Should I wash my face before self tanning?

Author: Silas Eichmann DDS  |  Last update: Friday, June 6, 2025

Start by cleansing the skin and removing all traces of makeup. Next, lightly moisturize around your nostrils and other dry spots. Again, make sure that your cleanser, makeup remover and moisturizer are all oil-free. You're now ready to apply your face tanner.

Should you wash your face before fake tanning?

When you're ready to apply your self tan, give your face a good cleanse. This removes any dirt and oil that could cause streaks or patches.

How do I prepare my face for self-tanner?

How to Properly Prep your Skin for Self-Tanning
  • Shower with plain water (no less than four hours prior to your tan), shave and exfoliate.
  • You want to make sure that you schedule any waxing, facial, nail appointments, etc.
  • Come to your spray tan session or prior to self-tanning with clean, dry skin.

Should I shower right before self-tanning?

Can you apply self-tanner without showering first? No, you need to exfoliate really well the night before you want to tan. No, the rule book for best practices includes having a shower an hour before self-tanning.

How to stop fake tan going into pores on face?

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  • Exfoliate well (which you are preferbably doing anyway).
  • Moisturize your face really well prior to applying self tanner.
  • Try a formula that goes on initially clear and has little to no tint or ``guide color'' as that can be what sinks into pores.
  • Apply self tanner to the face sparingly.

how to contour your face with self-tanner (semi-permanent makeup)

How long until pores close after a shower?

Pores do not literally open or close but may appear larger after a warm shower due to softening of the skin. As the skin cools, which takes a few minutes to an hour, pores generally appear smaller again. Proper skin cleansing post-shower is essential to prevent acne.

How to prep skin for fake tan?

How to Prepare Your Skin for a Fake Tan
  1. Exfoliate.
  2. Cleanse skin.
  3. Moisturise.
  4. Vaseline or barrier cream to the hairline and eyebrows.

Does a hair dryer speed up fake tan?

After You've Tanned

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.

Should 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.

How to get a flawless self-tan?

Follow these steps:
  1. Exfoliate. Use a washcloth to exfoliate the skin prior to applying a self-tanner. ...
  2. Dry your skin. ...
  3. Apply in sections. ...
  4. Wash your hands after each section. ...
  5. Blend at your wrists and ankles. ...
  6. Dilute over your joints. ...
  7. Give your skin time to dry. ...
  8. Apply sunscreen every day.

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.

What is the best fake tan for face?

Our favorite facial self-tanner is the Lux Unfiltered N°12 Bronzing Face Drops. It's simple and easy, looks natural on the skin, and can be built up depending on how many drops you use. But if you're looking for an affordable option that you can pick up at the drugstore, we love the Sol by Jergens Deeper By The Drop.

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 does fake tan always go patchy on my face?

However, other products on the skin (including perfume, deodorant and oil-based moisturisers) can cause your tan to breakdown if you apply your self tanner without cleansing the skin first. To prevent patchy tan, we recommend showering before you tan and using an oil-free moisturiser.

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.

How to close pores before tanning?

Wait at least 2-3 hours before doing your self-tanning routine. Try lightly sweeping something cold over your skin. Cold causes the pores to contract, preventing your self-tanner from penetrating them. Try rinsing your face with cold water or using an ice cube from the freezer.

How many times a week should you 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 after showering can you self-tan?

Ensure you're applying your preferred product to clean, dry skin after showering and 24 hours post-shaving. Keep your application light and you'll be good to go. Learn more about preparing for your self tan here.

Should I wash my face before fake tanning?

After cleansing, but before the self-tan application, be sure to lightly moisturize around your nostrils and other dry areas with an oil-free lotion. This helps to prevent those pesky streaks that always seem to appear.

How do you prep your face for a tan?

When you're ready to apply your self tan, give your face a good cleanse. This removes any dirt and oil that could cause streaks or patches. After cleansing, try splashing your face with cold water to close your pores and tighten your skin for a flawless base.

Can I shave 2 hours before self-tan?

If you're wondering when the optimal time is to shave before applying self-tanner, we suggest aiming for approximately 24 hours before.

How to avoid strawberry legs when tanning?

Keeping the skin cool prior to tanning can help reduce strawberry legs as warmth can open the pores.

What is the white stuff in my pores after shower?

The white stuff in your nose pores is sebum [13], which is natural oil that the skin produces in the dermal layer. Sebaceous glands attached to the pores on the skin naturally secrete this white and oily substance. Sebum should not be mistaken for acne pus, whiteheads or blackheads.

How to fill holes in face naturally?

You cannot remove the holes from your face completely naturally. Natural ingredients may aid in reducing their appearance. You can look for apple cider vinegar, turmeric powder, coconut oil, and manuka honey. The four are known for their impressive benefits.

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