Is it OK to tan without exfoliating?

Author: Greta King  |  Last update: Monday, October 27, 2025

It's important to exfoliate 24 hours prior to tanning. This will remove any dead skin and create the perfect base for your tan application. We'd recommend using our Tan Enhancing Body Polish and Exfoliator.

What happens if you don't exfoliate before tanning?

If you tan dead, dry skin which will eventually flake off you are wasting your time and possibly your money as well if you go to a tanning salon, therefore you should always clean, exfoliate and moisturize your skin before tanning.

Is it pointless to tan without lotion?

Yes, you can still tan without using tanning lotion or spray. Tanning occurs when your skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or tanning beds, which stimulate the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color.

Does exfoliating make you tan better?

You should exfoliate before tanning. Exfoliating your skin helps remove dead skin cells, allowing for a more even and longer-lasting tan. It also helps prevent patchiness and ensures that the tanning product adheres properly to your skin.

Do you have to exfoliate every time you self tan?

Exfoliate before reapplication: To ensure a smooth and even application, exfoliating your skin before reapplying self-tanner is beneficial. This helps remove any dead skin cells or residue from the previous application, preventing patchiness or uneven fading.

Tan removal | How to remove tan | Dr. Ankur Sarin and Dr. Jushya Bhatia

Is exfoliating even necessary?

No. "Nothing happens if you don't exfoliate — you just walk around with bumpy or slightly dry skin, which is inconsequential except for cosmetic reasons," Dr. Reynolds says. "No one has to exfoliate, but it can be helpful to exfoliate the arms and legs," she adds.

How to get golden tan?

10 Top Tips For A Gorgeous Long-Lasting Sun Tan
  1. Moisturise. Hydrated skin will not only tan better but will also keep its colour for longer. ...
  2. Avoid dry skin. ...
  3. Exfoliate. ...
  4. Sun cream. ...
  5. And more sun cream! ...
  6. Prior application. ...
  7. Shady times. ...
  8. An early start.

Does peeling skin remove tan?

Yes, a tan will naturally fade away due to the exfoliation of our skin. It may not be the nicest thing to think about, but the human skin sheds and then generates millions of cells everyday. When the tanned skin cells are replaced with new, untanned skin cells, your body will gradually return to its normal colour.

Can you shave right before self-tanning?

One crucial step in this preparation is timing your shaving routine just right. If you're wondering when the optimal time is to shave before applying self-tanner, we suggest aiming for approximately 24 hours before.

Is it OK to tan with no sunscreen?

But can you get a suntan safely without exposing your skin to the damage that may lead to skin cancer? The short answer: No. "If you're exposed to the sun, there's potential for damage,” says Stephen Lynch, MD, Vice Chief of Staff at City of Hope Phoenix.

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.

What happens if you don't moisturize before tanning?

Moisturizing creates a smooth, hydrated base that helps your self-tanner glide on evenly. Without it, dry areas of your body—like elbows, knees, and ankles—soak up more product, leaving you with darker, blotchy areas.

Should I tan or exfoliate first?

1. Exfoliate 24 hours before. It's important to exfoliate 24 hours prior to tanning. This will remove any dead skin and create the perfect base for your tan application.

Is it okay to self tan every day?

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.

Should you exfoliate after tanning in the sun?

Contrary to what one might think, exfoliate your skin does not make the tan disappear. It's even the complete opposite! A good exfoliation helps the epidermis to renew itself, while getting rid of dead cells and impurities.

Can I self tan if I'm peeling?

This is also why if your skin is flaking or peeling it's not a good idea to fake tan. The self-tanner is almost guaranteed to come off with the flaking skin leaving your tan looking blotchy and streaky and not attractive.

What makes you tan super fast?

Apply a sunbed cream or tanning accelerator prior tanning

All these products are specifically formulated in a way that enables you to tan faster and get a darker colour. Make sure you use products suitable for your skin type. If you are a beginner tanner, avoid some of those products such as bronzers and tingles .

How do the Kardashians get so tan?

Jimmy is a tanner to the stars - Kim Kardashian gets a Jimmy tan every week, and he works with the rest of the Jenner/Kardashian clan, Jennifer Aniston, and Heidi Klum. He tans the Victoria's Secret girls and Ariana Grande even took him on tour with her to keep her glow alive.

What is the golden rule of tanning?

The professional indoor tanning industry promotes and teaches what we refer to as The Golden Rule of Smart Tanning: Don't ever sunburn. The indoor tanning industry has been more effective at teaching sunburn prevention than those who promote complete sun avoidance.

Is 30 minutes a day in sun enough to tan?

Is 30 minutes a day enough to tan? It depends on your skin type. Those with fair skin likely need a bit longer, while people with darker skin may only require 15-20 minutes daily. Start slow and gently build UV skin tolerance over multiple sessions for the best color development.

How to get the darkest tan?

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.

What is the best tan accelerator?

  • Calypso Monoi Tahiti Bronzing Tanning Oil SPF15. ...
  • Pro Tan Beaches and Creme All-In Intensifying Serum (250ml) ...
  • ultrasun SPF30 Tan Activator Body 150ml , Pack of 1. ...
  • Power Tan Non-Stop Black Tingle Gelee (DHA Free) Hybrid UV Sunbed Tanning Accelerator Lotion 250ml.

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