I am Cathryn Kerwin-Rawlinson and I am a Wedding Makeup Artist and I cover the North of Wales and Cheshire and I have been doing this now for 16 years and in those year I have had to deal with fake tan on the face and it makes my job so hard and I want to explain why and why you should avoid as the bride and tell your bridal party to do the same thing.
This post will take you through some of the main reasons why you should steer clear of using a fake tan on your face, now if you are planning a tan on the body then that is up to you but don't tan the face and if you are getting a spray tan tell the beautician to not go onto the face and stop at the neck and I will match your face on the day to the tan and these are the reasons why you should keep the tan off the face.
Firstly, applying fake tan to your face can lead to uneven, blotchy skin because facial skin is different from the skin on the rest of our bodies. It's thinner and more sensitive. This sensitivity makes it harder for the skin to absorb the tanning solution evenly, often leading to a patchy appearance. Plus, factors such as sweat and facial oils can break down the tanning solution, leading to more unevenness.
Another problem is the drying effect fake tan products can have on your skin. Many of them contain ingredients that can cause dehydration. Facial skin needs to be properly hydrated to maintain its glow and elasticity. Applying a drying fake tan solution to it may strip your skin of its natural moisture, making it feel rough, dry, and prone to flaking. The amount of times I have encountered a face that has been fake tanned and to the touch it feels like sandpaper and it absorbs the foundation oil which can lead to patchiness of the base because the skin is so parched it is seeking oils and moisture from where it can and takes it from your foundation.
Fake tan often contains harsh chemicals that are not facial skin-friendly. Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is one such chemical used in tanning solutions. Although deemed safe for external use, it may cause skin irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin or skin conditions like eczema or rosacea.
Another reason to avoid applying fake tan on your face is the difficulty in achieving a natural look. It's not easy to replicate the effects of the sun, which naturally darkens some parts of your face more than others, giving a sun-kissed effect. When applied all over, fake tan may give a flat, unnatural look. The allure of having a tan, even if it's fake, can be powerful, but it's crucial to weigh up the benefits against the risks. And remember, there are plenty of safer ways to achieve a bronzed look. Consider using a bronzer, blush, or a lightly tinted moisturizer instead. Or even better, embrace your natural skin colour. Nothing beats the beauty of a healthy, glowing skin!
Photographers I know also despise fake tan as it can look yellow on camera and if your partner isn't tanned and you are the colour against their natural skin can look really odd and unnatural.
If you are interested in finding out more about my work and would like to secure me for your special day then follow the link below.