Why does it look like my spray tan washed off?

Author: Dimitri Sawayn  |  Last update: Tuesday, September 2, 2025

What you have washed off in the shower are the bronzers which your spray tan technician used as a guide to ensure that they sprayed every part of your body the same gorgeous shade of brown. It's a common misconception with rapid tans that your tan develops by the time you have rinsed.

Why did my fake tan completely wash off?

Some self tanners, and even spray tans, seem to wash off and right down the drain after the first shower. This is mainly due to heavy instant bronzers that sit on top of the skin and low DHA (active ingredient that adheres to the skin). Shop DHA tanners here https://www.glowprotans.com/pages/brand-overview?utm_sourc.

Why is my spray tan not showing up?

Reasons why your spray tan didn't develop as dark | You took a hot shower right before You exfoliated or shaved the same day It's that time of the month You're on new medication You have residue on your skin from an oil or lotion You rinsed it off too soon original sound - lol yea...

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.

How do you know if a spray tan is bad?

  • Color Discrepancy : Fake tans often have an orange or overly dark hue compared to natural skin tones.
  • Uneven Application : If the tan is applied unevenly, it may appear patchy or streaky.
  • Odor : Many self-tanners have a distinct smell due to the active ingredient dihydroxyacetone (DHA).
  • Transfer

Do Spray tans wash off?

Why is my spray tan fading?

Forgetting to moisturise daily is one of the key reasons that your sunless tan has faded faster than you'd hoped. While many of us moisturise daily already as part of your normal skincare routine, moisturising when you have a tan is important to help maintain that glow for longer.

How long does it take for a spray tan to look normal?

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.

Why is my spray tan coming off?

If you notice the spray tan is easily peeling off, even though the session went well, it probably means the customer had sunburns prior to getting a spray tanning session. This is a common problem as sunburns tend to peel quite a lot and this inevitably affects the results of a spray tanning session.

What lotions to avoid after spray tan?

You must avoid the following ingredients when using a moisturizer: Mineral Oil, Petroleum, Paraffins, Paraffinum Liquidum, Ceresine. Curel lotions will fade a tan faster, on some people. Avoid lotions with a high alcohol content such as CeraVe.

Should 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].

How do you fix a bad spray tan?

The Solution: If a tan is patchy all over, pro spray tan therapists recommended trying to remove the whole spray tan and starting over. Oil, heat and steam are all spray tan enemies so using body oils, sitting in a steam room or having a hot bath should help.

What is the best self-tanner?

After extensive testing, we determined the highest rated self-tanner to be the St. Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse. It's an airy mousse that's easy to apply and blend and leaves you with a natural-looking glow. You can also customize the depth of color based on how long you leave it on your skin.

Why is my fake tan not working anymore?

For the actives in your self-tanner to do their job properly, they need to be applied to clean skin. This means skin free from deodorants, fragrances, and body lotion – unless you're actually a fan of a patchy tan… So make sure you shower first to remove any lingering prods that can interfere with your tanner's DHA.

What body wash is best for spray tan?

Clear body wash or soaps like DIAL, IVORY, LEVER 2000, IRISH SPRING or ZEST are recommended. LOTIONS Avoid any oils or lotions that use mineral oil (petroleum), baby oil, coconut oil, and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (which is found in most body washes).

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.

What will mess up a spray tan?

Loofahs, washcloths, brushes, and body washes with microbeads are all going to hasten the tan's departure. Your first shower after your spray tan will likely result in a puddle of colored water around your drain, but this is normal. As you leave the shower, make sure to pat yourself dry with the towel, don't rub.

How to make a spray tan last longer?

The easiest way to make your spray tan last longer is to keep topping it up. A gradual tanning lotion will keep your skin hydrated, while also enhancing your tan a little more each day.

How many hours after a spray tan can you moisturize?

Only rinse until you see the water is clear, then stop (this should only take a few minutes) - and pat dry. DO NOT MOISTURIZE UNTIL THE TAN HAS TOTALLY DEVELOPED. We recommend you wait at least 12 hours after receiving your tan, before moisturizing to ensure it has fully developed.

Why has my spray tan washed off?

I just showered and my entire tan has washed off! What do I do? Don't worry, what you have rinsed off in the shower is the bronzer not the tan itself. Your tan will continue to develop for 12 hours after application, so give your tan this time to develop so you can see the final result.

What does a bad spray tan look like?

A strange and unnatural color: The point of a spray tan is to look like you've been kissed gently by the sun, and if your skin has taken on a dark or orange color all over, something has gone horribly wrong.

Why won't my legs tan but my arms do?

Compared to the rest of the body, skin on the legs does not produce the same amount of melanin, which results in legs getting less tan. Skin on the legs is thicker and harder and the UV light from the sun or sunbeds cannot easily penetrate it.

Does spray tan look better the next day?

Spray tans always look best at least a day after the initial appointment. Maintain your tan with self-tanners to not only make it last longer but help it fade more evenly.

What not to do after self-tanner?

It is important not to wear tight clothing after applying fake tan as this can cause your tan to rub off or cause marks. 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.

Will sitting after a spray tan ruin it?

To ensure you get the best results from your spray tan and protect it effectively: Allow Time to Dry: After your spray tan, give yourself ample time to let it dry completely before sitting down. This will help minimize any risk of smudging or unevenness.

Previous article
Why is my skin bumpy after laser tattoo removal?
Next article
How much to tip for a 1 hour facial?