Peta Jane Beauty self-tanning products need a minimum of 6 to 8 hours to fully absorb and react with the skin. If you shower or sweat immediately after application, or before the tanner has fully dried, you risk washing away the product, resulting in a less-than-perfect tan.
Will a shower wash off a suntan even from a tanning bed? A. No. Your tan is made in cells inside your body (called melanocytes) as an attempt to try to protect you from the UV damage.
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.
Before we dive into tips on how to extend your sunless tan, you're probably wondering, “Just how long does a fake tan last?” On average, your skin retains self tanner for 5-7 days, but this period of longevity can vary based on many factors. Expired self tanning products, sensitive skin, and skin types are a few.
Prepare Your Skin
You'll want to shower, shave and exfoliate at least a day before your tan (preferably two!).
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.
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.
when to spray tan before a special event. Spray tans usually last between seven to nine days and it is actually better to book a spray tan two to three days before a special event, party or wedding. By doing this, you will allow your tan to fully develop.
Once applied, you can wash the tan off after just 1 hour, but for a deeper long-lasting tan leave on your skin for up 8 hours. It really is personal choice. You might have to test it out a few times to work out what suits you the best! For a deeper glow, we recommend letting your tan develop for 6-8 hours.
To get rid of fake tan quickly, try soaking in a warm bath with baby oil, followed by exfoliating with an exfoliating mitt. You can also use DIY methods such as applying a mixture of baking soda and lemon juice to tough areas.
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.
Avoiding Common Mistakes After Fake Tanning
Limit long, hot showers or excessive washing, which can speed up fading.
Once skin is exposed to UV radiation, it increases the production of melanin in an attempt to protect the skin from further damage. Melanin is the same pigment that colors your hair, eyes, and skin. The increase in melanin may cause your skin tone to darken over the next 48 hours.
The answer is: it's best to wait. Showering immediately after can impact how your tan develops, especially since your skin is still reacting to the UV exposure. The water and products you use might strip away natural oils, potentially diminishing the tan you're trying to build.
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.
Why do I always have that "after tan" smell after my tanning session? That after tan smell is actually a naturally occurring bacteria on your skin that reacts to intense UV light exposure. Many accelerators that we carry have a chemical that will eliminate the after tan odor.
Applying at night gives your self-tanner time to develop a natural tan look. Things like showering, rain, or tight clothes can mess up your tan when it's trying to settle. And some tanning products will also stain! As the self-tanner process can take up to eight hours, applying right before bed is super convenient.
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.
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!
Self tanners can expect their golden hue to last between 7-10 days due to the natural turnover of skin cells. Or if you get a tan outside, you can expect your tan to fade in about the same amount of time at 7-10 days as well.
Can you self tan or spray tan with hairy legs? The answer is yes! I know it seems like the hair may get in the way, but it doesn't. This is also why I only tell people to remove unwanted hair before any fake tan application.
WEAR LOOSE-FITTING CLOTHING
After your tan, you should wear loose-fitting clothing so your tan doesn't rub off or look uneven. The perfect outfit is a long, black t-shirt dress and sandals. You'll want to avoid wearing anything tight, like jeans, leggings, yoga pants, socks, or sneakers.
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.