What happens if you leave fake tan on too long?

Author: Dr. Darrel Stoltenberg V  |  Last update: Wednesday, June 4, 2025

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 I leave fake tan on for 16 hours?

Hi self tan specialist here :) recommended periods are 4-6 hrs or overnight so the tan can penetrate the skin and develop properly. If you need a shorter development time there's 1 hr express tans out there that you can only leave on for 1 hour - st tropez, bondi sands, bali body have them.

What happens if I leave my spray tan on longer than 12 hours?

The longer you leave your tan on, the more time the solution has to develop on your skin. Showering too early will make your tan streaky or splotchy. However, make sure not to leave your tan on for more than 24 hours. It is recommended to wait 6-24 hours before your first shower.

Is it okay to sleep with fake tan on?

Yes, you can sleep in a spray tan. However, it's important to be cautious of the DHA percentage and how long your spray tan artist tells you to wait until you shower.

What happens if you put too much fake tan on?

And if you apply too much DHA for your skin tone, you can end up slightly orange – no matter how good quality a tanning formula you use.

HOW TO REMOVE SELF TANNER | LAURA BEVERLIN

What happens if you leave self-tanner on longer than recommended?

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.

How to correct fake tan mistakes?

But if you do have darker marks on your hands and feet, follow these steps: - Rub the affected areas with baby oil which should help tone down orange streaks on your hands. - Lemon juice can help to dissolve uneven patches of self-tan on small areas, such as your ankles, wrists and palms.

Can you shower with fake tan on?

Your fake tan needs time to develop before your next shower, and we recommend waiting for at least four hours but no more than one day. Remember to pat yourself dry and avoid hot water or harsh shower gels as they will strip your tan and dry out your skin.

What not to do while fake tanning?

Don't Wear Tight Clothing Immediately: Tight clothing can rub against freshly applied fake tan and cause streaking or smudging. Opt for loose, breathable clothing until your tan has fully dried and developed. Don't Forget SPF: Fake tan does not provide protection against harmful UV rays.

Does fake tan have to be washed off?

Once applied, you can wash skin after just 1 hour, but for a deeper, longer lasting tan, leave on for up to 8 hours. As it really is a personal choice, you may need to test it out a few times before knowing what suits you best. After washing off, you can always re-apply if you're after a deeper tan.

Can you wait 24 hours to wash off a spray tan?

How long should I wait after a session before showering? To give the DHA enough time to fully set, it is recommended you wait a minimum of six hours after your spray tan. If you wait 24 hours you will see the optimal results. Showering sooner may diminish the intensity of the tan.

Does fake tan keep developing after you wash it off?

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 leave Loving Tan on for 24 hours?

Loving Tan Deluxe Bronzing Mousse (Medium, Dark and Ultra Dark) series - 6 - 8 hours (8 recommended); and. Loving Tan 2 Hr Express (Medium and Dark) series - 2 Hours only.

Do I moisturize after fake tan?

Once you have washed off your fake tan moisturise your skin daily to increase the longevity of your tan. Dry, dehydrated skin will cause your dead skin cells to shed quicker, taking the fake tan you worked so hard for with it. Use an oil-free moisturiser as oil can break down the product [2].

Does spray tan continue to develop after washing it off?

Please note: the tan will continue to develop even after the shower, so do not be alarmed if you're not as tanned as you expect to be. The tan will continue to develop over the next 12-24 hours.

Why is my fake tan not going dark?

Tan application – top tip – brush over your full body with a dry body brush to brush away any excess oils or dead skin cells that may be on your skin. Pay attention to your chest (a common areas for tan not to take) any other areas that your tan doesn't take to.

What ruins fake tan?

As sweat is acidic, it can cause self tan to break down when left to sit on the skin.

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.

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.

Does sweat ruin fake tan?

TIP #3: RINSE CLEAN

Waste no time before rinsing off post-sweat. Try your best to hop in the shower as soon as you're done with your workout! The quicker, the better. Rinsing with cool water will prevent your sweat—which is acidic—from sitting on your fake tan and causing it to break down.

Can you leave self-tanner on too long?

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.

Should I wash fake tan off with cold or hot water?

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.

Does shaving remove fake tan?

Shaving Before or After Spray Tan FAQ

Spray tan may fade slightly when shaving, especially if done immediately after the session. Waiting 8-12 hours before shaving and using gentle strokes can minimise the impact on the tan.

How to stop fake tan going like tiger bread?

Avoid OILS on the skin!

Oil can break down the colour of self-tanner by loosening the dead skin cells that have been dyed brown by fake tan. When these dead skin cells start to crack and flake off, it can result in a patchy or uneven tan, often referred to as a "tiger bread" tan.

Should I fake tan my face too?

Thanks to regular washing and skincare ingredients like retinol and hydroxy acids, fake tan on our faces naturally fades faster than on our bodies. Adding a few tanning drops to your face moisturiser each evening will make sure your face isn't ghostly while you're still rocking a bronzed bod.

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