Does fake tan get darker after a shower?

Author: Pattie Keebler  |  Last update: Friday, May 30, 2025

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). That brown water disappearing down the drain?

Does fake tan get darker the longer you leave it on?

Yes, a fake tan can appear to get darker overnight. Most self-tanning products contain DHA (dihydroxyacetone), which reacts with the amino acids in the top layer of your skin. This reaction typically develops over several hours, often peaking around 6 to 8 hours after application.

Does showering affect fake tan?

Your fake tan needs time to develop before your next shower, and we recommend waiting for at least four hours but no more than one day. Remember to pat yourself dry and avoid hot water or harsh shower gels as they will strip your tan and dry out your skin.

Does showering make your tan darker?

After sunbathing or using a tanning bed showering will not impact on the formation of the tan. Showering after applying a tanning lotion certainly will. The lotion needs a few hours to generate the tan and showering will remove the tanning agents.

Does self tan continue to develop after rinsing?

Tanning Tip: 1 Hour Express will continue to develop on the skin for 6-8 hours, even after the color guide has been washed off.

How To Tan Without Getting Burnt [LIGHT HACK]

Will my fake tan get darker after I shower?

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.

Does tan get darker when you wash it off?

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).

Should you moisturize after fake tanning?

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].

Why do I look less tan after a shower?

You didn't rinse correctly

First and foremost, you should only rinse in a lukewarm, 45-second shower with no lotions, gels or soaps as a long, hot shower with all of your favourite body washes will simply strip the tan.

What helps you tan faster?

From beachside secrets to savvy skincare tips, we've got the golden rules to tan faster without burning.
  1. Exfoliate Before Tanning. ...
  2. Apply & Reapply SPF for a Faster Tan! ...
  3. Use a Tan Accelerator to Tan Faster Without Burning. ...
  4. Gradually Increase Sun Exposure. ...
  5. Tan Faster, Not Longer - Remember that More Isn't Always More.

How long to wait after showering to self tan?

We know, we know — this seems totally obvious. But after showering, towel off and wait 10 minutes until you're 100 percent dry. "Your skin has to be completely dry," Evans tells Allure. "Water left on the skin will cause a big problem as water will erase and dilute the tan resulting into dreaded streaks and patches."

Why is my fake tan not going dark?

Not applying self-tanner to super-clean skin

For the actives in your self-tanner to do their job properly, they need to be applied to clean skin. This means skin free from deodorants, fragrances, and body lotion – unless you're actually a fan of a patchy tan…

Does a natural tan get darker overnight?

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.

Is it better to fake tan at night?

Apply Fake Tan at Night

Not only will applying your tan at night give it more time to develop, but it also means you'll have less chances of smudging it.

Do I use soap after self tan?

do i need to shower off the tan with soap after it has been left on? for the first shower after tanning we recommend no soaps, lukewarm water and only a super quick (approx. 45 seconds) rinse so that the tanning actives can keep developing to their darkest potential.

What fades fake tan fast?

Soak in oil and buff with an exfoliating mitt

Oils, on the other hand, break down DHA and can fade fake tan faster. It does, so lather up or soak yourself in oil. You can also use coconut or olive oil, which should be left on the skin for 10 minutes before washing off.

How long does fake tan last?

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.

Can I shave after self tanning?

Use a new razor because a fresh razor will cut into your skin less and not remove as much of the tanning solution. Wait at least 8 hours after your spray tan to shave for the first time. Use an oil-free moisturizing body wash when shaving, not traditional shaving cream.

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.

How to make fake tan look natural?

  1. Step 1 - Exfoliate your Skin. Having gorgeous, clean skin is great but not if there are lots of dead skin cells determined to cling onto it! ...
  2. Step 2 - Cleanse your Skin. Before applying fake tan it's vitally important to have clean skin. ...
  3. Step 3 - Moisturising. ...
  4. Step 4 - Take care of your Hair Line and Eyebrows.

Does layering fake tan make it darker?

**Risk of Over-Tanning**: Applying a second layer can lead to a much darker and potentially unnatural appearance. This may result in an uneven or patchy finish, especially in areas where the product tends to gather.

Does fake tan keep developing after a shower?

Our Self Tan ranges can be washed off after just 1 hour, but for a deeper tan, we advise avoiding showering, swimming, and perspiring for 6 - 8 hours to allow your tan to develop fully on the skin.

Can you put on self-tanner 2 days in a row?

Gradual tan is best applied once a day, or every few days depending on the colour you wish to achieve. It Is not recommended to apply gradual tan twice a day as this can cause the product to build up, too much product can affect how even your colour is.

What body wash is best for fake tan?

Dhesthetics has 2 recommended body washes to use in the shower to help preserve your tan. Aveevo Daily Moisturizing body wash or Cetaphil Daily Nourishing body wash. All of these body washes have great ingredients in them that will help to preserve not only your tan, but keep your skin healthy.

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