Signs your self-tanner has expired include a change in texture and consistency, an unpleasant smell, color change, and reduced effectiveness.
Understanding the Shelf Life of Self Tanners
Generally, self-tan products have a lifespan of about 6 to 12 months, after which their efficacy starts to wane.
Fake tan does go green if it's old or it's kept in a warm place for a while, however it does still work and once it's developed you can wash off the green tinge and it's fine!
The solution is bad when a spray tan does not last as long as it normally would, if it's got a greenish tint, and/or if the client's shade is not the color it normally would be with fresh solution.
It really depends on the product itself, but you may still be able to achieve the desired results even if it has expired. Certainly you won't have the risk of skin cancer or skin damage on your plate! Worst case scenario it might be a bit lumpy, not apply well, not last long or be a funny colour.
Some of our products may look slightly gray in their bronzer colors due to the mixed color base we use in some products that works to counteract unwanted orange, yellow undertones. You will find that it will subside once it settles with your skin.
Like a lot of consumer goods, your fake tan will have a natural sell by date. Once this date has gone by, there's an increased risk that it will turn green. Higher quality tans will have a longer sell by date.
If you don't store your fake tan properly it can oxidise. Oxidation is the inclusion of oxygen into the product, and this process breaks down the DHA and causes your fake tan to turn green. To avoid this, you should store your product in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.
After extensive testing, we determined the highest rated self-tanner to be the St. Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse. It's an airy mousse that's easy to apply and blend and leaves you with a natural-looking glow. You can also customize the depth of color based on how long you leave it on your skin.
A natural tan will usually last for around 7-10 days, although this can vary for each different skin type and colour. However, any exposure to sun during that 7-10 day period could mean that your tan will hang around for longer, so the length of time it lasts really does depend on the individual.
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).
All beauty products have a shelf life, and self tanning products are no exception so it's important to know the tell-tale signs of an out-of-date product. The main indications that the product is close to expiry are discolouration and a change in smell, but this also differs between different product types.
Using expired self-tanner can potentially lead to skin irritation or allergic reactions. While self-tanners are generally safe when used as directed, it's best to avoid using expired products to prevent any adverse effects.
Oxidation is one of the reasons that the product might get spoilt. In this case, oxidation is the entry of oxygen into the product, which will result in a spray tan that is greenish in colour, and this will not bring out the desired outcome.
In general, your spray tan should last around a week, usually 5-7 days. This is pretty standard for professional spray tans, but still gives you plenty of time to get a tan booked in around other plans. While a spray tan lasts for around a week, you will start to see it fading before this time gradually.
If you are using a tanning lotion to enhance the effects of your natural tan from using sunbeds or sunbathing outside, you may not see the same effects if the lotion has expired. The ingredients lose their abilities over time, making the product less effective.
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.