The Complete Spray Tan Aftercare Guide: What to Do in the First 48 Hours

You’ve just had a spray tan or applied your fake tan at home. The colour looks great, but what you do next is just as important as the tan itself. Proper aftercare in the first 48 hours plays a huge role in how evenly your tan develops, how long it lasts and how it fades.

Whether you’re new to tanning or a regular, understanding the do’s and don’ts after tanning can make the difference between a flawless glow and patchy, fast-fading results.

Why Aftercare Matters So Much

Fake tan works by reacting with the top layer of your skin. In the hours after application, that reaction is still developing and settling. During this time, heat, moisture, friction and certain products can interfere with the process.

Good aftercare allows the tan to fully develop, lock into the skin evenly and fade naturally over time rather than breaking down in patches.

The First 8–12 Hours: Let the Tan Develop

Once your tan has been applied, it needs time to develop properly.

Avoid showering, swimming or getting the skin wet during this period unless you’re following a rinse-off tan’s specific instructions. Water can interrupt the development process and cause uneven colour.

Sweating should also be avoided. Exercise, saunas, hot baths and even excessive heat can cause the tan to break down or develop unevenly, especially in areas where skin folds or rubs together.

Wear loose, dark clothing during this time. Tight clothing can rub against the skin and affect the way the tan settles, while lighter fabrics can absorb colour.

Try to avoid sitting cross-legged, sleeping curled tightly or resting arms against the body for long periods. Allowing the skin to stay cool and undisturbed helps the tan develop evenly.

Your First Shower After Tanning

When it’s time for your first shower, keep it short and lukewarm.

Avoid hot water, steam and long showers, as heat can strip colour prematurely. Do not use body wash, soap or exfoliants in the first rinse unless your tan instructions specifically say otherwise. This first shower is simply to rinse away excess bronzer.

Gently pat your skin dry with a towel rather than rubbing. Rubbing can cause friction and remove colour from areas that are still settling.

The First 24 Hours: Locking In Your Colour

Once you’ve rinsed and your colour has fully developed, hydration becomes key.

Apply a lightweight, tan-friendly moisturiser to keep the skin hydrated. Well-hydrated skin holds colour longer and allows the tan to fade evenly. Avoid heavy oils or products containing exfoliating ingredients in the first 24 hours, as these can break down the tan.

Continue to avoid long hot showers, swimming, saunas and intense workouts where possible. The more gently you treat your skin in this window, the better your results will be.

24–48 Hours After Tanning: Maintaining Your Glow

After the first day, your tan should be fully developed and settled into the skin.

At this stage, daily moisturising is essential. Dry skin causes fake tan to fade faster and unevenly, particularly on areas like elbows, knees, ankles and hands.

Keep showers short and avoid exfoliating products. When shaving, use a gentle razor and minimal pressure, as aggressive shaving can remove colour more quickly.

If you’re swimming, be aware that chlorine and salt water can fade tan faster. Rinsing off and moisturising as soon as possible afterwards will help reduce colour loss.

What to Avoid in the First 48 Hours

There are a few common mistakes that can ruin a good tan quickly.

Avoid exfoliating scrubs, loofahs or mitts. Avoid products containing retinol, AHAs, BHAs or other exfoliating acids. Avoid fake tanning again too soon, as layering tan over unsettled skin can lead to patchiness.

Strong perfumes and deodorants applied directly to the skin immediately after tanning can sometimes affect colour in those areas, so apply carefully.

How to Make Your Tan Last Longer

The secret to a long-lasting tan is consistent hydration and gentle care.

Moisturise daily, especially after showering. Use mild body washes and avoid anything that leaves the skin feeling tight or dry. Pat skin dry instead of rubbing, and avoid unnecessary friction from tight clothing.

When the tan starts to fade, allow it to fade naturally rather than layering new tan over patchy areas. Once the colour has mostly worn off, exfoliate properly before reapplying for the best result.

When to Reapply or Refresh Your Tan

Most tans last between five and ten days depending on skin type, lifestyle and aftercare.

If you want to maintain colour, gradual tanning products can help extend your glow without heavy build-up. If you prefer a fresh application, wait until the old tan has faded evenly and the skin has been exfoliated properly before reapplying.

Sometimes, taking a short break between tans allows the skin to reset and improves how the next tan develops and wears.

Final Takeaway

Spray tan aftercare isn’t complicated, but it is essential. The first 48 hours set the foundation for how your tan looks and how long it lasts.

Keeping the skin cool, dry and undisturbed at first, followed by regular hydration and gentle care, will give you the most even, natural and long-lasting results possible.

A great tan doesn’t stop at application. It’s what you do afterwards that makes it flawless.