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.
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.
Hot water can accelerate tan fading, so opt for lukewarm water during baths and showers. Pat, Don't Rub: Gently pat your skin dry after showering instead of rubbing vigorously to preserve the tan, it is recommended to reapply every few days to maintain your gradual tan.
Do I need to worry about tan coming off on my bed sheets? NO! If you are using a tanning product without a guide colour, like our Self-Tanning Waters, Glow Clear Mousse or Self-Tanning Drops, you are safe! These have no guide colour, which means no transfer onto sheets!
This results in a longer-lasting tan but – here's the kicker – it comes with the risk of sun damage, skin cancer and premature ageing. But back to answering your burning (pardon the pun) question, using a self-tanner won't impact your ability to tan naturally. But neither does it provide any protection from the sun.
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.
You should choose a gradual self tanner if you prefer a more natural, buildable tan and want to control the intensity of your color over time. Gradual tanners are perfect for people who enjoy daily skincare routines and want a more subtle glow that doesn't appear all at once.
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.
Throw on a pair of loose pajama bottoms and a t-shirt. Set a towel over your pillow. Hop in to bed.
Your self tan will often transfer onto sheets and clothes due to sweat, as the sweat lifts the bronzers off your skin and allows it to rub into other surfaces. It can also transfer on to items of clothing that rub too closely, such as tight straps.
Step 2: Reach for your gradual tan
Apply your chosen gradual tanning moisturiser with your hand or a mitt, smoothing carefully from the legs upwards. We recommend using circular motions to ensure all areas are evenly covered.
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.
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.
Impact of Showers on Gradual Tanning Lotion
Remember that gradual tanning lotions work by tinting the outermost layer of your skin, so that layer of colour does not simply rinse away with water.
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.
This can make self-tanning in the morning more difficult as you must wear dark, loose clothing to avoid any transfer and you can't use deodorant or perfume. The best time to fake tan is at night as this will give the tan full developing time and you don't need to worry about what you are wearing.
Fake tan usually stains bed sheets due to the guide colour within the formulation. The guide colour is the tint that immediately appears on the body when tan is applied – it's there to help you see where you've already applied and assist you achieving a flawless, even application.
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.
After showering, go right ahead and apply your gradual tan. Be sure not to put any products (including deodorants, skin care, oils or moisturisers) on your body before using the gradual tan. You want to start with a clean, dry base. Apply a generous amount of gradual tan to the skin and apply it in circular motions.
If you're wondering when the optimal time is to shave before applying self-tanner, we suggest aiming for approximately 24 hours before.
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.
If you fake tan before bed and shower in the morning, you probably wake to orange-tinged sheets, unless you sleep on a large, dark coloured towel. Applying the tan earlier in the day will give the tan time to absorb and prevent it discolouring your linen.
The tanning lotion is perfect for a hydrating, long lasting tan. The mousse is a quick drying formula that is perfect for a fast tanning application.