How Sunburn Can Affect Your Next Spray Tan & Wax

We are well and truly in the midst of Summer and so it is more important than ever to protect our skin from sunburn and permanent skin damage. More importantly, keeping out of the sun prior to a wax is imperative to ensure damage isn’t done to already sensitive skin. Similarly, layering a spray tan over already sunburnt skin won’t help and will just leave you a patchy mess. We explain below why keeping a low profile when it comes to sun exposure before or after a wax or spray tan appointment is so vital!

Waxing

Waxing over sunburnt areas of your skin can be incredibly painful and in some cases can cause hyperpigmentation. We recommend not lying in the sun 24 hours before and after waxing - this is because your skin will be even more sensitive to wax and there’s a much higher chance of the wax irritating your skin even if you have no visible burns.

Similarly if you lie in the sun straight after wax, the chances of your skin burning are higher. Waxing is a process that removes the top layer of your skin along with the hair so there is less protection on your skin post wax.

In terms of spray tanning after a wax, we recommend waiting 24 hours for a spray tan as this gives time for the pores to close and any skin irritation to heal. Read here how to prepare for a spray tan.

SPRAY TANNING

Sunburnt and wondering if it’s okay to get a spray tan over the top? Generally, no. It all comes down to the severity of the burn - but we recommend waiting until all signs of sunburn have heeled.

If you are blistering or peeling from sunburn - getting a spray tan will leave your skin looking flaky and streaky. This is because fake tan uses an ingredient called dihydroxyacetone or DHA which the amino acids in our dead skin cells react with. Our dead skin cells gradually release from our body which is why a spray tan will fade eventually - but with peeling, your spray tan may not stick and will cause it to look patchy.

Your best bet is to avoid getting sunburnt in the lead up to your next spray tan appointment.

CARING FOR SUNBURN

Sunburnt and looking for the best way to care for your skin? We recommended cooling the skin as often as possible - either with a damp towel or cool shower. Use a moisturiser that contains aloe vera to help soothe skin. Drink plenty of water, sunburn can draw fluids to the surface of the skin and away from the rest of the body. Take extra precaution when going outside again by wearing long sleeves and sun protection. See our top products below when it comes to sun protection.

MEDIK8 PHYSICAL SUNSCREEN $74

MEDIK8 ADVANCED DAY ULTIMATE PROTECT $134