Can You Mix Self Tan With Sunscreen?

I’m pretty diligent about applying sunscreen; I reckon I hit the NHS-recommended seven teaspoons for your entire body most times I hit the beach.

But to be honest, I don’t sunbathe often. I burn easily, so I prefer to get a tan from a can if possible.

According to Melanie Brownlow, founder of self-tanning company St Moriz, however, combining some self-tanners with sunscreen might not be ideal.

She said, “As summer approaches, many will be looking to pull back on their makeup and focus more on using bronzing products for a sun-kissed complexion. However,”

Brownlow said: “When it comes to bronzing drops, or any self-tan products for the face, this is safe to mix in with your go-to moisturiser. However, when it comes to sunscreen, never mix any tanning products directly into this.”

This is because an active ingredient in the bronzing items can interfere with how effective your SPF is.

“The active ingredient – DHA – in self-tanning products interferes with sun protection products, diluting the SPF and reducing its effectiveness against sun damage,” she explained.

She’s not alone in sharing concerns. Dermatologist Dr Janelle Vega told L’Oréal Paris, “In general, it’s best not to mix any other products into sunscreen because it can change the measured sun protection factor”.

It means that the concentration of SPF carefully titrated by the manufacturer of your suncream changes, so you don’t know for sure how much protection your sunscreen offers anymore.

“I would recommend using your tanning drops in the evening, allowing it to develop overnight, and just keep to your SPF and any cosmetic products in the day,” Brownlow advised.

(Psst – that “SPF foundation” you’ve been using probably isn’t doing as good a job as you think).

“The same principle applies to using tanning products and sunscreen on the body, because no, having fake tan does not prevent you from burning from sun exposure,” the self-tan expert added.

“To avoid any risk, apply your self-tan to your body in the evening, allowing this to develop for at least 12 hours before you apply sun protection. The tan should be properly rinsed off as any remaining DHA on the skin can degrade SPF.”

The NHS recommends using a sunscreen with at least an SPF 30 and at least 4-star UVA protection.