Tanning and Retinoids

[HalleHalleHalle]

Hi! I’m getting married in June and I suffer from acne. I’ve been on Tretinoin 0.025% for 6 months now and my acne still flares up time to time but it’s definitely better. My issue is that I want to be tan for my wedding but every time I have ever gotten a spray tan I end up orange no matter what I use or if I even get it professionally done. I can’t stop using my acne medication because I’ll end up with cystic acne but I also want to go to tanning. I know the issue of sun sensitivity and retinoids. I also know how terrible tanning beds are for you but I just want to be tan. Has anyone been able to successfully use a retinoid and go tanning at the same time?

[greeneyedgirl107]

@HalleHalleHalle I agree with the self-tanner recs.  For me, whenever I apply the Rx retinoid after using a self-tanner, the tan disappears.  Food for thought so you can plan your products accordingly/experiment.

[melissabt]

Hi HalleHalleHalle,

I highly recommend using a spray on tanner! I have used a lot of them and one of my favorites is the

SEPHORA COLLECTIONTinted Self-Tanning Body Mist, it gives a natural looking finish and also does not look orange.

https://www.sephora.com/product/tinted-self-tanning-body-mist-P286510?icid2=products%20grid:p286510:...

[rrroxanne]

Spray tans are amazing & won't harm your skin! Also, I'm LOVING the ISLE OF PARADISE - Self Tanning Drops

You can add a few drops to whatever moisturizer you want. You can add a couple drops for a light glow, or a few more drops for a deeper tan. 

[mafan]

Please, don’t even consider using a tanning bed while using retinol. The retinol exposes new skin and makes you even more sensitive to sun damage. You really don’t want to set yourself up for increased skin cancer risk and negate the anti aging benefits the retinol is giving you. There is a really good reason why you should use a good spf every day. 

Have you looked at self tanners? I know people who love Vita Liberata. I really like the Clarins drops that can be added to a moisturizer that let you adjust the amount of color. They make them for face and body. 

[Angelica765]

What if you try a spray tan and go with a light shade.