How often should I self tan?

Author: Kian Larson  |  Last update: Friday, November 7, 2025

Once you build up your tan to the color you want, you can then switch to weekly applications of the self-tanning product. When you provide proper preparation and aftercare, the best self-tanning products can easily last a week.

How often should you self-tan at home?

A well-cared-for self-tan should last around a week. However, while the steps above will help, those who exercise often might find their tan needs reapplying sooner. You can apply Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam as often as needed, however it's important to thoroughly exfoliate and prep before each application.

Is it okay to fake tan every week?

Once you've achieved the golden glow you're after, you can apply every 2 - 3 days as needed. It's a great starting point if you're new to self-tan.

How long should you wait before self-tanning again?

You can apply 2 days in a row. The tanner I have recommends that if you want it super dark to do a layer, then 30 minutes later do another layer, then rinse after 8ish hours like usual.

How often should you indoor tan?

How Often Should You Tan?. Part of the series: Sun Tanning. Tanning should be done two to three times a week for eight to 15 sessions when using a traditional tanning bed, but high-pressure tanning beds only need to be used once every two weeks for three to five sessions.

How often should you self tan?

How long should you wait between tans?

Two sessions a week should be enough to deepen your tan regardless of your skin type. However, if your tan starts to fade before the next visit, it is generally recommended to wait at least 48 hours in between each session. This allows the tan to build up consistently and the cells to develop safely.

What is 10 minutes in a tanning bed equal to?

Ten minutes in a sunbed can be roughly equivalent to 1-2 hours in natural sunlight, depending on factors like sunbed intensity and skin type. However, this varies widely based on geographical location, time of day, and weather conditions. Always adhere to recommended exposure times to minimise skin damage risks.

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.

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.

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).

Do self tanners age your skin?

"DHA has been shown to cause an increase in free radicals in the skin," says Chere Lucas Anthony, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Boca Raton, Fla. "This can contribute to skin aging as the free radicals break down collagen and elastin in the skin, which leads to wrinkling and skin aging."

Can you apply self-tanner 2 days in a row?

As for when you can repeat this process, typically you can use self-tanner every day or every other day until you reach your desired level of color and then once or twice a week to help maintain the results.

Do I moisturize before self-tanning?

Apply Moisturizer Before Tanner

After exfoliating your body, continue the prepping process by applying a moisturizer. You shouldn't apply self-tanner without moisturizing first, because skipping out on this prep step could potentially leave you with patchy color — this goes for your face and the rest of your body.

Should I shower or self tan first?

Shower at least half an hour before you plan on self-tanning to cleanse your body and remove any deodorant, make-up or moisturiser that will cause your tan to become patchy or streaky.

Should I put self-tanner all over my face?

Smooth the self tanner over your face and neck evenly for a perfect tone. Make sure to evenly massage the product onto your skin, reaching all areas from the back of your neck, to ears, to hairline to get the perfect coverage.

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.

What body wash is best for fake tan?

Dhesthetics has 2 recommended body washes to use in the shower to help preserve your tan. Aveevo Daily Moisturizing body wash or Cetaphil Daily Nourishing body wash. All of these body washes have great ingredients in them that will help to preserve not only your tan, but keep your skin healthy.

Should I shave my legs before or after self-tanning?

This seems easy enough, but a lot of people forget to shave before applying self tanner. However, you prefer to remove hair (waxing, shaving, laser, etc.) please do yourself a favor and do it before you apply product. Hair removal after-the-fact can remove your tan, leaving splotchy marks on your legs.

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.

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.

Do you tan faster in water or laying out?

You don't necessarily tan faster in water or laying out. This is because water reflects UV rays, so you may not be getting as much exposure as you think if you're actually in the pool.

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.

How fast does tanning age your skin?

Indoor tanning speeds up skin aging

Indoor tanning is known to cause wrinkles, brown spots and thick leathery skin. Indoor tanning ages your skin 3 times faster than sunlight: indoor tanning can emit up to 15 times more UV radiation than sunlight.

Can you get vitamin D from a tanning bed?

Using tanning beds before age 20 can increase your chances of developing melanoma by 47%, and the risk increases with each use. Getting enough vitamin D from tanning beds isn't possible. You may have heard that your body makes a lot of vitamin D when you use a tanning bed. It doesn't.

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.

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