How often should you reapply self tanner?

When should you check the colour?

Self tanner containing dihydroxyacetone, or DHA, reacts with the outer layer of dead skin cells to create colour. Darkening starts after approximately 2 to 4 hours and continues over the following days. An early colour check is therefore not the finished result. As those surface cells shed naturally, the tan fades. Scrubbing speeds up that fading, and washing or swimming can also remove colour over time. Judge whether to reapply by the colour remaining, rather than assuming every application lasts exactly a week.12

Does the same schedule apply to bronzer?

A developing DHA self tan and a temporary bronzer need different schedules: bronzer lasts only until the skin is washed. Wash off bronzer behaves like makeup, even if its name has booked a beach holiday. Reapply that temporary colour when you want it again after washing, rather than using the several day fading window for a developing tan.1

How should you apply the next coat?

Preparation helps self tanner go on evenly and last longer, which is less glamorous than the tan but rather more useful.3

1. 1Exfoliate before applying. Use a washcloth or an exfoliating product to remove dead skin cells, spending extra time on elbows, knees and ankles.
2. 2Dry your skin completely so the self tanner goes on evenly.
3. 3Apply in sections, such as arms, legs and then torso. Massage the product into your skin using circular movements.
4. 4Wash your hands with soap and water after each section to avoid orange palms.
5. 5Blend lightly from wrists onto hands and from ankles onto feet.
6. 6Dilute the colour over knees, ankles and elbows, which absorb more self tanner. Lightly rub with a damp towel or apply a thin layer of lotion over the tanner.
7. 7Wait at least 10 minutes before getting dressed. For the next three hours, wear loose clothing and avoid sweating.

How often can you use self tanner?

Use your product's labelled directions for repeat applications; the fading window is a guide to maintaining colour, not a universal application schedule. Self tanners applied to the skin are thought to be safe, but fragrances and preservatives can cause allergic contact dermatitis, an allergic skin rash. Check the ingredient list for anything you already know you are sensitive to. Keep DHA products away from the eye area, lips and mucous membranes, such as inside the nose or mouth. With sprays, avoid inhaling the product as well.14

Do you need to reapply after swimming?

Sunscreen needs reapplying after swimming, strenuous exercise, sweating or towelling off; self tanner usually does not. A self tan does not protect against the sun. Apply a separate sunscreen every day with SPF 30 or higher, broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB, and water resistance. Separate sunscreen is a better option than a combined tanning and sunscreen product, because self tanner is often applied too thinly for adequate sun protection.13