Will self-tanner come off in a chlorine pool?

Author: Colten Hauck Sr.  |  Last update: Friday, January 2, 2026

Although the chlorine found in swimming pools can lead to a faster 'fade-off' you can still enjoy a swim and protect your tan. The key is to take quick dips to reduce the time your tan is in contact with the water and to gently pat yourself dry once you've come out of the pool to avoid rubbing off any colour.

Does chlorine remove self-tanner?

Does chlorinated water really remove fake tan and spray tans? While chlorine and other chemicals in the pool water can cause your tan to fade faster or become patchy, it won't instantly remove your tan entirely.

Will fake tan come off in a swimming pool?

Does fake tan come off in a swimming pool? In time, it can do. Indeed, prolonged exposure to chlorine and water can cause the fake tan to fade at a quicker rate. However, it's worth noting that your fake tan won't immediately come off all at once when you first enter a swimming pool.

Does self-tanner wash off in water?

Self Tanner FAQs Does Self Tanner Wash Off? It won't just wash off with water right away but over time it will wash off if there is friction, or you're exfoliating. It's naturally going to come off as your skin gets exfoliated and comes off. How Can I Get My Self Tanner To Last Longer?

Can you still tan in a swimming pool?

Ultraviolet rays can penetrate almost a foot of clear water, so yes, you can theoretically tan - or burn - under water. Plus, exposed skin above the water gets the added UV radiation from reflected sunlight.

The Pool's guide to getting a spray tan

What fake tan is waterproof?

Rimmel Sunshimmer Water Resistant Instant Tan Wash Off Matte - Medium.

How to avoid getting tanned in chlorine water?

Apply sunscreen and reapply often when you go in the water. It protects the skin from harmful UV rays. Take a bath after you are done with the water rides. A good scrub will rinse off most of the chlorine.

How long after self tanning can I swim?

Can I swim after applying self tan? We recommend avoiding swimming for 6 - 8 hours after applying your tan to allow it to develop fully on your skin.

What ruins fake tan?

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

Do you get tanner at the beach or pool?

These different elements therefore allow us to conclude that one generally tans faster at the sea than at the pool. It's also important to note that the level of UV ray reflection is also influenced by theangle of incidence of the sun, which is the angle formed between the incoming sun ray and the water's surface.

Will a chlorine pool ruin a spray tan?

Avoid bathing, swimming or engaging in activities that work up a sweat for at least 4 hours. Because chlorine can quickly break down a spray tan, we recommend avoiding it entirely if possible.

How do you get rid of tan after swimming pool?

Sprinkle some turmeric powder in it and squeeze some lemon juice. Mix it up well and apply on your face, neck, arms and feet. Leave it on till it dries and then wash off with cold water. This face mask will get rid of the tan and leave you with soft and supple skin.

Can you go in a hot tub with a self-tanner on?

We calls fake tan in a hot tub 'a big no-no': 'Not only can it discolor the water turning it cloudy, but it can also affect the chemical balance in the tub leading to damage and the growth of harmful bacteria.

Can you go in a pool with fake tan on?

You absolutely can go swimming with a fake tan, so there is nothing stopping you from diving into the pool. It is worth bearing in mind that while you can happily cool off in the water, your tan may suffer as a result. Swimming for long periods of time can cause your sunless tan to fade away a little bit quicker.

Does St Tropez self-tanner come off in the pool?

Once your tan has developed you can swim but sea water and chlorinated pools may result in your tan fading more quickly. WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY TAN LOOKS YELLOW? St. Tropez products develop to your natural skin tone to provide a tan to suit you and wont turn the skin yellow.

Does Jergens Natural Glow wash off in the pool?

A: The color doesn't just wash away. Once the color develops, you can rub lotion and sunblock, go swimming, wash your skin, etc. and the color doesn't just come off. It isn't like a paint, it is more like a stain.

Does chlorine take off fake tan?

Chlorine, commonly found in swimming pools, can potentially affect the life of your spray tan. The chemical reaction between chlorine and the tan solution may lead to faster fading. While salt water is generally gentler than chlorine, prolonged exposure may still impact the tan's duration.

Is it better to shave before or after self-tanning?

Skin Preparation: Shaving isn't just about hair removal; it's a form of exfoliation. By shaving a day before applying self-tanner, you ensure that your skin is smooth and free of any dead cells. This smooth surface allows the self-tanner to go on evenly and helps it adhere better to your skin.

What is the healthiest way to fake tan?

Self Tanner

“Self-tanning lotions are a safe alternative to tanning beds and sun exposure, and they work by temporarily staining the outermost layer of the skin with a color additive called dihydroxyacetone (DHA),” notes Aimee Carr, an esthetician, makeup artist, and founder of Voodoo Makeup.

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.

How do I protect myself from tanning while swimming?

Tips to help protect your skin
  1. Swim early in the morning or late in the evening (the sun is the strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.)
  2. Apply sunscreen 20-30 minutes before going outside/getting in the water.
  3. Reapply sunscreen every 40-80 minutes while swimming.

Does layering fake tan make it darker?

**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.

How do I keep my tan from coming off my pool?

If extending the life of your glow is priority, stick to quick dips rather than longer swims, then pat yourself dry with a towel and apply a hydrating, gradual tanner to top up the colour and moisturise the skin. One last tip: Avoid using a sandy towel to dry yourself. Granules = premature exfoliation and a patchy tan.

Why are swimmers so tan?

There are two main reasons why swimming causes tan: One of the reasons is that most swimming pools are outdoor areas where your body is exposed directly to the sun. The second and most important reason is that the body reacts to chlorinated water.

Does vaseline protect skin from chlorine?

Pre-Swim Preparation

Wet Your Skin Take a quick shower before entering the pool. Wet skin absorbs less chlorinated water, reducing the potential for damage. Apply a Barrier Using a light layer of oil or petroleum jelly can act as a barrier, preventing chlorine from penetrating the skin.

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