What to do after applying fake tan?

Author: Dr. Bart Reichel  |  Last update: Monday, June 9, 2025

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.

What do you do after you fake tan?

Do's After Getting a Spray Tan:
  1. Allow Ample Development Time. Patience is key when it comes to a spray tan. ...
  2. Opt for Loose, Dark-Colored Clothing. After your spray tan, your skin is sensitive and prone to staining. ...
  3. Keep Your Skin Hydrated. ...
  4. Extend Your Tan with Self-Tanner. ...
  5. Pat, Don't Rub, After Showering.

Do you wash fake tan off after applying?

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.

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 long after applying self-tanner can I sit down?

Sitting or snuggling into your clothes right away is a major no-no. If you do, you might risk turning your fab tan into a patchy puzzle. Give your tan the royal treatment it deserves. After application, it's time to channel your inner diva and lounge in as little clothing as possible for at least an hour or two.

Tanning Routine | Tips on How to Self Tan At Home (Beginner Friendly!) | Dominique Sachse

How do you sleep after fake tan?

Use a fan or adjust the temperature in your room to ensure a comfortable sleeping environment. Sleep on dark towels: Placing dark towels on your bed where your body will come in contact with the sheets can help absorb any excess tan solution and prevent it from transferring onto your bedding.

Does leaving self-tanner on longer make it darker?

Regarding development time - you can leave your Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam on your skin for 1 - 8 hours, depending on how dark you like your tan. The longer you leave it on the darker you get.

How to get the best fake tan results?

10 fake tan tips for beginners
  1. Exfoliate 24 hours before. ...
  2. Remove hair 24 hours before. ...
  3. Avoid deodorants and perfume. ...
  4. Choose the right tan for you. ...
  5. Moisturize just before tanning. ...
  6. Always Use A Tanning Mitt. ...
  7. Allow Your Tan To Dry Before Dressing. ...
  8. Wash Off Your Tan In Cool Water.

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.

Do I use soap after self-tanner?

do i need to shower off the tan with soap after it has been left on? for the first shower after tanning we recommend no soaps, lukewarm water and only a super quick (approx. 45 seconds) rinse so that the tanning actives can keep developing to their darkest potential.

Do you fake tan your face?

Yes, here's how: Take a large powder brush; spritz the self-tan spray onto the brush, then use circular motions, buff into the face, blend into the hairline and down towards the neck, and decolletage. You can always do a second layer, and just buff into the cheekbones to subtly sculpt.

How to self-tan for beginners?

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 to avoid after self-tanner?

Avoid Certain Skin and Body Treatments

Braun outlines several skin and body regimens you should also skip after you self tan. “Avoid using any coarse body scrubs that are meant to slough away dry skin because they may very likely take your tan with it,” she says.

How soon can I shower after fake tan?

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.

Does moisturizing help fake tan last longer?

Yes! Moisturising is key to a long-lasting, streak-free tan. Moisturise daily post-tanning to lock in hydration and leave your skin buttery smooth.

Why does fake tan not stick to my legs?

Is there any residue left on your calves from products like moisturiser, shaving foam or body oil? All these cosmetic products act as a barrier to fake tan and can prevent the skin from 'grabbing' colour.

How to make fake tan develop faster?

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.

How long does fake tan last?

Before we dive into tips on how to extend your sunless tan, you're probably wondering, “Just how long does a fake tan last?” On average, your skin retains self tanner for 5-7 days, but this period of longevity can vary based on many factors. Expired self tanning products, sensitive skin, and skin types are a few.

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.

What is the number 1 rated fake tan?

Best fake tan formulas 2025 at a glance:
  • Best overall: Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam.
  • Best colour-correcting mousse: Bondi Sands Technocolor 1 Hour Express Self Tanning Foam.
  • Best for beginners: Tan-Luxe x Paris Hilton The Future Airbrush 360 Self-Tan Mist.
  • Best for natural results: St.

Should I dampen my tanning mitt?

No, unless you want some tanning mishaps! Please ensure that your glove is dry before using to ensure a perfect application.

How to 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.

What body wash is best for fake tan?

Dhesthetics has 2 recommended body washes to use in the shower to help preserve your tan. Aveevo Daily Moisturizing body wash or Cetaphil Daily Nourishing body wash. All of these body washes have great ingredients in them that will help to preserve not only your tan, but keep your skin healthy.

Does showering after tanning in the sun affect your tan?

After tanning, you will produce a little bit of sweat, but that's it. There is no reason to shower right away because water does not affect the tan. This is another myth that has been around for ages. The truth is, showering right after getting a tan will not cause staining of your skin.

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