Pros Say You Shouldn’t Get A Spray Tan Over A Sunburn—Here’s Why

If you show up to your spray tan appointment with a sunburn, most professionals will turn you away. Why? When your skin is dry and sunburned, the DHA (dihydroxyacetone); the active ingredient in spray and self tan solutions will cause further irritation which can lead to peeling, uneven development, an ultimately poor results.

Here’s what else to know about why you shouldn’t get a spray tan or use self tanner on to of sunburn:

1. Uneven Tan Development

• Sunburned skin is damaged and may peel or flake, causing the tan to develop unevenly, look blotchy, and fade away faster

• The spray tan will cling more to dry or healing areas, creating dark patches.

2. Increased Skin Irritation

• Spray tan solutions contain DHA (dihydroxyacetone), which reacts with the skin’s surface. On sunburned or sensitive skin, this can cause stinging, discomfort, or further irritation.

3. Peeling Will Ruin the Tan

• If your skin is peeling from a burn, the tan will fade in patches, making it look worse.

• As the damaged skin sheds, your tan will disappear unevenly, leading to an inconsistent color.

4. Delays Healing

• Spray tans contain ingredients that may dry out the skin, making it harder for your sunburn to heal properly.

• Moisture is key for healing, and applying a tanning solution can slow down recovery.

Here’s What To Do if You Want to Fake Tan While You Have Sunburn:

• Wait until your sunburn fully heals before getting a spray tan.

• Hydrate your skin with aloe vera and fragrance-free moisturizers.

• If you need color, opt for gradual self-tanners once your skin is no longer peeling or irritated.

• Use instant body bronzers that wash off and don’t contain DHA.