How can I make my self tan darker?

Author: Mr. Aron Stracke III  |  Last update: Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Avoid using moisturizing oils, as that breaks your tan down further. Avoid applying perfumes or fragrances directly to skin. Yes, that makes your fragrance stronger, but the alcohol in perfume will dry out your skin and break down the tan faster. Avoid super-sweaty workouts, saunas, pools, and ocean water.

How to get a deep dark fake tan?

For a longer lasting, darker tan leave for up to 6 hours before showering with warm water. Gently pat skin dry. For the deepest tan re-apply Bondi Sands Self-Tanning Foam 30 minutes after initial application.

How to make skin tan darker?

Steps
  1. Exfoliate your skin the night before. Gently scrub the skin with a loofa, bath sponge, or natural scrub product in order to remove dead skin and achieve an even and dark tan. ...
  2. Moisturize with lotion. ...
  3. Wear sunscreen. ...
  4. Try a tanning accelerator.

Can you layer self-tanner to make it darker?

Layering Two Or 3 Of Our Products Together Is Perfect Way To Create Deeper More Intensified Results And Also Great For Skin Types That Usually Struggle To Achieve Dark Results With Self Tan! When Layering, Ensure Every Layer Is Dry Before Applying Your Next Coat.

What darkens your tan?

When your skin is exposed to UVA rays—whether from a tanning bed or the sun—melanocytes are triggered to increase melanin production. This natural process helps protect the deeper layers of your skin by absorbing UV light. As a result, your skin darkens, giving you that bronzed look.

Best Fake Tan Routine At Home + Tanning Hacks You Need To Know

How to get a dark tan quickly?

To get a fast, beautiful and natural tan, see the following tips:
  1. Eat a diet rich in beta-carotenes. ...
  2. Exfoliate your skin. ...
  3. Sunbathe with sunscreen. ...
  4. Moisturize and nourish the skin. ...
  5. Avoid prolonged exposure. ...
  6. Change positions frequently. ...
  7. Take breaks. ...
  8. Use self-tanner.

How to get a deep fake tan?

10 fake tan tips for beginners
  1. Exfoliate 24 hours before. ...
  2. Remove hair 24 hours before. ...
  3. Avoid deodorants and perfume. ...
  4. Choose the right tan for you. ...
  5. Moisturize just before tanning. ...
  6. Always Use A Tanning Mitt. ...
  7. Allow Your Tan To Dry Before Dressing. ...
  8. Wash Off Your Tan In Cool Water.

Can I mix my self-tanner with lotion?

Do: Mix in some moisturizer. This is our best trick. If you use one pump tanner, one pump moisturizer your chances of being orange and blotchy are very slim. Mixing in moisturizer creates a more subtle glow, which after a few applications, will amount to your perfect tan!

Does leaving self-tanner on longer make it darker?

Regarding development time - you can leave your Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam on your skin for 1 - 8 hours, depending on how dark you like your tan. The longer you leave it on the darker you get.

Does fake tan get darker after a shower?

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?

How to darken fake tan?

Instead, my go-to formula is leaving the self-tanner on longer than specified, and applying another coat halfway through. For example, I'll apply the 2 HR Express formula and plan to leave it on for 5-6 hours, setting a timer to do another application 2.5-3 hours in.

Why does my fake tan never go dark?

Make Sure Skin Is Completely Dry

Wait at least 10 minutes post-shower to ensure the skin has completely dried and there's no lingering moisture. Avoid tanning in the bathroom after you've showered as the residual steam could create a layer of moisture on the skin.

Can I apply self-tanner two days in a row?

There are different ways to go about layering, but no matter what, you want to make sure the previous tanner has dried before applying your next layer. You can put on multiple layers in one day or, my personal favorite, apply over 2 days. I like to apply, wait 8 hours, rinse (no soap), then apply another layer.

What foods make you more tanned?

Papaya: Like carrots, orange fruits and vegetables, such as papaya, help to enhance your tan naturally thanks to its high beta-carotene levels. Melon: This refreshing fruit, rich in antioxidants and beta-carotenes will help you to keep your golden skin tone.

Why is my self-tan not developing?

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… So make sure you shower first to remove any lingering prods that can interfere with your tanner's DHA.

Does showering after tanning in the sun affect your tan?

After tanning, you will produce a little bit of sweat, but that's it. There is no reason to shower right away because water does not affect the tan. This is another myth that has been around for ages. The truth is, showering right after getting a tan will not cause staining of your skin.

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].

How to make fake tan develop faster?

Use a hairdryer. Once you have the perfect coverage, grab your hairdryer to help it set. Be sure it's blowing cool air and move it along your body. Not only will this help the solution dry faster, but it'll also help to kick the tanning development process into overdrive.

Can you add tanning drops to a bottle of lotion?

Start by mixing between 2-12 drops with your favourite skincare in the palm of your hand. Any formulation of serum, oil, lotion or moisturiser will work. The more drops you use, the deeper your glow will be. Always start out with less drops, as it's easier to reapply for a deeper colour.

Should you shave before or after self tan lotion?

Skin Preparation: Shaving isn't just about hair removal; it's a form of exfoliation. By shaving a day before applying self-tanner, you ensure that your skin is smooth and free of any dead cells. This smooth surface allows the self-tanner to go on evenly and helps it adhere better to your skin.

Can I dilute my self-tanner?

Dilute the self-tanner on the knees, ankles and elbows, because these areas tend to absorb more self-tanner than the rest of the skin. To dilute, lightly rub with a damp towel or apply a thin layer of lotion on top of the self-tanner. Give your skin time to dry.

How to get a very dark fake tan?

tanning tips
  1. exfoliate and moisturize. 24 hours before you apply your self tan, paying particular attention to elbows, knees, ankles and problem areas.
  2. wax or shave at least 48 hours prior to treatment. this allows the pores time to close.
  3. don't apply moisturiser, perfume, deodorant or makeup on the day of application.

How to make your self-tanner darker?

Apply multiple layers: If you want an even deeper color, you can apply multiple layers of self-tanner. Allow each layer to dry completely before applying the next layer. If you're using a self tanner with a heavy instant bronzer (meaning it looks really, really dark when you pump it out), rinse off between washes.

How to get the darkest tan?

6 Top Tanning Tips for a Darker and Long-lasting Tan
  1. Exfoliate your Skin prior to Tanning. ...
  2. Keep your Skin Hydrated and Moisturised. ...
  3. Apply a sunbed cream or tanning accelerator prior tanning.
  4. Remove any kind of makeup and other cosmetic products. ...
  5. Choose foods that accelerate tanning.

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