Is Spray Tanning Safe for Sensitive Skin?
If you have sensitive skin or allergies, trying a spray tan—whether doing it yourself, using a booth or a professional spray tan artist—can feel like a gamble. Will it irritate your skin? Cause a breakout? Leave you looking blotchy or itchy? The truth is, spray tanning can be safe for sensitive skin—but it depends heavily on the ingredients, application method, and how well you prep and care for your skin.
Let’s break it down so you can glow with confidence.
First, Let’s Talk Ingredients
The active ingredient in most spray tans is DHA (dihydroxyacetone), a sugar-derived compound that reacts with the top layer of your skin to create that bronzed color. While DHA is generally safe, those with reactive or sensitive skin may still experience irritation if:
The formula contains added fragrance or alcohol
There are preservatives or dyes that don’t agree with your skin
The skin barrier is already compromised from eczema, sunburn, or shaving
Whether you’re getting a spray tan in a booth, by an artist, or using a self-tanner at home, reading the ingredient list is key. Clean, gentle formulas are much more likely to leave you with a healthy glow—not a rash.
What If I Have Allergies?
If you have known allergies or tend to react to beauty products, the best approach is to patch test—always. Whether you're using an at-home mousse or going to a salon, ask for a small application on your inner arm or behind your ear 24–48 hours before your full tan. It’s a simple, effective way to make sure your glow doesn’t come with unexpected surprises.
Common signs of sensitivity include:
Itching or redness shortly after application
Tightness, stinging, or swelling in the hours following a tan
Rashes, bumps, or peeling
If you’ve experienced any of these in the past with self-tanners or skincare products, patch testing is a must—no matter how “clean” the formula claims to be.
Tips for Sensitive-Skin Tanners
Whether you're booking a professional tan or applying one yourself, follow these tips to help your skin stay calm and glowing:
✅ Avoid exfoliating too harshly – Gentle exfoliation is good, but don’t overdo it.
✅ Skip heavy lotions or oils beforehand – These can block the tanning solution and trigger irritation.
✅ Hydrate after – Use a fragrance-free moisturizer daily to support your skin and extend the life of your tan.
✅ Let your artist know – If you’re booking a professional tan, be sure to tell them about any allergies or sensitivities. Many can customize the solution to avoid problem ingredients.
Why the Quality of Your Tanning Product Matters
Not all tanning solutions are created equal—and when you have sensitive skin, quality matters more than ever. Many low-cost or mass-market tanners are loaded with:
Harsh alcohols
Artificial dyes
Strong preservatives
Synthetic fragrance
These ingredients might deliver a tan, but they often come with unwanted side effects—especially if your skin is prone to dryness, eczema, or allergic reactions.
Choosing a high-quality, clean tanning product made with naturally derived ingredients can make all the difference. Look for brands that avoid known irritants like parabens, sulfates, mineral oils, and PEGs. It might cost a little more, but your skin will thank you.
Why We Use Naked Tan at Aussie Glows
At aussie glows, we exclusively use Naked Tan, a luxury Australian brand formulated for even the most delicate skin. All of their products are:
🧼 Free from sulfates (SLS and SLES), parabens, mineral oils, PEGs, and synthetic fragrances
❌ No formaldehydes, retinol, coal tar, or other common irritants
🌱 Vegan and cruelty-free
🌿 Made from naturally derived ingredients with clean beauty standards in mind
We believe in only putting clean, nourishing products on your body’s biggest organ—your skin. And with Naked Tan, we’re able to deliver a gorgeous, streak-free glow that you can feel good about, inside and out.
Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can Glow—Safely
Having sensitive skin or allergies doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the confidence and fun of a flawless tan. With the right products, a little prep, and a trusted artist or brand, you can tan safely and beautifully!
At aussie glows, we’re here to make sure your experience is personalized, clean, and stress-free. Whether it’s your first tan or your fiftieth, we’ll guide you every step of the way—and help your skin glow the way it deserves.
Got questions? Want to patch test before your first appointment?
Contact us anytime! We’re happy to help you glow safely 💛
