Can you ruin a spray tan?

Author: Teresa O'Hara MD  |  Last update: Saturday, October 18, 2025

Be sure to avoid using shower products. Loofahs, washcloths, brushes, and body washes with microbeads are all going to hasten the tan's departure. Your first shower after your spray tan will likely result in a puddle of colored water around your drain, but this is normal.

What will mess up a spray tan?

For the first day or so after getting your spray tan, you'll want to wear loose, flowy clothes—anything too tight has the potential to disrupt your tan. It's also important to follow the aftercare instructions set by your tanning artist (or those provided on the packaging of the product you used).

Will sitting down ruin my spray tan?

Okay, I know you just want the answer, and that answer is YES! You can sit down after a spray tan or even a self tan. The only way you can mess up a fake tan after the application and before your first shower is by sweating or by getting water on yourself.

Do and don'ts of spray tan?

Continue to avoid makeup, perfume, deodorant, soaps, and lotions during the development period. Do not wear tight clothing or bras after a session. Follow your technician's advice on when to shower based on the solution used. Avoid sweating excessively for the first 24 hours.

How to fix a spray tan that is too dark?

``If you do get too dark, slather on coconut oil or baby oil and sit for 10 minutes then jump in the shower and exfoliate,'' Hilliard tells me. ``Oil lifts the top layer of color and makes skin easier to exfoliate so it will lighten your tan. You can also soak in a baking soda bath.

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What to do if you don't like your spray tan?

If you're using a physical exfoliant, like gloves or a buffer, make small circular motions over your body. Focus on the areas where your spray tan is the most stubborn. Next, rinse off and see if any areas still need attention. Remember not to exfoliate too much because you can end up with red, irritated skin.

How to fade a spray tan quickly?

Try using lemon and sugar to create a DIY tan removing scrub, or combine lemon or lime juice with baking soda for a fast-acting fake tan remover. Rub onto your body with a warm washer, then rinse thoroughly. Another winning kitchen combo? Olive oil and sugar.

What happens if you tan over a spray tan?

Spray tan does not have any UV filters in it so will not stop the suns rays from penetrating the skin. Yes you can still catch a tan but you must still tan safely and wear an SPF. Lots of people have a spray tan before going on holiday, its a very popular treatment. Hope that helps!

Does spray tan look better after a shower?

Q1: Will My Fake Tan Look Better After I Shower? A: Yes! Showering helps remove excess bronzer and allows the DHA to continue developing. Skin appears cleaner and more radiant after a proper rinse.

What are the disadvantages of spray tanning?

In addition, other ingredients in the spray tan solution, such as fragrances or preservatives, may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. Inhalation of Spray Tan Solution: When spray tans are applied, some of the solutions can become airborne and may be inhaled.

Does pee ruin spray tan?

Please do not pee in the shower when you have an Airbrush Spray Tan, the ammonia in the urine will cause your tan to streak. Do not use any soap during your first rinse. Once out of the shower pat your skin dry, do not rub. You will want to continue to pat your skin dry for the duration of your Airbrush Spray Tan.

What not to do after fake tanning?

AFTER THE TAN

Shower lightly in cold – lukewarm water for 45 seconds ONLY after your desired development time. Use plain water, don't use shower gels, scrubs, shampoos or loofah during the first 24 hours after your treatment. Pat your skin dry. Do not rub or scrub your skin.

Does a spray tan develop more after you wash it off?

Once you have showered, you will notice the bronzer washing away, leaving you looking tanned and glowing underneath. From this point on hydration is the key! Please note: the tan will continue to develop even after the shower, so do not be alarmed if you're not as tanned as you expect to be.

What ruins a spray tan?

Look, it's important to keep your skin moisturized to extend the longevity of your spray tan, but some ingredients will actually strip your tan away instead of boosting it. Oils, for example, are a huge culprit. So, as much as you love your coconut oil for head-to-toe moisture, save it as a hair treatment instead.

Will shampoo ruin a spray tan?

The chemicals in the shampoo and conditioner can affect your tan, so wait at least 24 hours before washing your hair.

Do you spray tan naked?

No, you don't have to be naked when you spray tan. While some people prefer to be nude to avoid tan lines, you have the option to wear whatever is most comfortable for you—like a swimsuit or underwear. During your tan, bronzer could transfer to your clothing but don't worry!

What lotions to avoid after spray tan?

This isn't an exhaustive list, but here are some ingredients to avoid when moisturizing after a spray tan:
  • Mineral oil.
  • Fragrances.
  • Most essential oils.
  • Anti-aging products.
  • Toners.
  • Hair removal products.
  • Retin-a.
  • Make-up removal products.

How to fix smudged spray tan?

Pro Tip: if the area has already started to dry to the point where the solution isn't blending with just a brush, spray your brush with a little bit of prep spray or spray tan solution and then go back to the area that's smudged and blend, blend, blend!

Can you mess up a spray tan?

Problem #1 A spray tan that looks too dark

The oil and hot water will help to break down the tan. Once out of the bath, taking a shower and rubbing skin lightly with a loofah or exfoliating mitt is a good idea. Scrubbing gently is key – otherwise, the tan may turn patchy.

Is it better to get a spray tan in the morning or at night?

Discuss with your spray tan artist what will work best for your schedule. Your Daily Routine: If your days are packed with activities, an evening appointment might be better. If you're less active during the day, a morning tan can fit seamlessly.

Does fake tan come off in the pool?

Although the chlorine found in swimming pools can lead to a faster 'fade-off' you can still enjoy a swim and protect your tan. The key is to take quick dips to reduce the time your tan is in contact with the water and to gently pat yourself dry once you've come out of the pool to avoid rubbing off any colour.

Does Dawn dish soap remove fake tan?

Apply Dish Soap

Arnold shares that she specifically likes to use it on more stubborn areas, like the palms and bottoms of the feet, to remove self-tanner easily. "Dawn dish soap (especially the DAWN Platinum Powerwash Dish Spray) with a pumice stone works amazing,” Arnold says.

Does shaving fade a spray tan?

Spray tan may fade slightly when shaving, especially if done immediately after the session.

Can you reverse a spray tan?

Take a Hot Bath or Shower

These soaks soften the first layer of skin (the layer that holds the tan), and when you loosen up this layer, you lessen the effects of your tan. So vice versa, taking a hot bath or shower is a great way to remove a spray tan.

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