Tanners tend to search for everything related to tan aftercare. Of which, the inquiry “How long should you wait to shower after tanning?” seems to be a big issue for them.
Honestly, it is not a tough question. Briefly, the answer is that it depends on what type of tanning session.
To help you get clear, I will share with you a certain time that tanners should wait before taking a shower, along with some notices in this article.
Are you ready?
If yes, let’s find out now!
Hold on!
Before jumping on finding the answer to “How long should you wait to shower after tanning?”, I have an important thing to say first.
Showering After Tanning: Myths & Facts
Well, as you may know, tanners, regularly, wonder if they can take a shower after a tan. Some are eager to immediately shower as they feel dirty while some want to sit up for a shower as long as possible.
This topic makes them overthink and overstress, which results in many myths and misunderstandings.
Here are several myths and facts that they associate with the link between tanning and showering.
The First Shower Role After Getting A Tan
I must say it is an understatement when considering your first shower after tanning is crucial. The fact shows that knowing the answer to the question “How long should you wait to shower after tanning?” is more favorable for you to help you get a beautiful tan.
Relying on the technique of tanning and the type of lotion you make use of for your tanned skin, showering will decide how deep your tan should be.
Don’t be confused!
I am going to clarify it more below.
#1 Myth: Showering After Getting A UV Tan To Wash It Away
The truth is a big NO.
The tan you get after laying under the sunlight is created pigment in the skin naturally, dubbed melanin. Well, during the time you get your skin exposed to the UV, melanocytes are activated in the skin. Then they release melanin, which generally takes between 24 to 28 hours that you can see a clear difference in the skin tone.
Irrespective of how it does make sense, the natural pigment in your skin is not able to be washed away.
But, one thing you should notice here.
In case you use an accelerator or bronzer for your tanning bed, you should set up for a minimum of two to three hours longer ahead of showering.
Wonder why?
Well, it is to ensure that the accelerator or bronzer take the tan deep and help you have perfect tanned skin.
#2 Myth: Showering after getting a spray tan bleach it
Well, it does.
Most tan is created by a bronzer in a solution during a session of spray tanning. The main aim of a bronzer is that it will avoid releasing melanin, but still get your skin tanned. A bronzer is made with DHA, which sets on the skin as well as oxidises with our air.
Then, the oxidation leads to a temporary dark skin tone. Showering right away after using bronzer is likely to fade the bronzer away, leading to poor tan results.
That’s why you should wait a minimum of three to four hours to shower after the application of bronzer.
How long should you wait to shower after tanning?
If you seeking the answer to “How long should you wait to shower after tanning?”, I must say once again it depends on your tanning session kind.
For your quick check, I have summarized the best time for you to shower after tanning in the table below.
| Tanning session type | Time to wait for showering after tanning |
| Tanning bed | NO |
| Tanning bed with bronzer application | 2 hours |
| Spray tan | 4 hours |
| Spray tan with bronzer application | 8 hours |
If you want to know more, keep reading this article.
After Getting Tanning Bed
It is not a big problem if you get a UV tanning bed. You can set up for a minimum of two to three hours to shower after tanning. It is because a UV tan is not related to artificial processes, but naturally activating the melanin production. Taking a shower after getting a UV tan is probably good for you in order to avoid sunburn and the skin’s overheating.
After A Spraying Tanning Session
In terms of this artificial tanning, it is a minimum of a half-day that you should wait to shower.
Why?
To be honest, what I tell you is from my knowledge and experience. The melanin and bronzer that you use for your tan will bleach if you take a bath.
Even should you be comfortable with it, you can consider forgetting the hygiene and sleeping with your tan on.
Above are all the things about the inquiry “How long should you wait to shower after tanning?”.
Wait,
I have some notices for you!
Important notes
#1: After you get a UV tan, it is a good idea to shower. But for fair skin, I won’t recommend you to let your skin get wet immediately.
#2: Regarding the way to shower after getting tan, I suggest you follow these below things:
- Make use of lukewarm water for your shower! DO NOT shower with hot water!
- Showering NOT bathing because the water will bleach the oils.
- Limit the use of soap, which is likely to break down the oils.
- NOT rub any towel over skin to avoid the removal of tanning solution.
Final Thoughts
You have just had an overview of the answer to the question, “How long should you wait to shower after tanning?”
Have you got the best time you should set up for your first shower? Try to remember them to make sure you get a perfect tan.
If any of you here have something to ask more, don’t hesitate to share in the comment section below.
Anyway, thank you for reading!