Will Retinol Ruin Your Spray Tan?
Most Likely — Here's Why (and What to Do About It)
If you've ever noticed your spray tan fading faster than usual ; especially around the face, neck, or chest, your skincare routine could be the culprit. One of the biggest offenders? Retinol.
Let’s break down why retinol and spray tans don’t mix well and how to keep your glow flawless.
🌟 What Is Retinol?
Retinol is a powerful skincare ingredient loved for its ability to boost skin cell turnover. It's great for reducing fine lines, smoothing skin, and promoting a radiant complexion.
But here’s the catch…
That same cell turnover that helps your skin glow naturally also causes your tan to fade faster.
🧴 Why Retinol Affects Your Spray Tan
Here’s what retinol does that can mess with your tan:
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Speeds up your skin’s natural exfoliation
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Causes your tan to fade faster than normal
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Leads to patchiness, especially in sensitive areas like the face, neck, and chest
If your tan isn’t lasting or looks uneven in these areas, retinol might be the reason.
⏱️ What Should You Do?
Stop using retinol 3–5 days before your spray tan.
This allows your skin to calm down and hold onto your tan better. By doing this, you’ll get a more even application and your tan will last longer and fade more naturally.
💡 Aftercare Tip
Hold off restarting retinol for at least 2–3 days after your first post-tan shower, or ideally until after your event (if you’re tanning for a special occasion).
This helps preserve your tan in those delicate areas and avoids the dreaded patchy fade on your face or chest.
✅ Spray Tan-Friendly Moisturisers
Instead of retinol, nourish your skin with moisturisers that are safe to use with a spray tan. We recommend:
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Garnier 7 Day Intense Cream
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Sanex
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CeraVe
These help hydrate your skin without breaking down the tan, keeping it smooth and even for days.
In summary:
Retinol is fantastic for skincare ; but if you want your spray tan to last, it’s best to pause its use for a few days before and after your tan.