Ladies and gents, let's talk about something we all love: a good ol' self tan. You know, that glorious golden glow we all crave without the fear of skin cancer. But, there's one question that always pops up when it comes to self tanner - how long does it actually last?

How A Self Tan Works

Self tanner is a great way to achieve a bronzed glow without the risks of sun damage. However, one of the most common questions people have when it comes to self tanner is how long it lasts. The lifespan of your self-tan depends on a variety of factors, including the type of product you use, your skin type, and how you care for your skin after applying the tanner.

Most self tanners contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA) as the active ingredient, which reacts with the amino acids in the top layer of your skin to create a tan. Think of an apple cut in half, gently browning on the counter. It's a similar reaction. Most self tanners require anywhere from 6 to 8 hours of development time before you'll see the full results.

What causes your self tanner to fade?

As far as how long the tan will last, most experts agree that a good self tanner can last up to five days. However, if you're not diligent about caring for your skin, it can start to fade in as little as two days.

What causes tan skin to fade? The answer is simple; skin naturally sheds its top layer every time you shower or bathe, taking your faux glow with it. Heat, humidity, and sweat can also cause your tan to fade faster. To prolong the life of your self tan, avoid activities that can cause excessive sweating, such as hot yoga or intense exercise.

How Long Will Self Tanners Last On Skin?

Keeping that Golden Hue — Tanner longevity by skin tone

For sunburned skin, self tanner may only last for 0 to 1-2 days. Sunburned skin tends to peel and flake, which can cause the self-tanner to fade quickly. If you have recently had sunburned skin, it's best to wait until it has fully healed before applying self tanner.

For those with oily skin, self tanner can last for 5 to 6 days. This is because the natural oils in the skin can help to keep the self tanner from fading as quickly. However, it's important to keep your skin moisturized to maintain the longevity of the self-tan. For those with dry skin, self tanner may only last for 0 to 1-2 days. Dry skin tends to absorb less self tanner, so it may fade more quickly. It also sheds faster, leaving you pale.

Chestnut skin tones tend to hold self tanner for a bit longer, usually 2-3 days. This is because chestnut skin has a thicker epidermis and melanin levels that are typically higher than lighter skin types, which helps the self tanner last longer. Olive skin can hold self tanner for 1 to 3 days. Olive skin tends to be naturally darker, so it can be more forgiving when it comes to self tanner. But it also fades faster. Fair skin can keep that self tanner for 2 to 4 days, but again it's important to moisturize your skin regularly to keep the color even and prevent fading.

How To Make Your Self Tan Last

The good news is that there are a few ways to make sure your sunless tan lasts as long as possible. Here are a few of our favorite tips: 

• exfoliate first before applying tanner!
• moisturize daily
• stay away from hot water

Apply self tanner multiple times if you're wanting a darker tan. However, it's important to note that applying too much self-tanner can result in a fake or unnatural-looking tan.

Remember, less is more. Start with a lighter application and build up gradually to achieve a natural-looking tan. Also, it's important to use a self-tanner that is formulated for your skin type and will give you a bronzed glow.

All in all, how long self tanner will last depends largely on your skin type, the type of self tanner you use, and how you care for your skin. In general, a self tan will last anywhere from 4 to 6 days, but with proper care and maintenance, you can help extend the life of your tan and enjoy your golden glow for even longer. Remember to make your tan last, exfoliate before tanning, moisturize after tanning, and avoid hot water to get the best tanning results and maintain a natural-looking tan. Happy tanning!

Common Self Tanning Questions

Which type of sunless tanner lasts the longest: lotion, mousse, spray, serum, or drops?

The type of sunless tanner that lasts the longest for most people is usually a mousse or serum. Unlike a lotion or spray tan, mousse and serum self tanners contain more concentrated ingredients, which help them stay on longer. They also fill in pores and wrinkles for a smoother finish that can last up to 8 days. However, all types of sunless tanners will last differently depending on your skin type and how well you care for your skin.

Does swimming in a pool with chlorine cause my faux tan to fade faster?

Yes, swimming in a pool with chlorine can cause your faux tan to fade faster. Chlorine is known to strip away oils and moisture from the skin, which can lead to premature fading of sunless tanners. It's best to wear protective clothing such as a rashguard or swim shirt when swimming in pools, and apply a moisturizer daily. That's the best way to keep your existing tan glowing!

How long does self tanner last on your face?

Self tanner on the face can last anywhere from 4 to 7 days depending on your skin type and how well you care for it. If you have dry or sensitive skin, the self-tan may not be as long-lasting. To make your facial self-tan last longer, use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer daily, exfoliate regularly to remove dead skin cells, and use a light layer of self-tanner for a natural-looking glow.

Additionally, add a few tanner drops to your favorite facial moisturizer to extend your face's glow. (Plus, a tanner formulated for the face is usually lighter and less likely to cause breakouts.) With proper care and maintenance, your self tan will last longer and give you the perfect bronzed complexion.

What effect does the application process have on the staying power of my fake tan?

The application process has a huge impact on the lasting power of your self tan! To ensure that your fake tan lasts longer, it's important to exfoliate before and after applying, use an even layer across your skin, and avoid using too much product. Additionally, you should allow enough time for the self tanner to dry completely before getting dressed. If you don’t, your clothes will rub off the tanner, leaving you streaky and uneven.

Taking care of your skin by using a daily moisturizer and avoiding that hot bath or shower is also essential to extending the life of your faux tan.

Which moisturizer ingredients should I look for to make my face's tan last?

When looking for a moisturizer to help extend your facial tan, look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which helps lock in moisture and keeps skin hydrated. Other beneficial ingredients are glycerin, aloe vera, and vitamin E. All of these ingredients can help keep your facial tan looking vibrant and glowing! Additionally, look for a moisturizer that is non-comedogenic and free of oils. Oils can act as a barrier between the skin and the self tanner, making it fade faster.

Will using two different types of tanner—say a mousse followed by a serum—help make my tan last longer?

Using two different types of tanner will not necessarily help make your tan last longer. However, applying multiple layers of self-tanner can create a deeper and darker hue, which can help you achieve the desired color for your skin tone. Make sure to moisturize daily to protect against fading and keep your tan looking its best for as long as possible.

Using self-tanning products can be a great way to get a beautiful, bronzed glow without risking sun damage. But in order to make sure your tan lasts as long as possible, it’s important to properly care for your skin.