Is it OK to fake tan once a week?

Author: Melvin Yost PhD  |  Last update: Tuesday, October 21, 2025

If your tan is the exact shade you love and you want to keep the gorgeous glow, you typically only have to apply self-tanner about once a week. This applies to tanning solution you put on your body, which tends to be exposed to fewer products and washing than your face.

Can you fake tan once a week?

You can reapply once a week or once every two weeks. It is a personal choice and it is all about finding out what works best for you! For more useful tanning tips and tricks, visit the Bondi Sands YouTube channel.

Can you maintain a tan once a week?

Maintenance: Once you have a tan, many people find that sunbathing once every 1 to 3 weeks is sufficient to maintain their color. However, this can differ based on individual skin characteristics and how quickly the tan fades. Skin Type: Fairer skin types tend to lose their tan faster than those with darker skin.

Is it safe to spray tan once a week?

If you want to constantly stay tan, having a spray tan appointment every 7-12 days is ideal to maintain your glow while getting the most out of each tan. During your spray tan session, I'll give you a few more tips ( not noted here ) on how to maintain your glow in between spray tan sessions.

How long should you wait between fake tan?

Your tan should last you anywhere between five to seven days. If you're looking to keep up your sun-kissed glow, Bondi Sands recommends to reapply every one to two weeks, depending on your tan preference.

It took me 50 years to realise what I’ll tell you in 30 minutes...

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.

How often should you reapply fake tan?

If your tan is the exact shade you love and you want to keep the gorgeous glow, you typically only have to apply self-tanner about once a week. This applies to tanning solution you put on your body, which tends to be exposed to fewer products and washing than your face.

How long do fake tans last?

5-7 days is the average amount of time a fake tan will last on your skin. By now we all know (if your a regular self tanning girly like myself) it's ALL about the PREP.

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.

Can I get another spray tan after 3 days?

Although you can get a spray tan as often as you want, we recommend coming in every 9-12 days to give you time to enjoy your current tan, exfoliate, and prepare your skin for your next appointment. Maintaining a proper spray tan care routine will help you keep an even spray tan.

What is the best self-tanner?

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.

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.

Can you maintain a tan going once a week?

If you're new to tanning beds, you should start with 2-3 sessions per week. Once you've achieved your desired tan, maintenance sessions of 1-2 times per week are usually more than enough.

Can I put fake tan over old fake tan?

Add a layer of radiance

A single application can extend your colour for a few more days and balance out an uneven fade off. Once your special event is over, allow your tan to fade away in full and exfoliate your skin a day before your next spray tan. This creates the perfect base for a new application of tanner.

Should you moisturize after self tanning?

Regardless of when the colour guide is washed off, we suggest not moisturising until after the 8 hour mark.

How many times can you layer fake tan?

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 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.

How many times can I fake tan a week?

As a general rule, you can apply a sunless tanner every day until you reach the tan that you want. Some products may be used multiple times daily, but the specific product you buy will tell you if this isn't safe. Most quality sunless tanners are designed to be used every day and won't clog your pores.

Does fake tan take away your natural tan?

There's no reason why you can't apply sunless tanner over a suntan – you'll deepen your existing colour, creating a richer, layered hue that balances out an uneven complexion. But remember that this won't make your tan last any longer; it will simply make it darker.

Can you fake tan too much?

Light Day to Day Gradual Tan 200ml

Gradual tan is best applied once a day, or every few days depending on the colour you wish to achieve. It Is not recommended to apply gradual tan twice a day as this can cause the product to build up, too much product can affect how even your colour is.

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).

Can I apply fake tan two days in a row?

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.

Do you fake tan your face?

Yes, here's how: Take a large powder brush; spritz the self-tan spray onto the brush, then use circular motions, buff into the face, blend into the hairline and down towards the neck, and decolletage. You can always do a second layer, and just buff into the cheekbones to subtly sculpt.

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