When should I wash off tanning lotion?

Author: Mr. Watson Gaylord IV  |  Last update: Friday, January 9, 2026

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.

When can I wash off tanning lotion?

Tanning lotion also doesn't take long to develop and can be washed off after two to three hours. Meanwhile, mousse and gradual tanners take at least six to eight hours to develop. You can shower immediately after using a tanning oil since that's a natural tan and not a solution that can be washed off.

When should I rinse my tan off?

Once applied, you can wash the tan off after just 1 hour, but for a deeper long-lasting tan leave on your skin for up 8 hours. It really is personal choice. You might have to test it out a few times to work out what suits you the best! For a deeper glow, we recommend letting your tan develop for 6-8 hours.

Is it okay to sleep with tanning lotion on?

You can let the lotion sit on your body as long as you'd like. Obviously the longer you leave it on, the darker it will be. The pictures below was the color it turned after sleeping overnight with it on.

How long should you wait to shower after tanning?

If you're using tanning accelerators or other tanning products, it is generally recommended to wait at least two hours after your sunbed session before taking a shower.

How to Remove Sun Tan From Your Body Instantly

What should you not 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.

Will my tan get darker after I shower?

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.

How to wash tan off after developing?

If you opt for a wash-off tan, allow it to develop for 4 to 8 hours. Then, wash it off with slightly cooler water than normal, and don't use scrubs or soaps as these can fade your tan. Simply rinse until the water runs clear.

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.

Is B tan supposed to be green?

Self-tanners contain DHA (dihydroxyacetone), which reacts with the amino acids in the dead layer of your skin to turn you a temporary bronzed color. The base of many of these tanners is green to prevent your tan from looking too orange.

Do you use soap when rinsing off tan?

Using a soap or body wash when you rinse your tan will halt the tanning actives development and could cause you to lose the color you developed so far. Some soaps or washes may also react with the tan badly to strip color in places or cause discoloration.

How soon after tanning should you moisturize?

We want your tan to be 20/10 and unfortunately if moisturiser is applied it can leave blotches, marks and strip the tan in certain spots on the skin. Once you've washed off the colour guide and waited at least 8 hours, you can apply your favourite moisturiser to your entire body.

How long do you wait before washing off tan?

Once applied, you can wash the tan off after just 1 hour, but for a deeper long-lasting tan leave on your skin for up 8 hours. It really is personal choice. You might have to test it out a few times to work out what suits you the best! For a deeper glow, we recommend letting your tan develop for 6-8 hours.

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.

Can I shave after tanning bed?

It is not ideal to shave after tanning as it can exfoliate your skin and cause the tan to fade. If you must do so, please wait 24 hours after your tan. For the best tan results, get waxed a few days before your spray tan! The more often you are shaving, the faster your colour will fade.

What day does fake tan look best?

The Two-Day Rule: When it comes to tanning before an event, it is generally recommended to have a spray tan or apply your own tan two days prior to the occasion. The reason behind this is that all tans take approximately 24 hours to fully develop, even after rinsing off the initial bronzer.

How to self tan like a pro?

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.

Does tanning lotion wash off?

Today, there are loads of quick-developing formulas that can be washed off after as little as 2 hours (if you want a lighter tan), as well as traditional formulas designed to stay on the skin for 8 hours. Whichever you choose, it's important to time your application so you'll be free to shower.

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.

Does tan develop more after washing off?

Does fake tan develop after washing it off? Yes – fake tan does continue to develop on the skin after it has been washed off. The colour that fake tan instantly adds to the skin is often just a 'guide colour', which gives you an idea of the shade and where you are applying it.

Do I use soap when washing off a 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 tan better if you shower first?

Your perfect tan starts before you set foot in your local PBT. You'll want to shower, shave and exfoliate at least a day before your tan (preferably two!). We recommend using our Premier Collection® body washes as the perfect pre-tan prep. Exfoliating is especially important.

How long after sun does the tan show?

After sun exposure, your skin begins to produce melanin, which is responsible for the tan. This process can take up to 48 hours to fully develop. So, don't be discouraged if you don't see immediate results. Once your tan has developed, it will be at its peak for about two weeks.

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