Yes, you can get a spray tan on your period, and there is no medical reason to skip your appointment. Most people see no difference in their color, but some may notice a slightly lighter or patchier tan due to drier skin during the first few days of their period.
Key Takeaways
- Moisturize your skin twice daily for 2 to 3 days before your spray tan, but avoid lotion on the day of your appointment.
- Exfoliate gently about 24 hours before your session to remove dead skin cells and help your tan develop evenly.
- Reschedule your appointment if you have sunburned, peeling, or irritated skin, or if severe cramps make standing uncomfortable.
- Avoid tight clothing after your spray tan, as friction can rub off the fresh solution and leave uneven patches.
How Your Period Can Affect a Spray Tan
Your period won’t stop a spray tan from working, but changes in your skin’s hydration levels can affect how evenly the color develops.
Spray tans use DHA, an ingredient that reacts with dead skin cells in the outer layer of your skin. If your skin is dry or flaky, the color may develop unevenly.
However, you can still get a beautiful glow, as long as you do the right preparation and aftercare steps.
During this period, your skin acts differently. Here is a timeline based on the research.
| Possible Effects on Your Tan | Possible Effects on Your Tan | Possible Effects on Your Tan |
| 1 to 6 (period) | Skin was driest during this phase | Color may collect on dry patches and fade sooner |
| 7 to 21 | Skin oiliness changed along with estrogen levels | Skin may provide a more even surface for tanning |
| 22 to 28 | The skin barrier was weakest, and some women burned more easily | Skin may be more sensitive, especially to UV exposure (which makes spray tan a much better option) |
*The study involved a small group of women with regular menstrual cycles, so these changes won’t happen on the same days for everyone.
A spray tan on dry skin may also fade faster. Dry skin typically gets about 3 to 5 days of peak color, compared with longer-lasting results on well-moisturized skin.
Spray Tanning on Your Period: Myths vs. Facts
There are two common myths that we need to clear up:
- Your body temperature rises during your period. Body temperature usually drops when your period begins, according to Cleveland Clinic.
- Your skin is always more sensitive during your period. Some people notice changes in skin sensitivity during their cycle, but this doesn’t happen to everyone.
How to Prep for a Spray Tan on Your Period
You can follow your usual spray tan prep routine while on your period.
But you can always take a few extra steps to stay comfortable during the appointment and help your tan develop evenly.
For example, use a tampon or menstrual cup if possible, choose disposable underwear, and keep dry skin moisturized in the days before your appointment.
Tampon, Menstrual Cup, or Pad
You can use any of the products that you feel the most comfortable with.
The FDA advises keeping spray tan solution away from mucous membranes, including the genital area. For that reason, we recommend that you wear disposable underwear to protect sensitive areas during application.
What to Wear Before and After Spray Tan Session
Before and after your session, wear dark and loose clothing to avoid rubbing off the fresh solution or staining your favorite outfit.
If you have a heavy period, you may feel more comfortable with a private automated booth. If you are new to this method, check out our guide on spray tan booth vs airbrush.
For more clothing tips, read our guide on what to wear to a spray tan.
Prep Adjustments for Drier Skin
If your skin feels drier during your period, give it some extra care before your appointment.
- Moisturize twice daily for 2 to 3 days before your spray tan, but skip lotion on the day of your session.
- Exfoliate gently about 24 hours before your appointment to remove dry, flaky skin. Read our spray tan exfoliation guide for more tips.
- Pause retinol and AHAs for a few days before your appointment to avoid irritating your skin.
- Use barrier cream on dry areas like your hands, feet, knees, and elbows.
These small adjustments can help your color develop more evenly and last longer.
When to Book a Spray Tan Around Your Cycle
If you can choose your appointment date, try booking your spray tan the week after your period, when your skin may be less dry. If your event falls during your period, you can still get a great tan with proper skin prep.
Here are a few tips to help you plan your appointment:
- For special events: Book your spray tan 1 to 2 days before your event so your color looks its best. Learn more about how long a spray tan lasts.
- For heavy periods: If your flow is heaviest during the first day or two, consider booking after those days so you feel more comfortable.
- For regular spray tanners: Pay attention to how your color develops at different points in your cycle. If you notice a difference, ask your technician whether a shade adjustment would help.
- For weddings and photos: Schedule a trial spray tan before your big event to test the shade and see how it looks on your skin. Check out our wedding spray tan guide for more tips.
Tanning Beds on Your Period: What to Know
Yes, you can use a tanning bed while on your period. However, certain medications you take for period symptoms may make your skin more sensitive to UV light and increase your risk of sunburn.
Some medications to watch for include:
- Ibuprofen: A common pain reliever used for menstrual cramps.
- Naproxen: Another pain reliever that helps with period cramps.
- Birth control pills: Some hormonal contraceptives may increase your skin’s sensitivity to UV light.
Research found that some women burned more easily during days 20 to 28 of their menstrual cycle.
Learn more about preparation and timing in your guide on how to use a tanning bed for the best results.
When to Reschedule a Spray Tan
Your period alone is not a reason to cancel your spray tan appointment. However, certain skin conditions or physical symptoms may make it better to wait.
For example:
- Sunburned or peeling skin: Wait until your skin has fully healed, as peeling can cause uneven color and patchy fading.
- Broken or irritated skin: Cuts, rashes, or freshly waxed skin can react poorly to tanning products. Check our guide for proper waxing and shaving timing.
- Very dry or irritated patches: Areas with severe dryness or flaking may absorb more color and leave dark spots.
- Severe cramps or heavy bleeding: If standing in a spray tan booth feels uncomfortable, move your appointment to a day when you feel better.
You can also read our guide to spray tanning during pregnancy for more information.
Final Thoughts: Can You Get a Spray Tan on Your Period?
Yes, you can get a spray tan on your period without worrying about major changes to your results. Just pay extra attention to dry skin, choose a period product you’re comfortable with, and plan your appointment around how you feel.
Ready for a fresh tan? Book your spray tan at SunsUp Tan & Wellness Spa and enjoy a beautiful and UV-free glow.
FAQ
Do you wear a bra for a spray tan?
Most people skip wearing a bra during a spray tan to avoid tan lines. If you prefer more coverage, a strapless bra is a good option. After your appointment, avoid tight bras until after your first rinse, as straps and fitted fabric can rub off fresh color. Here you can learn more about what to wear for a spray tan. If you’re breastfeeding, you should cover your nipples. Learn more in our spray tan and breastfeeding guide.
What will ruin a spray tan?
Water, sweat, and friction can ruin a fresh spray tan before the color has fully developed. Other common causes of uneven color or early fading include oil-based products, chlorine, tight clothing, and exfoliating too soon. If you use a heating pad for period cramps, keep it from making you sweat before your first rinse. You can learn more tips in our spray tan aftercare guide.
What happens if you shower 2 hours after a spray tan?
It depends on the spray tan formula. Rapid spray tans are designed to be rinsed off after a shorter development time, sometimes as early as two hours. Standard formulas usually need more time, so showering too early may leave you with lighter color.
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