Can you shave and exfoliate the same day you self tan?

Author: Lenore Douglas  |  Last update: Friday, May 30, 2025

Your skin needs some time to settle post shaving (and exfoliation) and applying tanner to freshly depilated skin can cause irritation. It can also allow tan to settle into your open follicles and give your pins an odd, dotty appearance.

How long to wait after shaving to self tan?

If you are shaving, you need to shave 24 hours before any fake tan application. If for whatever reason you cannot do that, finish with cold water after shaving to close your pores. Have you ever had brown spots get stuck in your pores? This is from shaving or exfoliating right before a fake tan. Don't do this.

Can you exfoliate and shave on the same day?

The quick answer is yes, according to the Cleveland Clinic. You should exfoliate your skin prior to shaving, as exfoliating first can help prevent the razor from becoming clogged with dead skin cells (which can reduce its effectiveness). In other words, exfoliating first is a serious pro tip for a closer shave.

Can I exfoliate after self-tanning?

Wait Before Tanning: Give your skin some time to rest after exfoliating (about 24 hours) before applying tanning products for the best results. Exfoliating after tanning is generally not recommended, as it can strip away the tan and lead to uneven fading.

What happens if you exfoliate and tan on the same day?

Something will happen. You'll get a blotchy-looking bronze. But you can solve this problem in three ways: stick to an alternating schedule of self-tanning and acne upkeep, try one product that doubles as an exfoliator and a self-tanner, or bronze yourself with makeup.

Best Fake Tan Routine At Home + Tanning Hacks You Need To Know

Can you shave and exfoliate the same day as self tanning?

Shaving immediately before self-tanning

Your skin needs some time to settle post shaving (and exfoliation) and applying tanner to freshly depilated skin can cause irritation. It can also allow tan to settle into your open follicles and give your pins an odd, dotty appearance.

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.

Will my real tan come off if I exfoliate?

Yes, a tan will naturally fade away due to the exfoliation of our skin. It may not be the nicest thing to think about, but the human skin sheds and then generates millions of cells everyday.

How to make fake tan develop faster?

Use a hairdryer. Once you have the perfect coverage, grab your hairdryer to help it set. Be sure it's blowing cool air and move it along your body. Not only will this help the solution dry faster, but it'll also help to kick the tanning development process into overdrive.

Does fake tan still develop after a shower?

If you showered after just a few hours, you might notice your skin is not as tanned as you'd expected. Don't fret! Your colour will continue to develop and darken for a few hours (and a spray tan takes up to 24 hours to develop fully).

How long after shaving can I exfoliate?

The newly revealed layer of skin is too sensitive for exfoliation, and you could experience stinging or irritation. But after about two days, you can absolutely exfoliate again. In fact, doing so will help remove dead skin, making it easier for the hair to come through.

What happens if I shave my peach fuzz?

The Benefits of Removing Peach Fuzz

Cosmetic application – removing the fine hair on your face could create a smoother canvas for makeup application. More radiant-looking skin – opting to remove vellus hair with methods such as dermaplaning may help to remove dead skin cells for a more luminous complexion.

Does shaving count as exfoliating?

"It definitely exfoliates your face when you shave," says dermatologist Dr. Michael Swann.

Does shaving affect fake tan?

Spray tan may fade slightly when shaving, especially if done immediately after the session. Waiting 8-12 hours before shaving and using gentle strokes can minimise the impact on the tan.

Can I fake tan with hairy legs?

Tanning lotions are fantastic for gliding across smooth skin but can be trickier to blend into a hairy chest, legs and arms. We recommend you opt for a tanning spray or mousse instead because the lighter texture is easier to buff into the skin even when applied over hairy areas.

How to get the deepest fake tan?

For ultra-dark results wait until touch dry & apply a second full thick layer to your body. Tanning tip – Only apply sparsely to hands and feet.

What makes fake tan develop faster overnight?

Step 1: The prep. For the ultimate glow, use a Body Exfoliator 24 hours before applying self tanner to create the perfect smooth base for your tan. Then, 2 to 3 hours before tanning, treat your skin to a Tan Enhancing Body Moisturiser, paying particular attention to dry areas, such as knees, elbows and hands.

Does leaving self-tanner on longer make it darker?

Regarding development time - you can leave your Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam on your skin for 1 - 8 hours, depending on how dark you like your tan. The longer you leave it on the darker you get.

Can you exfoliate the same day as fake tan?

We recommend that you get all of your exfoliation and hair removal ticked off your list the day before tanning to stop your self tanner from seeping into your pores. However, if you're really pushed for time, try and wait at least an hour before applying your tan.

Why has my tan lasted for years?

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.

How to get golden tan?

10 Top Tips For A Gorgeous Long-Lasting Sun Tan
  1. Moisturise. Hydrated skin will not only tan better but will also keep its colour for longer. ...
  2. Avoid dry skin. ...
  3. Exfoliate. ...
  4. Sun cream. ...
  5. And more sun cream! ...
  6. Prior application. ...
  7. Shady times. ...
  8. An early start.

How to shave with self-tanner on?

When shaving, only use a basic razor (non with a bar soap connected to it) and with Dr. Bronner's unscented body wash (the body wash I recommend any fake tan lover uses). If your razor isn't working as well with that, you can use a natural hair conditioner to have the razor glide better on your skin.

Are you meant to moisturise after fake tanning?

The answer is YES, but only after the self tan has fully developed. All Bali Body fake tan's take around 8 hours to fully develop and reach their maximum level of glow. Regardless of when you wash the colour guide off, we highly recommend you don't moisturise until the 8 hour mark.

How to get a flawless self tan?

Follow these steps:
  1. Exfoliate. Use a washcloth to exfoliate the skin prior to applying a self-tanner. ...
  2. Dry your skin. ...
  3. Apply in sections. ...
  4. Wash your hands after each section. ...
  5. Blend at your wrists and ankles. ...
  6. Dilute over your joints. ...
  7. Give your skin time to dry. ...
  8. Apply sunscreen every day.

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