How long until fake tan is fully developed?

Author: Mr. Art Kutch II  |  Last update: Thursday, November 27, 2025

Wait 4-8 hours before showering to let your tan fully develop, but avoid leaving it on for more than 24 hours. During this time, steer clear of moisture—no sweating, workouts, or liquid foundation.

How long does fake tan take to fully develop?

Once applied, you can wash the tan off after just 1 hour, but for a deeper long-lasting tan leave on your skin for up 8 hours. It really is personal choice. You might have to test it out a few times to work out what suits you the best! For a deeper glow, we recommend letting your tan develop for 6-8 hours.

Does fake tan show up right away?

Will my self-tanner show up right away? Applying self-tanner will darken your skin immediately, but if the change seems too slight, do not continue to apply layers! Your tan will keep getting darker for the next 10 hours as the active ingredients react with the outer layer of your skin.

Can fake tan develop in 2 hours?

The ideal time to shower depends on the formula you choose. For a quick tan with Erythrulose (see "Choose the Formula" section), you can shower in as little as 1-3 hours. Classic DHA formulas take longer to develop, so wait 4-8 hours before showering for a deeper tan.

How to speed up fake tan developing?

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.

BEST AT HOME SELF TAN ROUTINE BY A PRO SPRAY TAN ARTIST

Can I shave 2 hours before fake tan?

Avoid shaving immediately before your spray tan session. Ideally, shave 24 hours prior to allow your skin to recover and avoid any potential irritation. Exfoliate gently: If you're shaving before tanning, gently exfoliate your skin using a mild scrub or exfoliating glove.

Does fake tan still develop 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).

Is it better to fake tan at night or morning?

Applying at night gives your self-tanner time to develop a natural tan look. Things like showering, rain, or tight clothes can mess up your tan when it's trying to settle. And some tanning products will also stain! As the self-tanner process can take up to eight hours, applying right before bed is super convenient.

Why didn't my fake tan develop?

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.

How long should I wait to put clothes on after self tanning?

After applying your self-tanner, you'll need to give the product time to dry and settle on your skin. Do not get dressed right away, wrap yourself in a towel, or lie down. Wait about 10 to 15 minutes before putting clothes on—and even then, wear loose-fitting attire.

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 long does it take for a tan to fully show?

After sun exposure, your skin begins to produce melanin, which is responsible for the tan. This process can take up to 48 hours to fully develop. So, don't be discouraged if you don't see immediate results. Once your tan has developed, it will be at its peak for about two weeks.

What fake tan develops the fastest?

Say hello to a sun-kissed glow in just 30 minutes. Become your best self in record time with Isle of Paradise's fastest ever developing formula. It's time to experience self-tanning on your own terms with Isle of Paradise's new Express Self-Tanning Mousse that develops in as little as 30 minutes.

Does fake tan develop after being washed off?

It is the DHA (a chemical found in fake tan) that is responsible for adding pigment to the skin, and it stays on the skin even after washing. Therefore, depending on the product and the strength of the DHA in it, your tan could continue to develop for up to 24 hours.

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

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.

What day does fake tan look best?

The Two-Day Rule: When it comes to tanning before an event, it is generally recommended to have a spray tan or apply your own tan two days prior to the occasion. The reason behind this is that all tans take approximately 24 hours to fully develop, even after rinsing off the initial bronzer.

How to get tan when you're pale?

Tanning Methods for Fair Skin
  1. Natural Sun Tanning. Fair skin can tan under the sun, but only with care. ...
  2. Gradual Tanners and Tanning Lotions. If you're nervous about the sun or prefer a controlled approach, gradual tanners are also an option. ...
  3. Spray Tans and Professional Services. ...
  4. Tanning Beds.

What not to do after self-tanning?

It is important not to wear tight clothing after applying fake tan as this can cause your tan to rub off or cause marks. 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.

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.

Can I tan with hairy legs?

Can you self tan or spray tan with hairy legs? The answer is yes! I know it seems like the hair may get in the way, but it doesn't. This is also why I only tell people to remove unwanted hair before any fake tan application.

Should you fake tan your face?

With a touch of fake tan on your face, you can achieve a healthy, natural-looking tan all year round. Whether you want a subtle boost or a bold bronzed look, fake tanning your face is the ultimate beauty hack for a flawless and golden-brown appearance.

Why won't my legs tan with self-tanner?

If you wax your legs or use a hair removal cream, you'll need to make sure you schedule around your self-tan carefully. According to Evans, both wax and hair removal cream can remove self-tanner, so plan any hair removal at least 24 hours in advance of your tanning session to ensure the legs tan properly.

Previous article
How long to leave AHA BHA on face the ordinary?
Next article
Is champagne blonde the same as ash blonde?