Can you tan in the sun with self-tanner on? Yes, you can go outside and enjoy the sun while wearing self-tanner, but there's one very important thing to know:
Self-tanner does NOT protect your skin from the sun's UV rays.
A self-tan may make your skin look beautifully bronzed, but unless your product specifically contains SPF, it does not replace sunscreen or reduce your risk of sunburn and UV damage.
Here's what you should know about self-tanner, sun exposure, and sunscreen before heading outside.
Does Self-Tanner Protect You From the Sun?
No. Self-tanner does not provide meaningful sun protection.
Self-tanners like Elan Pure create color without requiring UV exposure. Our formula uses plant-derived DHA + organic erythrulose, which react with amino acids in the outermost layer of your skin to gradually develop a natural-looking tan.
This gives you a bronzed appearance without needing to tan your skin in the sun, but that color should never be mistaken for UV protection.
You still need sunscreen when spending time outdoors.
Can You Tan With Self-Tanner On?
Technically, yes. Your skin can still tan and burn from UV exposure while you're wearing self-tanner.
That's because a sunless tan and a UV tan are two completely different processes.
Self-tanner: Creates temporary color through a reaction with amino acids in the outermost layer of your skin.
Sun tanning: Occurs when UV radiation stimulates your skin to produce more melanin in response to UV exposure.
Your self-tan does not prevent UV rays from reaching your skin.
Should You Wear Sunscreen Over Self-Tanner?
Absolutely.
When spending time outdoors, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher over your developed self-tan.
Follow the sunscreen's directions for application and reapplication, particularly after swimming, sweating, or towel drying.
And remember: sunscreen is only one part of sun protection. Seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding excessive UV exposure can help protect your skin, too.
How Long After Self-Tanning Can You Go in the Sun?
For the best results with Elan Pure Self-Tanner, allow your tan to develop for 8–10 hours before your first rinse.
During the development period, we recommend avoiding activities that can interfere with your developing tan, including swimming, excessive sweating, and getting your skin wet.
Once your tan has developed and you've completed your first rinse, you can apply sunscreen and enjoy your normal outdoor activities.
Can Sunscreen Make Your Self-Tan Fade?
Wearing sunscreen is far more important than worrying about preserving your self-tan.
However, your choice of sunscreen and how you treat your skin can affect how evenly your tan fades.
To help maintain your self-tan:
- Keep your skin hydrated and moisturize daily.
- Avoid unnecessary scrubbing and exfoliation.
- Gently pat your skin dry after swimming or showering instead of rubbing.
- Reapply sunscreen according to its directions.
- Moisturize after spending time in the sun or water.
Keeping your skin hydrated can help your self-tan fade more evenly and extend the appearance of your glow.
Self-Tanner Is a Sunless Alternative, Not a Sunscreen
One of the biggest benefits of self-tanner is that you don't need UV exposure to achieve a beautiful bronzed glow.
Elan Pure's skincare-infused self-tanning formula uses plant-derived DHA + organic erythrulose to create buildable, natural-looking color without sitting in the sun to develop a tan.
So yes, you can wear self-tanner while enjoying time outdoors. Just remember:
Your glow may look golden, but your skin still needs sun protection.
Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+, practice smart sun protection, and let your self-tanner provide the bronze.
Get the Glow Without the UV Tan
You don't have to choose between pale skin and hours of sun exposure to get a gorgeous glow.
Elan Pure's #1 Patch-Free Self-Tanner gives you skincare-infused, buildable color formulated with plant-derived tanning actives and without dyes or synthetic fragrance.
Get the glow. Skip the UV tan.
SAVE 10% with code PINTEREST10.
