What should I do if I splashed water on my freshly applied self-tanner?
Self-tanning can be a great way to achieve a sun-kissed glow without the harmful effects of UV rays. However, accidents can happen, and it's common for someone to splash water on their freshly applied self-tanner. After all, it’s hard to avoid water for the recommended eight hours it takes for an excellent self-tan to develop. All it takes is a simple sip of our favorite beverage gone wrong or a humid day that causes a little extra perspiration, and before you know it, we have water spots and streaks on our otherwise perfect self-tan. If this has happened to you, don't panic. Here's what you need to know about what to do if you splash water on your freshly applied self-tanner.
First and foremost, it's essential to understand that water will not immediately affect your self-tanner. Self-tanners work by reacting with the amino acids in your skin to create a natural-looking tan. This process can take several hours to complete, so it's unlikely that splashing water on your skin will immediately ruin your tan. However, it's still important to take steps to minimize the impact of the water. If possible, try to avoid getting your skin wet for about 8 hours after applying the self-tanner. This will give the self-tanner enough time to react properly with your skin and create a lasting, even tan.
The active ingredient in self-tanner is DHA (dihydroxyacetone). DHA is a sugar-based compound that reacts with the top layer of the skin to create a temporary tan. It’s essentially a sugar that turns dead skin cells brown. This reaction, known as the Maillard reaction, is the same chemical process that causes bread to turn golden brown when it is toasted. The process is not instant. It takes time. Therefore, if you splash water on your freshly applied self-tanner, you still have time to save your future gorgeous glow!
So what do you do if this unfortunate mishap occurs? As always, Glow by Skalla is here to help!
Spot Treat the Small Splashes
If you’ve only splashed or spilled a small amount of liquid on your self-tan, you can spot-treat it by applying a tiny amount of lotion to the affected area and blending it with the existing self-tanner. Then use a q-tip or a makeup brush and apply the lotion in a circular motion the thoroughly blend your self-tanner. This should resolve the problem.
Gently Pat Your Skin Dry
You will need to dry your skin if the splash is more significant than a drop or two. It's best to gently pat your skin dry with a towel rather than rub it. It’s tempting to grab a towel and rub your skin quickly but taking the time to pat your skin dry will pay dividends in the long run. Rubbing can cause the self-tanner to streak or come off in patches. It’s a sure way to ruin your even tan. Even after your tan dries and develops, excessive rubbing will cause your tan to wear off more quickly than it would otherwise.
Reapply Self-Tanner to the Affected Areas
If you splash water on your freshly applied self-tanner, and it’s larger than a few drops, then you can reapply tanner to the affected areas. It is best to do this in a thin layer to blend the color evenly. Use a self-tanning mitt like our Bronzing Mitt to achieve a smooth and even result. This can help even out the color and minimize the impact of the water. Just be sure to let the self-tanner dry completely before getting dressed or getting into bed.
It usually takes about twenty minutes for the self-tanner to dry entirely before you can get dressed safely. If you’ve just taken a shower and your bathroom is still steamy, move to a less humid room to apply your self-tanner. The product will dry faster this way. You can also use a hair dryer to speed up the process. This is super helpful in those brutally cold months when standing naked in your bathroom waiting for your self-tanner to dry is the last thing you want to do!
Once you have applied a fresh layer of self-tanner to the affected areas and allowed it to dry, be sure to dress in loose-fitting, dark-colored clothing. Tight clothing has the potential to rub your skin and cause your tan to fade unevenly. Dark clothing will ensure that your self-tanner doesn’t transfer and ruin your favorite white tee. This principle also applies after your tanner has dried and developed completely. If you wear tight clothing that rubs against some regions of your body, you can expect these areas to fade more quickly. This can be remedied with daily exfoliating in the shower and strategic touchup applications.
In addition to these remedies, you can also do some things to prevent splashing water from ruining your self-tan in the first place. First and foremost, be sure to apply self-tanner evenly and thoroughly. This will help minimize the impact of any splashes or drips that may occur.
It's also a good idea to wait until your self-tanner is completely dry before getting dressed or getting into bed. This will help prevent any transfer of the self-tanner onto your clothing or bedding.
Finally, be sure to exfoliate regularly to keep your skin smooth and even. This will help prevent streaks or patches from forming, even if you do happen to splash water on your freshly applied self-tanner.
Splashing water on your freshly applied self-tanner can be frustrating, but it doesn't have to ruin your sun-kissed glow. With the proper steps and preventative measures, you can minimize the impact of water on your self-tanner and achieve a beautiful, even tan that lasts. Remember to spot-treat the small splashes, gently pat dry larger areas of wet skin, and reapply self-tanner to any heavily affected areas. With these tips and tricks, you can go ahead and enjoy your self-tanning. Don't let a little water get in the way of your perfect tan!