Your tanning solution had a low DHA content Dihydroxyacetone, better known as DHA, is the most commonly used color chemical in tanning solutions. The darkness of a spray tan is determined by the amount of DHA the tanning mist contains, as well as other factors including the color base.
As colour will continue to develop for approximately 8 hours, the longer the tan is left on the skin prior to bathing, the darker the result will be.
Spraying too far away could result in a very light tan, and likewise spraying too close could result in streaks, runs, or a tan that is far too dark.
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...
Ensure your skin is well moisturised always. Every time you get out of the shower or swim, apply lotion. If you have dry patches, then the tan will stick to these and go much darker. Good skin prep - get your skin well hydrated a week before and continue to moisturise during your tan.
Instead, my go-to formula is leaving the self-tanner on longer than specified, and applying another coat halfway through. For example, I'll apply the 2 HR Express formula and plan to leave it on for 5-6 hours, setting a timer to do another application 2.5-3 hours in.
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).
If you leave the spray tan on for longer than 2 hours before showering it will simply develop further and achieve a deeper, darker tan.
I have been tanning, but I'm not getting any darker. Now what? You may have reached a tanning plateau. Everyone has a limit to how dark they can get, but to try to get past your current color we recommend switching the types of beds you use every few tanning sessions.
**Risk of Over-Tanning**: Applying a second layer can lead to a much darker and potentially unnatural appearance. This may result in an uneven or patchy finish, especially in areas where the product tends to gather.
Often, patchy results are due to one of three things: improper skin prep, the application technique, or how you care for your skin post-bronzing. Typically, you'll want to cleanse and exfoliate your skin before applying self-tanner or getting a spray tan. You'll also want to moisturize prior to application.
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.
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.
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.
First Post Tan Shower: Your tan will take 24 hours approximately to completely darken, no matter which product blend you have used. Color will continue to darken after showering. Your first post tan shower will be a RINSE ONLY…DO NOT use SOAP or LOTION for 24 hours.
Your tanning solution had a low DHA content
Dihydroxyacetone, better known as DHA, is the most commonly used color chemical in tanning solutions. The darkness of a spray tan is determined by the amount of DHA the tanning mist contains, as well as other factors including the color base.
Moisturise! When you apply your tanner, make sure you're working with clean, dry skin. Skip the moisturiser (apart from on dry areas as a barrier), deodorant and perfume, as these products will interfere with your tan's development.
Not applying self-tanner to super-clean skin
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…
Sweep across your body in circular motions to avoid any streaking. Thick full layers are easily achieved as all our self tanning foams are fast drying. For ultra-dark results wait until touch dry & apply a second full thick layer to your body. Tanning tip – Only apply sparsely to hands and feet.
The real sunless process, however, takes up to 8 hours to develop, so while you will leave the tanning place with some color, the real color will develop darker as the day goes on, peaking at around 24 hours. It will develop with time and will settle in as the exact shade.
Once you have showered, you will notice the bronzer washing away, leaving you looking tanned and glowing underneath. From this point on hydration is the key! 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.
If possible, leave 8 hours to ensure that your tan has had enough time to fully develop. With all your questions on how to prep for a spray tan answered, there's only one thing left to do – glow!
Don't worry if some color is washing off in the shower; this is just excess solution and color guide tint. You will notice a bronze tan after showering. With the express option, the color will gradually get darker after rinsing. Remember to only pat dry your skin, not rub.