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by Vidhya M
By now, you’ll know good prep is an essential part of fake tanning for an even, lasting glow. But we’re here to tell you post-tan care is equally important – starting with understanding how to shower after applying self-tanner to maintain that bronzed glow!
From the ideal water temp to the time you should wait before bathing, this article answers all your queries around how and when to shower after a fake tan. We’ve also provided important after-care advice on hair removal, tan-sabotaging ingredients to avoid, and the best way to stop your face from fading faster than the rest of you. Read on.
The time you need to wait to shower after applying self-tanner depends on the type of tan you’ve used. 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. Not good at maths? We often apply our Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam right before bed so we can wash off the self-tanner upon waking after 8 hours, give or take.
Timing your first rinse after a fake tan is key to achieving a flawless, streak-free glow. While it depends on the formula, you should typically wait 4-8 hours after applying self-tanner for your tan to fully develop before washing it off, but avoid leaving it on for more than 24 hours. During this time, steer clear of moisture—no sweating, workouts, or liquid foundation.
So, you’ve left your tan to start developing for the recommended 2 to 8 hours, and it’s time to rinse off that excess bronzer. When considering how to shower after fake tan, the golden rule is to keep your first post-tan shower short and sweet – just a couple of minutes to preserve your glow. Leave your shampooing for another day (as some ingredients can lead to streaking) – and obviously avoid shaving or exfoliating the skin this time round!
Don’t use a washer or sponge, just use your hands and lukewarm water to rinse your body until the water runs clear. Ideally, you want to avoid using any soap during the first shower after using self-tanner. But if you can’t resist, make sure it’s a hydrating formula that’s free from drying, color-stripping sulfates and other chemicals to maintain your tan.
And for your face? If you feel in need of a proper cleanse after tanning, keep it simple with a gentle face wash that’s free from exfoliating ingredients or acids that can break down your tan.
Once out of the shower, gently pat your body dry with a soft towel. Avoid rubbing, which will essentially exfoliate away your tan and lead to a patchy, uneven finish. Many fake tans can be drying, so be sure to lock in moisturise with a super-hydrating body lotion or cream (more on this later). Avoid anything with anti-acne or anti-ageing ingredients like salicylic acid or retinol and apply your moisturiser to the skin while still slightly damp.
Keep your glow going strong with a few simple steps. After every shower, pat yourself dry with a soft towel—rubbing can lead to patchiness. Moisturise twice daily with an alcohol-free lotion to lock in hydration and keep your tan looking fresh. When cleansing, opt for a sulfate-free body wash to protect your glow and promote long-lasting, even colour.
If you showered just a few hours after application, you might notice your skin isn't as tanned as you’d expected. Don’t fret! Your tan will continue to develop and darken for a few hours after you shower (and a spray tan takes up to 24 hours to develop fully).
That brown water disappearing down the drain? It wasn’t your tan washing away, it was simply the cosmetic bronzer tanning formulators use to help guide you when applying your tan. Clever, huh?
Because fake tan clings to our dead skin cells and our skin naturally sheds, a fake tan typically lasts around 5-7 days. To keep your skin looking tantastic for as long as possible, it’s crucial to keep skin hydrated. To do this, stick with showering once a day if possible, keep showers short and not-too-hot, use a sulfate-free body wash, and don’t forget to moisturise, moisturise, moisturise!
To keep your skin hydrated, use a rich but non-greasy moisturizer packed with antioxidants and hydration-enhancing ingredients.
Hair removal should be part of your tanning prep, but you’ll often still need to shave in the week after fake tanning. As shaving is essentially exfoliating, there’s no getting around the fact it will remove some of your colour. However, this can be minimised by waiting to defuzz for a minimum of 24 hours after applying fake tan. Using a fresh razor will also help, as will applying a moisturiser and using gentle pressure as you shave.
But what about scrubbing or sloughing the skin? Believe it or not, light exfoliation isn’t a bad idea. While you don’t want to be too aggressive, gentle exfoliation can help your tan fade out evenly. Meaning? There’ll be less streaking or patchiness as you fade – and less prep work involved when you’re ready for your next self-tanning sesh.
Take a few days’ break after tanning to enjoy your glow, then you can start gently exfoliating every three days using an exfoliating mitt or non-drying body scrub.
(Want your tan to last even longer? Check out our previous article for more tips for prolonging your fake tan.)
Keeping your glow flawless doesn’t end after application—avoiding a few key mistakes is essential for a long-lasting tan. Post-tan, skip bar soaps, exfoliating scrubs, and alcohol-based lotions as they can strip your colour and leave it patchy. Limit long, hot showers or excessive washing, which can speed up fading. Instead, stick to quick, lukewarm showers and use gentle, sulfate-free body washes.
To maintain hydration (and your tan), apply an oil-free, non-exfoliating moisturiser daily. This helps keep your skin soft, smooth, and glowing—without accidentally scrubbing away your hard-earned bronze.
If you’re a regular fake tanner, you’ll know that your face tends to fade out faster than your body, especially if you’re using exfoliating skincare ingredients such as alpha or beta-hydroxy acids. To avoid this, try adding 1-3 facial tanning drops to your night cream to extend your colour. Enriched with hyaluronic acid, our dermatologist-approved, alcohol-free Bronzing Face Drops are just the ticket to keep skin healthy, hydrated and with a glow that goes on and on.
Q1: Will My Fake Tan Look Better After I Shower?
A: Yes! Showering helps remove excess bronzer and allows the DHA to continue developing. Skin appears cleaner and more radiant after a proper rinse.
Q2: How Long Should I Wait to Shower After Fake Tanning?
A: You should typically wait at least 4-8 hours to shower after applying self-tanner to let your tan fully develop. For darker results, wait up to 12 hours.
Q3: What Are the Do’s and Don’ts After a Fake Tan?
A:
✅ DO: Moisturize daily, pat dry, and use sulfate-free body wash.
❌ DON’T: Swim, exfoliate, or use bar soap within the first 24 hours.
Q4: When Can I Wash My Hair After a Self-Tan?
A: It’s best to wait at least 8-12 hours after applying self-tanner to wash your hair to prevent water from running over your tan too soon.
Written By: Pip Jarvis
Edited by: Vidhya
