People often choose self-tanning products to get that perfect bronzed look without getting exposed to the sun. Self-tanners are very easy to use and do not cause much harm to your skin.
However, the self-tanners can fade away faster if proper care is not taken before and after application.
You may notice spots and streaks on your skin if the self-tanning products are not applied properly. So, you can definitely visit a salon and get it done by a professional.
How long a self-tanner will stay on your body depends on the care you take after using a self-tanner and the quality of the product. But a good quality self-tanner can last for about 3 to 7 days.
So, in this article, I will let you understand how long a self-tanner lasts and how to apply it to increase its longevity.
Function of a Self-tanner
Our skin changes constantly and is replaced by new ones. So, a self-tanner interacts with the dead skin cells and changes the color to help you get that perfect bronzed look.
When the dead skin cells fall off and new cells start appearing, the self-tanner starts fading away.
So, the original tanned look and the glow disappear within a few days. By taking proper care you can make your tan last up to 10 days.
Quality of the Self-tanning Products
The longevity of a self-tanner mainly depends on its quality. A good quality product can help you get that smooth, glowing tan in no time.
This will also not fade away very fast. Low-quality self-tanning products can lead to spots, quick fading, streaks, and patches.
You can use a self-tanner in the form of foam, oil, or lotion but using the best quality tanning product from a trusted brand is always advisable to make it last longer.
How to Apply a Self-Tanner?
To make your tan last longer it is very important to prepare your skin well before using self-tanning products. To avoid streaks and patches you should exfoliate your skin well before application.
Using oily products before using self-tanners can block the pores and thus, the tanning solution does not penetrate properly.
You need to read the instructions given in the box before application to get the desired result. Always wear gloves while using a self-tanner and apply the product evenly to every part of your body.
How to Maintain Your Tan From Fading Away Faster?
A self-tanner or a spray tanner contains a high level of DHA (dihydroxyacetone) that helps you achieve a darker tan when used.
However, self-tanning is not a permanent process and will fade away after some time. But you may always want to keep your tan from fading away faster.
Basically, a self-tanner lasts for 3 to 7 days and 10 days is the maximum time. So, here are some useful tips you should follow after the self-tanning process to increase the longevity of your tan.
Avoid Exfoliating After Tanning
Exfoliates and products that contain AHA should be avoided for 24 hours after your self-tanning session. Exfoliating your skin just after using a self-tanner can make your tan fade faster.
AHA contains citric, glycolic, and lactic acids that may also reduce the longevity of your tan when used after the self-tanning session.
So, exfoliating, waxing, and shaving should always be done 24 hours prior to using the self-tanner. Using a self-tanner without exfoliating can leave your skin with streaks and blotches. Use a gentle scrub for exfoliation.
Avoid Oil-based Moisturizer
Avoid using oil before applying a self-tanner. Using oil will block the pores and prevent the tanner from getting evenly absorbed by your skin.
Oil-based moisturizer can also break down the pigments in the tan and thus, give you an uneven tanned look.
Avoid Self-tanning During Period
You may notice your skin is not taking the tan if it is used during or a week before your period.
This is because there is a change in your hormone level during your period. This change determines how well the pigment will develop.
Tips to Remember
01
To prevent your tan from fading away faster use a topper which is a type of tint.
02
You can also use a few drops of self-tanning product with your regular moisturizer and apply it daily to hold your tan longer.
03
To maintain the dark color and glow use moisturizers that are infused with color-correcting components.
So, here are some useful tips on how long a self-tanner lasts. Although you know that the self-tanner will fade away after some time, you can definitely follow the above-mentioned tips to make it last longer.
As self-tanning is the easiest and safest way to achieve that perfect bronzed look without being exposed to the sun so, try it out without worrying about fading.
