Many people think that fake tanning is a no-go for anyone with psoriasis or eczema, as the thought of taking away your natural colour and replacing it with an artificial one would make your already irritated skin stand out even more. But with some careful planning, you can get beautiful sun-kissed skin without making your condition worse. There is not a single thing that you should be held back from doing because of psoriasis or eczema! To keep from making the most common mistakes when using fake for eczema or psoriasis read this guide of tips and tricks.

Fake Tan for Eczema or Psoriasis: A How-To Guide

Fake tanning, instant tanning, or self-tan is the process when you achieve a tan without actually being in contact with UV rays. While most people can go about the fake tanning process easily, those with eczema or psoriasis have to be a little more careful.

It gets complicated when you have psoriasis, eczema or dry skin. Natural sun tanning is one option, but it will only serve to exacerbate eczema and psoriasis while also putting those with such conditions at risk of severe sunburn, which can lead to both an increase in your predisposition for these two skin diseases as well as significantly increasing the likelihood you can develop melanoma — a deadly form or common type of cancer that forms on the tissue layer underneath our epidermis. Everyone loves a good dose of sunshine and summer, but it is also often coupled with heat, sweat, and humidity- none of which are friendly to skin conditions. Sunbeds and all the sun can be equally dangerous. There is no such thing as a 'safe' and natural tan — whilst small amounts of sun exposure might be beneficial for eczema and psoriasis. Fake tan is the best option if you want to achieve tanned skin yet keep your skin safer. Just a reminder – fake tan is not an SPF! Sun cream should be worn anytime you are outside for longer than 15 minutes (no matter the weather) as people with eczema or psoriasis have a weakened skin barrier.

We recommend at-home tanning, as that way you can be uber-prepared, have full control over the type of products used and execute proper aftercare. It If you decide on a professional spray tan do not hesitate to tell them about your situation.

Choose the Right Self-Tanner

The most important thing to remember when it comes to fake tanning with psoriasis, or eczema is using the best self-tanner for your needs. Avoid products that may have harsh chemicals or fragrances and try to find ones that are specifically designed for sensitive skin. Be sure to do a patch test before applying the self-tanner all over your body as some may cause skin problems like flare-ups or irritation. This can be at your write or the crease of your elbow. If you are someone who has experienced sensitivity in the past during patch testing, we would advise you to do a few patches and wait one or two days between them. Most products come in travel/sample sizes, so you can conduct these sensitivity tests before bolstering your full-size bottle. A patch test will greatly reduce the risk of a flare-up during full-body application but it is no guarantee.

Try a gradual tanner- We recommend Bondi Sands. This tanner helps you avoid any streaks or the dreaded ‘white dots’. If you are dark-skinned, this may be a bit too pale for you, as the colour is subtle. Applying the tan after a salt bath works best. You can use a tanning mitt or your hands, just make sure you wash them thoroughly afterward!

Use natural products where possible- try to choose an organic tanner. You can also buy instant tans with moisturising and hydrating properties. Moisturising tans will contain added vitamins, glycerin, aloe, or shea butter. These products will be kinder to your skin, and less likely to cause a reaction. In general, the shorter the ingredients list, the better.

Try a tanning oil suitable for those with sensitive skin, such as Tanologist Fake Tan Overnight Oil Drops. This self-tanner contains a unique blend of essential oils, so you can wake up feeling ‘glowy’. An oil, rather than a traditional mousse/gel can be more hydrating, ideal for those with dry skin conditions.

Very sensitive skin should avoid products containing DHA (dihydroxyacetone). DHA aggravates sensitive skin, causing redness and itching. This chemical reacts with the amino acids on the outer skin layer, leading to a darker, ‘glowy’ appearance. There isn’t much research on the effects of DHA on eczema and psoriasis, but given these skin conditions go hand-in-hand with sensitive skin, it is a chemical we recommend you avoid. Unfortunately, most fake tanners include this ingredient. Lucy Bee Medium Fake Tan Mousse contains a natural DHA substitute- designed specifically for ultra-sensitive skin.

