Your first rinse should be brief making sure you gently but thoroughly "wipe" the cosmetic bronzer off of your skin using your hands only. You will see color coming off during your first rinse... this is normal, you want all of the cosmetic bronzer to come off in that first rinse.
While the DHA is still developing you want to avoid washing your face. If you wash your face while the development is still happening, you can expect it to ruin or cause your tan to become patchy or worse. Once the DHA has developed on your skin then it is safe to wash your face.
What should I avoid after getting a spray tan? You should avoid bathing and activities that make you sweat heavily for at least 4 hours following a spray tan. And because chlorine can quickly break down a spray tan, we suggest avoiding chlorinated swimming pools entirely.
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.
Another tip when showering after your spray tan is to not scrub your body too harshly. There's a time and place for exfoliating, like when you're ready to say goodbye to your tan and prepare your skin for a new one. But, showering right after getting a spray tan is not the time for harsh scrubbing or exfoliating.
If you have chosen the Regular developing solution, it is recommended that you wait 8-12 hours to rinse off depending on desired result. This will allow your tan to fully develop.
Once you have washed off your fake tan moisturise your skin daily to increase the longevity of your tan. Dry, dehydrated skin will cause your dead skin cells to shed quicker, taking the fake tan you worked so hard for with it. Use an oil-free moisturiser as oil can break down the product [2].
A good quality spray tan will last up to a week, though it does vary according to your skin regime and the depth of the spray tan you opt for. A light bronze can fade in around 5 days, while a darker shade will stay put for a good week.
It is the DHA (a chemical found in fake tan) that is responsible for adding pigment to the skin, and it stays on the skin even after washing. Therefore, depending on the product and the strength of the DHA in it, your tan could continue to develop for up to 24 hours.
We would recommend if sleeping in fake tan that you invest in tanning sheets (be it a fancy 'fake tan' specific sheets, old sheets you're not fussed about or a darker shade that doesn't show the tell-tale fake tan remnants so easily) and make sure you wear loose, comfy and fake tan friendly sleepwear to bed.
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. As you leave the shower, make sure to pat yourself dry with the towel, don't rub.
1. Never pee in the shower after your initial rinse. After giving your spray tan several hours (or overnight) to develop, the initial water rinse is crucial. During this time, you'll see the brown color being rinsed off and what will remain on the skin is the faux tan.
To ensure that your spray tan looks its best and lasts as long as possible, it's generally recommended to wait at least 8-12 hours before wearing a bra. During this time, it's best to wear loose, dark-colored clothing to minimize the risk of the tan transferring or rubbing off on your clothes.
“Mix lemon juice with a little baking soda or baby oil. Saturate the skin with the mixture, then let it sit for about five minutes before removing with a cleansing wipe—this will erase the tan entirely,” she says. Her other favorite method: “A hair removal cream like Veet.
To minimize the impact on your tan, use a gentle, oil-free makeup remover and avoid any that contain exfoliants–physical or chemical. Harsh removers or those containing oils can strip away the tan along with your makeup. Consider using micellar water or a mild, oil-free cleanser.
Avoid shaving immediately before your spray tan session. Ideally, shave 24 hours prior to allow your skin to recover and avoid any potential irritation. Exfoliate gently: If you're shaving before tanning, gently exfoliate your skin using a mild scrub or exfoliating glove.
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.
Optimal Tan Development: Understanding the Timeframes
For a Light Tan: Leave the tan on for 2-4 hours, then shower. For a Medium Tan: Leave the tan on for 4-6 hours, then shower. For a Dark Tan: Leave the tan on for 6-8 hours, then shower.
As colour will continue to develop for approximately 8 hours, the longer the tan is left on the skin prior to bathing, the darker the result will be.
Your Tan Will Look Natural
In fact, many people have used at-home tanning products that have given them streaky, orange tans that don't look natural or attractive. Fortunately, you don't need to worry about any of these issues when you receive an airbrush tan.
Avoid Sweating and Water Activities
For the first 24 hours post-spray tan, stay away from activities that could make you sweat excessively or involve water exposure. This includes vigorous workouts, swimming, and even washing dishes without gloves. Sweat and water can dilute your tan, causing it to fade unevenly.
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. The tan will continue to develop over the next 12-24 hours.
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.
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.
Can you tan through fake tan? The answer is yes and you can also burn through fake tan. Fake tanned or not, if you're out in the sun you still need to apply your SPF and sun cream to avoid skin damage. A sunless tan does not stop you achieving the real thing as it offers no barrier to UVA and UVB rays.