How Long After Spray Tanning Can You Shower

Showering after getting a spray tan is crucial to maintaining the look of the tan. However, many people are unsure of how long they should wait before showering. So, how long should you wait before showering? And what else should you do to make sure your tan lasts as long as possible?

In this article, we will explore the recommended waiting time after spray tanning, and provide tips on how to maintain your tan.

Before we proceed;

Can you shower after a spray tan?

Of course, YES, you can shower after spray tan. In fact, it is recommended that you shower after 8 hours of getting your spray tan so that you can get rid of the sticky feeling caused by the DHA.

DHA is a chemical that is used in most self-tanning products. It works by reacting with the dead cells on the surface of your skin to create a browning effect. This is what gives you that tanned look.

Showering after a spray tan also allows the bronzer to set and develop into a beautiful, natural-looking tan.

Now that we’ve answered the question, “Can you shower after a spray tan?” let’s move on to how to take your first shower after a spray tan.

How to take your first shower after a spray tan

Your first shower after a spray tan is the most important bath you will take to ensure the longevity of your tan. Whatever you do will make or break the longevity of your tan.

Here are the steps you need to follow:

• Wait at least 8 hours before showering. This gives the DHA enough time to react with your skin cells and create that natural-looking tan.
• Gently wash your skin with a mild soap.
• Avoid using anything harsh or abrasive as this can remove the tan.
• Rinse off completely with normal water and pat your skin dry with a soft towel.
• Moisturize your skin immediately after showering. This helps to lock in hydration and keep your skin looking healthy.
• Apply sunscreen to further protect your skin from the damage of sun UV rays

Now that we’ve listed out the steps on “how to take your first shower after a spray tan”, let’s move on to how long after spray tanning can you shower.

How long after spray tanning can you shower?

The general rule of thumb is to wait at least 8 hours after spray tan before showering. This gives the tanning solution time to get fully absorbed by your skin and develop into a beautiful, natural-looking tan. If you can’t wait 8 hours, try to wait at least 6 hours.

If you shower before the recommended time, you may notice that your tan will become patchy or uneven. This is because the water can wash away the bronzer before it has had a chance to set and develop properly.

So, if you can, try to wait at least 8 hours after a spray tan before showering. And if you can’t wait that long, try to wait at least 6 hours to shower after sunless tanning.

Does spray tan look better after a shower?

Yes, spray tan usually looks better after you shower at the right time and this is because the water will help rinse off excess tanning solution and any patchy areas. It is recommended that you wait at least 8 hours before showering but can shower sooner if needed.

Although the shower itself won’t magically make your spray tan better but, the process of water running over your skin can help to even out any areas that might have been over-sprayed during the spray tanning session and in the end-setting the bronzer to give you a more even, natural-looking tan.

It’s important to note that you should never scrub your skin while showering immediately after a spray tan as this can cause the tan to fade unevenly or patchy. Instead, use a mild soap and wait for at least 6-8hrs before letting the shower water run over your body. Pat yourself dry with a towel afterward and be sure not to rub too harshly.

Does spray tan keep developing after a shower?

Yes, your spray tan will continue to develop even after you shower. However, it is recommended that you wait at least 8 hours before showering to allow the DHA to fully develop. When developed, the DHA (the active ingredient in most self-tanning products) will continue to react with your skin over the span of 24-48 hours, and after 48 hours, your spray tan must have reached its full potential.

When you get a spray tan, a solution of dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is applied to your skin. DHA is a colorless sugar that interacts with the proteins in the outermost layer of your skin to produce a browning effect. This reaction takes about 24-48 hours to fully develop, which is why it’s smart to shower before your first spray tan appointment. However, DHA can continue to react with your skin for up to 72 hours after application. This means that even if you shower immediately after your spray tan, it will continue to darken over the next few days. So if you’re planning on getting a spray tan for a special event, be sure to schedule it at least three days in advance!

So, yes, provided you waited for the right moment; Yes, a spray tan will keep developing even after taking a shower and washing it off. Just be sure to avoid using any soap or exfoliating products for at least 8 hours after your spray tan, as these can strip away the newly applied tanning solution.

Can I wait 12 hours to shower after a spray tan?

After your spray tanning session, it is important to wait the recommended time before showering or bathing. Depending on the solution used, you will usually need to wait 8-12 hours. This allows the bronzing agent in the solution to develop and penetrate your skin. If you shower too soon, it can cause your tan to fade or become patchy.

It is also important to avoid any activities that will cause you to sweat during this time. This includes exercise, saunas, hot tubs, and spending extended periods in hot weather. All of these can cause your tan to fade or become patchy.

If you must shower before the recommended time, try to take a quick, cool shower rather than a long, hot one. Avoid using soap as this can strip away your tan. Instead, use a mild cleanser or just water. Gently pat yourself dry afterward and apply a moisturizer to help keep your skin hydrated.

How long does a spray tan last if you shower every day?

A quality spray tan can last up to 7 days (a week) with proper care, but if you shower every day then you can expect it to fade more quickly. So, if you shower every day, you can expect your spray tan to last for about 4-5days.

The key to prolonging your spray tan is to avoid using any harsh soaps or exfoliating products on your skin, as these can strip away the tanning solution. Instead, opt for gentle cleansers and moisturizers that won’t dry out your skin.

You should also apply a hydrating body lotion daily to help keep your skin moist and prevent it from drying out and flaking off prematurely.

In addition, try to avoid spending extended periods of time in chlorinated water, as this can also cause your tan to fade more quickly. If you follow these tips, you can help keep your spray tan looking its best for as long as possible.

By following these simple tips, you can enjoy a beautiful, long-lasting spray tan.

Will spray tan get darker after a shower?

There can be a lot of variation depending on the brand of spray tan that you use, how dark your skin is naturally, and how often you shower. In general, though, you can expect your spray tan to start lightening up a bit after you shower. If you’re looking for a darker color, you may want to wait a day or two before showering so that the tan can deepen.

To expand on that, how long you should wait to shower also depends on how dark you want your spray tan to be. If you’re looking for a light color, you can typically shower within eight hours of getting your spray tan. If you want a darker color, you may want to wait 12 hours or even longer before showering. And if you’re really aiming for the darkest possible color, you can try waiting 24 hours before showering. Of course, this all depends on the brand of spray tan that you use and how dark your skin is naturally.