What To Do After Your Fake Tan: The Complete Guide to Protect, Develop and Maintain Your Glow

The final result of your fake tan isn’t determined only by how you apply it — it’s also determined by what you do afterwards. Post-tan care is one of the most overlooked steps in achieving an even, long-lasting glow. If you moisturise too early, wash your hair too soon, sweat before the tan has developed, or use the wrong products in the shower, you can disrupt the entire development process.

This guide breaks down everything you should (and shouldn’t) do after tanning, why these steps matter, and how to maintain your Glow all week long using Naked Tan’s nourishing, tan-safe products.

Why Post-Tan Care Matters

When you apply your tanning mousse, the DHA begins reacting with amino acids in the outermost layer of the skin. This chemical reaction takes 12–24 hours to fully develop. During this window, anything that disturbs the skin or disrupts the reaction can affect your final colour.

Post-tan mistakes are responsible for most of the issues customers report:

• Patchy development

• Uneven colour

• Tan that “doesn’t stick”

• Dark areas lifting

• Tan fading too quickly

• Streaking on the chest, neck or underarms

Good aftercare = great results.

Let’s break it down step by step.

1. The First 4–8 Hours: Protect the Developing Tan

This is the most delicate period.

A. Avoid Tight Clothing

Tight leggings, bras, socks, waistbands or tight jeans can:

• Rub off the developing tan

• Create light patches

• Cause streaking

Choose loose, soft clothing instead.

B. Avoid Water, Sweat, Steam and Heat

Water stops DHA from binding. Even droplets can remove developing colour.

Avoid:

• Rain

• Splashes

• Sweating

• Saunas

• Hot yoga

• Showering

• Washing your hands excessively

• Cleaning or household chores that involve water

Sweat marks are especially common between the breasts, underarms and behind the knees.

C. Avoid Applying Moisturisers, Oils, Perfumes or Deodorant

These can:

• Create barriers

• Cause the tan to under-develop

• Lead to patchy or lighter areas

• Interfere with the chemical reaction

The skin must remain clean and dry.

D. Avoid Touching Your Skin

Constant touching or rubbing can cause fingerprints or hand marks.

2. The First Shower: When and How to Do It

Your first shower removes the guide colour (bronzer) but does not stop the DHA from developing.

When to Shower

Naked Tan mousses are rapid, but for best results:

• Shower in 2 hours for a light glow

• Shower in 4+ hours for a medium to deep result

• Avoid soaps/cleansers in the first rinse

However — the full development still takes 12–24 hours, even after rinsing.

How to Shower

• Use lukewarm, not hot, water

• Do a quick 30–60 second rinse

• Do not scrub or use a mitt

• Do not use soap or shampoo

• Gently pat dry — do not rub with a towel

Rubbing removes the developing tan.

3. When You Should Moisturise (And Why You MUST Wait 12–24 Hours)

One of the biggest mistakes people make is moisturising too early.

Why You Need to Wait

Moisturiser creates a film on the skin, which can:

• Interfere with the DHA reaction

• Dilute the tan

• Cause streaks

• Cause lighter patches

• Alter the undertone

Naked Tan recommends waiting 12–24 hours before applying any moisturiser.

After 12–24 Hours: Moisturise Daily

Use Naked Tan Crème de la Crème daily to keep skin hydrated.

Hydration helps:

• Prevent cracking

• Slow down skin shedding

• Maintain even fade

• Keep tan looking smooth and fresh

Moisturised skin = longer-lasting tan.

4. Why You Should NOT Wash Your Hair Too Soon

This is a major source of tan-rub-off, especially around the chest, back and arms.

Why Hair Washing Interferes With Tan Development

Shampoo and conditioner run down your body and contain:

• Surfacts

• Silicones

• Oils

• Fragrance

• Acids

• Stripping agents

These ingredients break down developing tan, causing:

• Pale streaks

• Blotchy chest

• Patchy shoulders

• Lines down the arms or back

Best Practice

Do not wash your hair until the second shower, ideally 24 hours after tanning.

This protects your tan during its development stage.

5. Why You Should Avoid Exercise for 12–24 Hours

Sweat disrupts DHA development by:

• Diluting the tan

• Causing streaks

• Creating uneven patches

• Lifting colour prematurely

• Causing darkness in friction zones

Common sweat-related issues include:

• Orangey armpits

• Dark chest drips

• Pale patches behind the knees

• Blotchy neck

Avoid:

• Gym

• Running

• Pilates

• Hot yoga

• Saunas

• Any activity that raises body heat

6. The Role of the Right Shower Products After Tanning

Your tan may be perfect at day 1 — but if you use the wrong products in the shower, it can fade unevenly.

Avoid:

• Body washes with fragrance

• Exfoliating washes

• AHA/BHA body products

• Harsh soaps

• Cheap, stripping supermarket washes

These lift tan prematurely.

Use: Naked Tan Body Cleanser

Body Cleanser is:

• pH balanced

• Gentle

• Non-stripping

• Tan-safe

• Hydrating

Using this daily makes your tan last longer and fade more evenly.

7. Clothing Choices After Tanning

Avoid for 12–24 hours:

• Tight leggings

• Bras with firm underwire

• Tight socks

• High-waisted gym tights

• Anything with seams that press on the skin

Choose instead:

• Loose dresses

• Floaty pants

• Oversized tees

• Soft pyjamas

Friction removes tan — especially when DHA is still developing.

8. Sleeping After a Tan: Tips to Protect Your Colour

While your tan is still developing:

• Wear long, loose pyjamas

• Avoid skin-on-skin contact between legs

• Sleep on old sheets if needed

• Keep your room cool to prevent sweating

Sweat + friction is the biggest cause of streaking overnight.

9. The Next Day: How to Maintain Your Tan Properly

Once your tan has fully developed:

A. Begin Moisturising Daily

Use Crème de la Crème morning or night.

B. Avoid Long, Hot Showers

Heat dries the skin and accelerates fading.

C. Avoid Exfoliating for 3–5 Days

Let your tan settle and fade naturally.

D. Pat your skin dry — don’t rub

Rubbing = friction = patchiness.

E. Top up with Gradual Tan if needed

Gradual Tan extends your colour smoothly and naturally.

F. Avoid deodorant with aluminium

This can turn tan green under the arms.

10. A Quick Tan-Safe Product Guide

Essential products for aftercare:

✔ Naked Tan Body Cleanser
Protects tan in the shower.

✔ Naked Tan Crème de la Crème
Hydrates, nourishes and extends your tan.

✔ Naked Tan Gradual Tan
Perfect for topping up and extending results over the week.

✔ Naked Tan Instant Tan
For a quick event glow on top of a developed tan.

Common Aftercare Mistakes That Ruin Fake Tan

• Moisturising too early

• Showering too soon

• Washing hair during the first rinse

• Using harsh body wash

• Wearing tight clothing

• Exercising before tan is developed

• Sleeping in hot conditions

• Scratching skin during development

• Using deodorant, perfume or lotions too soon

• Taking long, hot baths or showers

Correct these mistakes and your tan will last much longer.

Perfect Tan Results Come From Proper Aftercare

A flawless fake tan is not just about the application — it’s about what you do afterwards.
Letting your tan develop undisturbed for 12–24 hours, avoiding water and friction, choosing the right shower products, and supporting your skin with the correct moisturiser all make a dramatic difference.

With the right post-tan care — and the right Naked Tan products — you’ll achieve:

• A deeper colour

• A smoother finish

• A longer-lasting result

• A more even fade

• A streak-free glow

Your tan is an investment. Aftercare protects it.