Should you sleep with self-tan on?

Author: Karlie Lemke  |  Last update: Thursday, June 5, 2025

You can leave your self tan on for as long as you like, with each product having a different recommended timeframe. Some people prefer to sleep with it overnight to get a deeper glow.

Is it okay to leave self-tanner on overnight?

Yes, most self-tanners can be left on overnight for a deeper, more developed tan. Choose a product specifically designed for overnight use, protect your sheets with dark towels or clothing, and shower thoroughly in the morning to remove excess product. Be sure to follow the instructions on your specific product.

Is it okay to sleep with a self-tanner on?

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 long after fake tan can I lay down?

Step 4: Allow Skin to Dry

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 protect fake tan in bed?

Tanning for Winter: How to Protect your Clothes and Sheets from Self-Tan
  1. Wear a Tanning Dress. ...
  2. Use the right amount of tanning product. ...
  3. Use baby powder. ...
  4. Sheet Protectors. ...
  5. Gradual tan over instant tan.

HOW DO YOU SLEEP WITH SELF TANNER ON | TIPS AND TRICKS BY A PRO SPRAY TAN ARTIST

What happens if you don't wash off your self-tanner?

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.

Can you tan in a bed with fake tan on?

However, exposure to UV radiation from sunbeds can alter the appearance of the fake tan, leading to uneven colouration or streaking. Combining UV rays and fake tan ingredients may result in unpredictable outcomes, making achieving a consistent and natural tan challenging.

What not to do after fake tanning?

AFTER THE TAN

Shower lightly in cold – lukewarm water for 45 seconds ONLY after your desired development time. Use plain water, don't use shower gels, scrubs, shampoos or loofah during the first 24 hours after your treatment. Pat your skin dry. Do not rub or scrub your skin.

Is it better to self tan in the morning or at night?

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. The best time to fake tan is at night as this will give the tan full developing time and you don't need to worry about what you are wearing.

Does self-tanner rub off on sheets?

Fake tan usually stains bed sheets due to the guide colour within the formulation. The guide colour is the tint that immediately appears on the body when tan is applied – it's there to help you see where you've already applied and assist you achieving a flawless, even application.

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.

Why can't you put self-tanner on your face?

The skin on our face is typically more sensitive and prone to breakouts, so using a self tan that has been made for your body may just result in irritation and clogged pores.

Can you sleep in fake tan and wash it off in the morning?

Optimal Time to Shower After a Fake Tan

Timing your first rinse is key to achieving a flawless, streak-free glow. 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.

What happens if you fall asleep with self-tanner on?

We all perspire while we sleep, and if you go to bed with a fresh sunless tan, where there is skin-on-skin contact it can cause a transfer of tan.

How many times a week should you apply self-tanner?

Many products will last anywhere from 7 to 10 days, but it will be quite clear that your tan is fading by the last day. To prevent your tan from fading or becoming obvious, it's best to apply the tanner at least once a week and exfoliate evenly across your body.

Should I leave fake tan on overnight?

For those who want a more subtle, slight colour lift that looks so natural you can hardly tell you're faking it… then leaving fake tan on overnight is risky. We say, don't play with it. Instead, leave it on for 1-2 hours before rinsing off in the shower soap-free to stop the developing process from continuing.

Can I use a sock to self tan?

Socks. If you don't have any rubber gloves handy, you can also use a sock for self-tanner application. Go with a thicker sock that doesn't have a match and use it to give your skin a healthy tan glow. Slipper socks may be a great option for a self-tanner applicator because of their thickness.

Does fake tan still develop after a shower?

Our Self Tan ranges can be washed off after just 1 hour, but for a deeper tan, we advise avoiding showering, swimming, and perspiring for 6 - 8 hours to allow your tan to develop fully on the skin.

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 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.

Are you meant to moisturise after fake tanning?

The answer is YES, but only after the self tan has fully developed. All Bali Body fake tan's take around 8 hours to fully develop and reach their maximum level of glow. Regardless of when you wash the colour guide off, we highly recommend you don't moisturise until the 8 hour mark.

How should I sleep with fake tan on?

We would recommend if sleeping in fake tan that you invest in tanning sheets (be it a fancy 'fake tan' specific sheets, old sheets you're not fussed about or a darker shade that doesn't show the tell-tale fake tan remnants so easily) and make sure you wear loose, comfy and fake tan friendly sleepwear to bed.

Can nipples tan?

Following this advice, your nipples will be back to their subtle selves in no time—admittedly, a few shades darker than they were before (yes, nipples can tan, too).

How long does self tan last?

Self tanners can expect their golden hue to last between 7-10 days due to the natural turnover of skin cells. Or if you get a tan outside, you can expect your tan to fade in about the same amount of time at 7-10 days as well.

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