Should you wash your face after sun tanning?

Author: Dr. Jairo D'Amore III  |  Last update: Monday, July 28, 2025

As an important part of your daily skincare ritual, cleansing is essential after sun exposure. If you don't wash off sweat, dirt, and sebum, your skin will have difficulty absorbing any ingredients from your products.

What to do after sun tanning on face?

Cool Compress: Apply a cool, damp cloth to the affected area to alleviate heat and reduce inflammation. Hydration: Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration, which can exacerbate sunburn symptoms. Aloe Vera: Apply pure aloe vera gel to the sunburned skin to soothe and moisturize.

Should you shower right after sun tanning?

Showering after tanning is typically not recommended immediately, as it can wash away the tanning product and lead to uneven results. If you must shower, it's best to wait at least 4 to 8 hours after tanning, depending on the product used, to allow the tan to develop fully.

How long after tanning should you wash your face?

Ideally you should be waiting for around 8 hours before washing your face after a spray tan. Some spray tans can develop quicker or slower, so you should find out the development time needed. Washing your face after this time is suggested.

What not to do after tanning in the sun?

Hydrated skin not only looks healthier but also retains a tan more effectively. Avoid hot showers, which can strip the skin of its natural oils, and refrain from activities that cause excessive sweating immediately after tanning.

How I got rid of my Tan ? - Dr.Manjot, MD Dermatologist

Should I wash my face after sun exposure?

Gentle cleansing and generous moisturizing are key. For a few days at least, avoid skin care products that tend to dry out or irritate skin, including: Cleansers, toners and serums formulated to combat acne and oiliness—these products have a drying effect on skin.

Can I wash my face after a sunbed?

The simple answer is yes, you can - and as a matter of fact, you should. There is no harm in rinsing off the excess tanning lotion or sweat from your skin after the tanning process.

Does washing your face remove tan?

Yes. The best face wash for tan removal is loaded with skin-nourishing ingredients that help enhance overall skin health and appearance without you having to make any significant compromises. Its primary factor of no toxicity makes it outstanding for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

What is the best thing to do after tanning?

The initial exposure to UV light can leave your skin a bit shocked, so it's crucial to give it some extra TLC. Hydrate your skin with a good quality, fragrance-free moisturizer right after your session and throughout the next few days. Also, remember to drink plenty of water to hydrate from the inside out.

How long after tanning will I see results?

The time it takes to develop a tan from sunbeds varies widely among individuals. Generally, you might start noticing results after 3-5 sessions, with a more noticeable tan developing within 1-2 weeks of regular use. However, it's crucial to understand that these are just estimates, and your experience may differ.

How to protect your face in a tanning bed?

Always wear FDA-approved protective goggles when using a tanning bed. Regular sunglasses are not sufficient as they do not provide the necessary protection against intense UV rays emitted by tanning beds.

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 long does sun tan last on face?

A natural tan will usually last for around 7-10 days, although this can vary for each different skin type and colour.

What is the best thing to put on your face after the sun?

It's best to avoid petroleum-based moisturizers because they can trap heat and worsen the sunburn. Instead, use a light moisturizer (a lotion or gel) that contains aloe vera or soy. “Aloe and soy have antioxidant properties, which can speed up the healing process,” Dr. Zubek says.

Should I shower after tanning in the sun?

This makes proper sun care all the more important, because even if the right sunscreen has been used and sunburn prevented, the skin is still very stressed after sunbathing. After extensive sunbathing, it is advisable to first go into the shade or take a shower. Lukewarm water is best.

How long after sun exposure can I shower?

For optimal results, it is generally recommended to wait at least 2-4 hours before showering. This timeframe allows your skin to absorb the UV exposure and continue melanin production without interruption.

Does aloe vera prolong tan?

With a high water content, Aloe Vera helps to hydrate dry skin, resulting in a more even and longer-lasting tan – but that's not all. Other skin benefits of Aloe Vera include: Moisturizing: Rich in Amino Acids and boasting a 99.

When should I wash tan off my face?

Once applied, you can wash skin after just 1 hour, but for a deeper, longer lasting tan, leave on for up to 8 hours.

Why do I tan so easily when I'm white?

This happens because “Each of us produces a different quantity and quality of melanin. Melanin is a pigment produced by our cells found in the basal layer of the skin,” explains Dr Puig.

Will showering wash off my tan?

After 8 hours, you should be fine to get in the shower or take a soak in the tub without worrying about your tan getting streaky or washing off prematurely. Self tanner tends to fade naturally on its own after a few days but shouldn't be affected by washing assuming you've allowed those initial 8 hours to pass.

What not to do after tanning?

Opt for Gentle, Moisturizing Products: Avoid harsh soaps and scrubs right after tanning. Instead, use a mild, hydrating body wash to prevent dryness and peeling, which can dull your tan. Pat Dry, Don't Rub: Vigorous towel drying can be too abrasive. Patting your skin dry is gentler and helps avoid exfoliating too much.

How to maximize tanning bed results?

How To Tan Quicker On Sunbeds
  1. Prepare Your Skin. Exfoliate Before Your Session. ...
  2. Adjust Your Tanning Time. Start with a Shorter Session. ...
  3. Use The Sunbed Correctly. Rotate Your Position. ...
  4. Maintain A Healthy Diet. Get The Right Nutrients. ...
  5. Avoid Things With Negative Effects. Remove Makeup and Cosmetics.

Should I wash my face before or after self 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. After cleansing, try splashing your face with cold water to close your pores and tighten your skin for a flawless base.

Previous article
What are the 7 things that break wudu?
Next article
What are the bad experiences of microneedling?