What sets gradual tanning lotions apart is that they use far less DHA than traditional self-tan, and deliver it in a moisturiser product that doesn't need to be washed off.
The gradual tanning lotions are meant to be re-applied to keep your tan or grow your tan. For example; If you put it on last night and showered this morning, you would still have some tan, but you would want to reapply after your shower to keep the tan from completely fading.
Exfoliate your skin every few days after application with a light exfoliating bodywash, focusing on areas that tend to fade quickest: underarms, neck, and knees. Exfoliation will fade your tan slightly, but this step is essential to preventing colour build-up and removing dead skin cells.
Apply gradual tan daily until you achieve your desired skin tone. Then reapply every few days, or more often if necessary, to maintain your tan. Avoid showering for a few hours following the application to allow the product to bind well on the skin - you can do this right before going to bed and shower in the morning.
After 4-8 hours, your gradual tan will be fully developed into a natural, sunkissed glow. To achieve a deeper bronzed look, reapply your gradual tanning lotion daily to build your tan.
The initial development of your gradual tan will take place over the first 2–4 hours after application, so you should avoid showering during this initial period to allow your tan to develop properly. After this, showering every day should not make your tan slower to develop.
what happens if i forget to shower off the tan? the longer you keep the tan on, the darker it will get. however, some skin types may experience discoloration (looking a bit orange or yellow) if left on too long past around 8 hours. you may also get a streaky tan as you're more likely to rub or wash off some sections.
Generally, a gradual tan lasts about a week, but with the right preparation, your sunless glow can stick around for up to ten days. The key is to knuckle down on preparing your skin in the weeks and days leading up to your gradual tan, and keeping your skin moisturised once you've applied.
Applying too much product too quickly can result in streaking, patchiness, or an unnatural orange colour. Instead, stick to one application per day and build up your tan gradually over time.
Exfoliate
Clarins' beauty coach Rebecca Jones recommends exfoliating the face and body every two weeks to remove fake tan thoroughly. She says: “This way, it will thoroughly cleanse and exfoliate the body and would make a clean canvas and remove dead skin cells so that the (new) tan will blend and absorb more evenly.”
It is easily applied, smells gorgeous and most of all, it works. My skin feels soft and the tan starts to work almost instantly. After a few hours i have a natural looking golden tan. It doesn't stain bedding either.
Heat and humidity will help with removing fake tan. Spend some time in a sauna or a steam room to open up the pores and exfoliate in the shower afterwards.
You absolutely can go swimming with a fake tan, so there is nothing stopping you from diving into the pool. It is worth bearing in mind that while you can happily cool off in the water, your tan may suffer as a result. Swimming for long periods of time can cause your sunless tan to fade away a little bit quicker.
But Wong says it's unlikely that any skin aging effect would be pronounced. "The human studies so far have found that DHA mostly reacts in the top layers of the skin, which are dead. In skin aging, the concern is excessive free radicals forming deeper in the dermal layers of skin where collagen and elastin are."
You can leave your self tan on for as long as you like, with each product having a different recommended timeframe. Some people prefer to sleep with it overnight to get a deeper glow.
You will still tan after having a gradual tan, the DHA is the active ingredient in self tanning products. This when applied to the skin will cause a chemical reaction to the amino acids present in the skin cells found in the top layer of the epidermis (stratum corneum).
The Gradual Tan will slowly fade off the skin evenly. If a more immediate removal is required we recommend using our Self Tan Removal and Exfoliating Mitt.
What sets gradual tanning lotions apart is that they use far less DHA than traditional self-tan, and deliver it in a moisturiser product that doesn't need to be washed off.
The common consensus among dermatologists is that self-tanners are a safe way to achieve a golden glow. Particularly when compared with the very real risk of unprotected sun exposure.
You can shave after tanning without removing all your newfound colour. Just make sure you wait at least 8 hours, so your tan has had time to develop. Then shave with gentle pressure, using a brand-new razor and an oil-free wash or shaving foam that won't break down your faux glow.
A gradual and natural tan is more likely to last longer, and sunburn will spoil all your tanning efforts. So avoid burning and get that dream long-lasting tan with these 10 top tips. Hydrated skin will not only tan better but will also keep its colour for longer.
It can be tempting to forego exfoliating or cleansing your skin properly before tanning, but then you risk a streaky tan! As our skin cells all turn-over and shed at different times, it's vital that you start with a fresh canvas so that your tan is applied evening and won't go streaky or patchy.
Optimal Time to Shower After a Fake Tan
Timing your first rinse is key to achieving a flawless, streak-free glow. Wait 4-8 hours before showering to let your tan fully develop, but avoid leaving it on for more than 24 hours.
After tanning, you will produce a little bit of sweat, but that's it. There is no reason to shower right away because water does not affect the tan. This is another myth that has been around for ages. The truth is, showering right after getting a tan will not cause staining of your skin.
Self tan doesn't stain, so don't worry if you're wearing a tinted tan and get some transfer on your clothes or sheets – it will come out in the wash!