As self-tanning products become more popular, there is an increasing demand for answers to common self-tanning questions. Glow by Skalla is ready to answer the most challenging questions so that you can achieve the most beautiful and natural-looking tan possible!

One question we often hear is when should I shower after using self-tanner? While self-tanning products are generally easy to use, if you want to achieve the best possible results, it is essential to understand the proper way to use them and how long to wait before showering after application. In this article, we will explore the various factors that determine when you can shower after using a self-tanner and provide some tips for maintaining your sultry, golden, glowing tan.

Self-tanning products contain Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a sugar-based ingredient that interacts with the amino acids in the skin to produce a darkening effect. It’s essentially a sugar that turns dead skin cells brown. This reaction takes time to develop and can take anywhere from 2 to 8 hours to fully set. The exact time it takes for the tan to develop will depend on the concentration of DHA in the product, the type of product you are using, and your skin type.

For Glow by Skalla products, we recommend allowing your self-tanner to dry for approximately 8 hours before showering. This will ensure the DHA has had time to react fully with your skin, resulting in a natural, golden glow. Some tanners with heavier concentrations of DHA advertise a shorter length of time for the self-tanner to develop fully. But with these tanners, the higher concentration of DHA increases the risk of streaky results and orange hues. You can learn more about this in two of our previous blog posts: Why Does My Self-Tanner Turn Me Orange? and What Self-Tanner Isn’t Orange?

At Glow by Skalla, we have perfectly formulated our levels of DHA to create a smooth, streak-free result minus those pesky orange hues. Our formula is made with violet undertones that complement any skin tone beautifully. And we always use natural ingredients to soothe and nourish your skin.

No matter what self-tanning product you use, waiting until the tanner fully develops before showering is essential. If you shower too soon after applying the product, you risk washing away some of the color before it has had a chance to set fully. To get the darkest possible effect from your self-tanner, make sure to follow the instructions and give it the proper amount of time to process. It is also important to understand that certain areas of your skin may process at different speeds, so showering too soon could contribute to an uneven tan.

Once your self-tanner has fully developed, and it is time to shower, be mindful of your water temperature. We all love a long, hot shower, but your first shower after applying self-tanner does not need to be long or overly hot. Hot water tends to dry out your skin, making your tan fade quickly. This doesn’t mean you’ll need to take an arctic dip in an ice bath. A tepid or lukewarm shower should work fine. And be mindful of the products you use while showering. Harsh chemicals can cause your tan to fade, so use a gentle, natural soap or body wash. You should also avoid shaving your legs immediately after tanning. This should be done before applying your self-tanner if you want to achieve the most even results.

If you are using a self-tanning product for the first time, it is always best to do a patch test several hours before applying it to your entire body to ensure that you do not have an adverse reaction. Negative reactions are rare, but choosing a self-tanning product with natural, quality ingredients further lessons your chances of an allergic response. All Glow by Skalla products are made with high-quality ingredients like organic coconut oil and aloe leaf juice. Our Flawless Finish Bronzing Mitt and Flawless Finish Bronzing Drops have a sweet, natural vanilla scent that will leave you smelling as enticing as you’ll look! All our self-tanning products are made with organic glycerin to provide the ultimate flawless finish and contain nourishing vitamins that promote smooth, healthy skin.

Once you’ve patch tested your self-tanner, applied the product, waited for the self-tanner to develop, and taken a lukewarm shower, it is essential to moisturize your skin. Make moisturizing your skin part of your daily routine to help maintain your tan. We recommend using a high-quality lotion in the morning before dressing and in the evening before bed. Look for moisturizing products that contain ingredients such as aloe vera, vitamin E, and shea butter to help nourish and hydrate your skin. Additionally, avoiding products containing ingredients such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or alpha-hydroxy acids is important, as these can cause the color to fade more quickly.

When applying your moisturizer, pay careful attention to drier areas such as your hands, elbows, knees, and feet. These areas will absorb more of the DHA in self-tanners and become darker than the surrounding skin. A quick pro-tip is applying a Vaseline layer over areas you do not want to tan. The greasy texture of the Vaseline will prevent some of the self-tanner from absorbing into your skin. You can also gently wipe these areas with a damp cloth after applying the tanner to remove some of the excess product and blend the color over the surrounding skin.

If you follow all these steps, you will be well on your way to achieving the ultimate sunless tan. Remember, the time it takes for a self-tanning product to develop fully and when you can shower after using it will depend on several factors: the type of product, the concentration of DHA, and your skin’s natural reaction to the product. Good general practice is to wait eight hours before showering, use a gentle body wash to avoid stripping the skin of its natural oils and moisturize liberally. With these simple tips and tricks, you can have a picturesque, endless summer glow that makes you look and feel radiant!