to skin breakouts, as increased sweat and oil, combined with open pores, allow the makeup to penetrate the skin, leading to irritation and breakouts.
Can I tan with fake tan on?
Your skin will still be able to tan with fake tan or self-tan on. Some self-tanning products do come with built-in SPF, but these do not last long at all.
Just like with makeup, a tan through fake tan might be blotchy and streaky. You will still need to apply sunscreen to your skin when using self-tanning products.
Does tanning darken freckles?
When tanning, the UV rays cause the skin to create more melanin. Melanin is also found in freckles, so it would make sense that tanning does, in fact, cause freckles to darken, just as it darkens the rest of the skin.
Many people also find that they develop new freckles when tanning, which is a fairly common occurrence.
Freckles are also more common in fair-skinned individuals, who tend to sunburn more than they tan.
Can I tan with tinted moisturizer?
You will still tan if you are using a tinted moisturizer. While many tinted moisturizers contain SPF protection, they do not contain enough to completely stop a tan from developing.
You will still protect your skin from damage caused by UV rays, so you will likely be left with a subtle, bronze tan.
Can I spray tan with makeup on?
It is not a good idea at all to spray tan with makeup on. The makeup will act as a barrier to the spray tan, which will just wash off as soon as you shower.
It is perfectly fine to apply makeup once your spray tan has dried, but give it enough time to set before doing so.
