• Anti-aging, smoothing, or skin renewal products can increase fading and can cause blotchiness.
  • Alpha Hydroxy Acids can speed exfoliation and skin turnover.
  • Beta Hydroxy Acids can increase fading and can lighten a tan.
  • Retin-A type products can increase fading and can cause blotchiness.
  • Toners containing high amounts of alcohol or witch hazel can fade a tan (witch hazel extract is fine).
  • Anti-acne products can cause faster fading, peeling, and blotchiness.
  • Any medication that affects the skin or skin health can also affect a tan.
  • Antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs can affect a tan.
  • Make-up remover cleaning preparations or oils can fade a tan.
  • Bar soaps, even moisturizing ones can be very harsh on the skin and a sunless tan.  Deodorant soaps should be avoided.  Use a SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate)-free body wash for a longer lasting tan.
  • Some brands of lotions can cause rapid or poor fading.
  • Do not use a rough wash implement for daily washing (loofas, scrub mitts or scrub gloves, etc.)  Gently use a soft washcloth or your hand.
  • Adhesive tape, or products applied to skin, can pull the “tan” off (surgical tape, bandage, or peel off facial strips).
  • Hair removal procedures and depilatory products will lighten tanned skin.  Waxing will also fade or remove a tan.
  • Shaving exfoliates the skin so have clients use a sharp razor with a lubricating product.  Dull shaving can increase fading or cause stripes.
  • Body hair bleach products will also bleach the underlying skin.
  • Submersion in hot tubs, long hot baths, swimming pools (chlorine), fresh or salt water (a waterproof sun block helps) can lighten a tan.  Reapply a lotion after swimming and always pat dry after bathing or swimming; do not rub.
  • Women may “tan” differently during various hormonal changes (menstruation, pregnancy or breastfeeding).
  • Oil skinned clients or oil skin areas (face, chest, neck, and upper back) tan lighter than surrounding skin.
  • Lower legs/shins often tan lighter; therefore, more product should be applied here.
  • Insect repellent sprays and some perfumes, when sprayed directly onto the skin, remove or fade a tan.  Instead spray a cloud into air, and walk through the mist.
  • Excessive sweating and rubbing can cause tan to fade faster.