If you have very sensitive skin, use a tanner which is designed for your face- it will be more gentle. Our favourite is St Tropez Natural Face Mist. Facial tanners are typically noncomedogenic and more hydrating too.

Some skin condition sufferers prefer to use Body Make-Up. These formulas can disguise patches and redness, and even lessen the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks! For a special occasion, you may wish to use body makeup instead of fake tanning. Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs is a great option. The application can be a bit messy, and there’s much more transfer than with traditional self-tanners, but the flawless appearance is worth it.

Exfoliate and Moisturise Before Applying

One common mistake people make when fake tanning with psoriasis or eczema is not properly preparing their skin beforehand. It's important to exfoliate your skin to remove any dead skin cells and create a smooth surface for the self-tanner to adhere to. However, be gentle and avoid using harsh scrubs that could irritate your skin. Only exfoliate if you do not have any broken skin.

After exfoliating, make sure to moisturise your skin to prevent dryness and flakiness, which can cause the self-tanner to appear uneven or patchy. Don’t just moisturise immediately before, ensure you have kept up to a consistent regime in the days or weeks leading up to the application. Use a moisturiser that is specifically formulated for sensitive skin. Before applying a fake tanner to your skin, make sure that you moisturise the areas of your body affected by eczema or psoriasis. This will help create an even base layer for the fake tanner to adhere to without irritating your sensitive spots more. Eczema and psoriasis-prone areas usually have a drier texture than normal skin, so using a moisturiser helps even out this difference before you apply a self-tanner. Allow this to soak in for at least 15 minutes before applying your tan. Go for a light moisturiser, as you want to absorb it quickly, preferably fragrance-free. It is important to keep the skin well moisturised after fake tanning too, to help prevent irritation and maintain the skin's natural barrier function. This can help reduce the likelihood of a flare-up and keep the skin looking and feeling healthy. It will also help your fake tan last longer.

Apply the Self-Tanner Evenly

Another common mistake when fake tanning with psoriasis or eczema is not applying the self-tanner evenly. This can result in a patchy or streaky appearance, which can be especially noticeable in areas with psoriasis. To avoid this, start by applying the self-tanner in small sections and blend it in well before moving on to the next area. Use a tanning mitt or gloves to ensure even application and avoid getting a self-tanner on your hands, which can result in an unnatural-looking tan. Take your time and be patient, as rushing can lead to mistakes and an uneven tan. Less is more. You can always apply another coat if you think you need it, but removing fake tan is a more difficult and lengthy process.

Investing in a quality tanning mitt is probably one of the best decisions when using any kind of product meant for self-tanning on sensitive skin! Tanning mitts protect both your hands from staining, as well as prevent any scratches or uncomfortable pressure when blending out false tans onto delicate spots – like those affected by eczema or psoriasis! We recommend Isle of Paradise Fake Tan Mitt. This super-soft mitt is vegan and has hydrating properties.

Avoid Over-Application on Psoriasis or Eczema Patches.

One of the most common mistakes people make when fake tanning with psoriasis or eczema is over-applying the self-tanner on dry patches. This can result in the patches becoming darker and more noticeable, which defeats the purpose of using self-tanner in the first place. To avoid this, use a lighter touch when applying self-tanner on psoriasis or eczema patches and blend it in well. Apply Vaseline to tricky spots such as elbows before application. You can also try using a gradual self-tanner that builds up over time, rather than a one-time application, to avoid overloading the skin with too much product.

If you are having a flare-up, or have severe symptoms, give it a miss if you can. Chances are the tan will not enhance your skin’s appearance, or even worse you could just make your skin more irritated. Never use a fake tan product if you have broken or inflamed skin.

Take Care of Your Skin After Tanning

After fake tanning with psoriasis or eczema, it's important to take care of your skin to prevent further irritation or flare-ups. Avoid hot showers or baths, as they can dry out the skin and exacerbate psoriasis symptoms. Instead, opt for lukewarm water and gentle, fragrance-free moisturisers to keep your skin hydrated. It's also a good idea to avoid tight clothing or anything that may rub against the skin and cause irritation. With proper care, you can enjoy a sun-kissed glow without compromising your skin's health. Bathe instead of showering for a longer-lasting tan

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