Even the smallest splash of water on your fresh spray tan can result in light spots or a streaky appearance, something that you will really want to avoid.
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. We recommend that you take quick dips in the pool to prevent a premature tan fade-off due to swimming.
While chlorine and other chemicals in the pool water can cause your tan to fade faster or become patchy, it won't instantly remove your tan entirely. The good news is with the right after care following your spray appointment, you can minimise any damage to your tan and keep that flawless glow longer!
If an area gets wet, grab your self-tanner mousse and mitt. Use a circular motion over the affected area to buff and blend the line. It won't look perfect immediately--don't worry, the bronzer may not blend right away--but after you shower, there's a good chance it will even out and look seamless.
Avoiding Common Mistakes After Fake Tanning
Limit long, hot showers or excessive washing, which can speed up fading. Instead, stick to quick, lukewarm showers and use gentle, sulfate-free body washes. To maintain hydration (and your tan), apply an oil-free, non-exfoliating moisturiser daily.
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.
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 Water Exposure Affects the Tan. Swimming is another activity that can affect the longevity of your spray tan. Chlorinated water in pools and saltwater in the ocean are both very drying on the skin, breaking down the bronzed layer more quickly. Even prolonged exposure to freshwater can have similar effects (baths).
Rain can indeed have a negative impact on your tan, causing it to fade or become streaky. However, there are steps you can take to protect and maintain your fake tan during spring showers. To fix a wet spray tan, gently pat yourself dry with a towel and avoid rubbing or scrubbing the skin.
When it comes to washing off your spray tan, shower under lukewarm water and avoid using scrubs or soaps, as these can fade your tan. Simply rinse until the water runs clear.
As sweat is acidic, it can cause self tan to break down when left to sit on the skin.
Squeeze some dishwater soap onto a wet rag and rub this gently into the self-tanning stain. This is commonly the more popular option in how to remove fake tan stains. Rinse using cold water and repeat this process until the stain fades.
Vita Liberata have revolutionised fake tan with the first ever 2-3 week formula! Without relying on the use of alcohol, pHenomenal dries within seconds - allowing you to layer 2-3 times in an hour to increase the intensity, as well as the longevity (your tan can last up to 3 weeks).
A: Although the chlorine found in swimming pools can lead to a faster 'fade-off' you can still enjoy a swim and protect your tan. The key is to take quick dips to reduce the time your tan is in contact with the water and to gently pat yourself dry once you've come out of the pool to avoid rubbing off any colour.
Water can reflect and intensify UV rays, increasing the likelihood of tanning. Even on cloudy days, UV rays can penetrate the clouds and reach your skin, leading to tanning.
That funky sunless-tanner smell (which has been described as somewhere between the odor of burning flesh and cat pee) is due to the chemical reaction taking place between your skin and the key ingredient in sunless tanners — dihydroxyacetone (DHA).
Hot water can open up the pores and promote skin cell turnover, which in turn, can cause your tan to fade quicker. Opt for lukewarm water instead, and try to keep your showers short to ensure your tan lasts longer.
Even the smallest splash of water on your fresh spray tan can result in light spots or a streaky appearance, something that you will really want to avoid.
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.
In fact, showering can actually help to prolong your tan. When you shower, the water helps to hydrate your skin, which can prevent your tan from fading too quickly. Just be sure to avoid using any harsh soaps or scrubs, as these can strip away your tan.
A week or more is a long time to skip showers, stay away from summertime pool or beach parties, or avoid exercise. Even though you shouldn't dive into the pool or shower immediately after your sunless tanning appointment, you can swim, bathe, or sweat after your tan is set.
Rimmel Sunshimmer Water Resistant Instant Tan Wash Off Matte - Medium.
Spray tanning with hairy legs is absolutely your personal choice. However, bear in mind, excessive hair can hinder an even tan. It's recommended to remove unwanted body hair before the session for better results.
Fake tan doesn't provide a barrier because it does not produce melanin and, vitally, it doesn't contain any SPF. In other words, it does nothing to block or protect your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays. So you will always want to wear (and reapply) SPF 30 or 50 if you plan on spending a day lounging in the sun.