After extensive sunbathing, it is advisable to first go into the shade or take a shower. Lukewarm water is best. Hot or cold water shocks the skin and can delay recovery. To avoid irritation, be careful not to rub the skin dry, but rather gently pat it dry with a towel.
After outdoor tanning, it's generally recommended to wait at least 20-30 minutes before taking a shower. This waiting period allows the UV-induced melanin production to stabilize in your skin, helping to ensure a longer-lasting tan.
We recommend waiting at least 4-8 hours after your spray tan before you shower for the first time, but don't wait more than 24 hours. When you shower for the first time after getting a spray tan, you'll probably see some golden glow wash down the drain, but don't worry!
After sunbathing or using a tanning bed showering will not impact on the formation of the tan. Showering after applying a tanning lotion certainly will. The lotion needs a few hours to generate the tan and showering will remove the tanning agents.
Recommended Routine: Apply Aloe Vera: Use it right after tanning or sun exposure to soothe and cool the skin. Follow with Lotion: After the aloe has absorbed (or later in the day), apply a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated. This combination will help maintain your skin's health and appearance after tanning.
For optimal results, it is generally recommended to wait at least 2-4 hours before showering. This timeframe allows your skin to absorb the UV exposure and continue melanin production without interruption.
A natural tan will usually last for around 7-10 days, although this can vary for each different skin type and colour. However, any exposure to sun during that 7-10 day period could mean that your tan will hang around for longer, so the length of time it lasts really does depend on the individual.
Drinking plenty of water also keeps your skin hydrated and will allow it to stay tan longer. Excessive water exposure can make a tan fade faster, so avoid long baths or showers. Hot water strips the skin of its natural oils and moisture, so shower with lukewarm or cold water to keep your tan.
After sun exposure, your skin begins to produce melanin, which is responsible for the tan. This process can take up to 48 hours to fully develop. So, don't be discouraged if you don't see immediate results. Once your tan has developed, it will be at its peak for about two weeks.
Should I shower before fake tan? Shower at least half an hour before you plan on self-tanning to cleanse your body and remove any deodorant, make-up or moisturiser that will cause your tan to become patchy or streaky.
We want your tan to be 20/10 and unfortunately if moisturiser is applied it can leave blotches, marks and strip the tan in certain spots on the skin. Once you've washed off the colour guide and waited at least 8 hours, you can apply your favourite moisturiser to your entire body.
Resist the urge to shower immediately after using a sunbed, as it can negatively impact the final result of the tan.
During the early stages of building up a base tan we recommend tanning frequently (twice a week) for no more than 6 minutes regardless of your skin type (not including skin type 1).
"Aftersun will not help you tan, but it may prolong your tan by moisturising the skin and therefore stopping peeling and making your skin look healthier," says Dr Banwell. He stresses that you don't need aftersun to do this - any moisturiser will help.
Fair skin can tan under the sun, but only with care. Start with short, consistent exposure, about 10-15 minutes a day during safer times like early morning or late afternoon. Always wear sunscreen (yes, even when aiming for a tan) and reapply it as directed.
Your Sunscreen Doesn't Have Enough UVA Protection
However, it's the UVA rays that cause tanning. In North America, look for the words “Broad Spectrum” as an indication that the sun filters used in the formulation protect from both UVB and UVA rays.
You don't necessarily tan faster in water or laying out. This is because water reflects UV rays, so you may not be getting as much exposure as you think if you're actually in the pool.
Many sunbed users wonder if it's okay to shower after using a sunbed. The answer is yes – you can definitely shower after using a sunbed. In fact, showering can actually help to prolong your tan. When you shower, the water helps to hydrate your skin, which can prevent your tan from fading too quickly.
Why won't my tan go away? When the cells become damaged with pigment, discoloration that doesn't fade occurs, leading to a tan that doesn't fade. In fact, it tends to stay dark unless you choose to have this hyperpigmentation treated professionally.
To remove sun tan from your hands, you can dip your hands in a warm bowl of honey and lemon juice for 20 minutes. Then rinse thoroughly and apply a nourishing body or face moisturizer afterward. Cucumber has a cooling and soothing effect on sun-damaged skin.
After extensive sunbathing, it is advisable to first go into the shade or take a shower. Lukewarm water is best. Hot or cold water shocks the skin and can delay recovery. To avoid irritation, be careful not to rub the skin dry, but rather gently pat it dry with a towel.
Evidence suggests that tanning greatly increases your risk of developing skin cancer. And, contrary to popular belief, getting a tan will not protect your skin from sunburn or other skin damage.
While it doesn't stop tanning completely, using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF can significantly minimize the extent of tanning by blocking UVB rays responsible for sunburn and UVA rays that penetrate deeper into the skin.