Finding a product that fits in with your busy schedule is always a win. Not having to spend ages on your beauty routine can save you so much time during the day, and self-tanning application is one of the main time-consuming culprits.
Luckily for those too busy to self-tan continuously, there is now a miracle product on the market – in-shower self-tanners. Yes, you read that right. You can now achieve an amazing, summer tan, all while taking a shower.
You really don’t need to spend any extra time scrubbing in a self-tanning mousse and waiting for it to set before being able to dress, you can now do it while freshening up in the shower.
So, what is an in-shower self-tanner, how does it work, and which are the best ones to use?
What Is In-Shower Self-Tanner?
An in-shower self-tanner is a product that lets you achieve a sunless tan while in the shower. It is lotion like other self-tanners, but it gives you the opportunity to achieve your tan in a warm shower.
The lotion develops on wet skin and can be washed clean after around 3 minutes. It is as simple as hopping in the shower to get wet and applying the lotion.
How Does In-Shower Self-Tanner Work?
In-shower self-tanner works similar to normal self-tanning lotions. However, it reacts with wet skin. When the skin is wet, it has a smooth and porous surface that allows for the tanning lotion to penetrate the skin much quicker.
Just like normal self-tanning lotion, in-shower self-tanner contains the active ingredient DHA, which ‘stains’ the dead outer layer of skin called the epidermis. In-shower self-tanners contain a thin solvent which prevents the DHA from breaking down when in contact with the water.
After around 3 minutes, the DHA would have reacted with the amino acids in the skin and you would have been left with a darkened tan. The in-shower self-tanner then needs to be rinsed off in the shower, and the tan will still develop for up to eight hours.
Best Way To Use An In-Shower Self-Tanner
There are some things you can practice to get optimal results when using an in-shower self-tanner. By prepping your skin and applying the product right, you should be left with an even, streak-free and beautiful tan.
Exfoliate – Exfoliating the skin beforehand will mean that there isn’t an excessive layer of dead cells on top of the skin. If there are some areas of the body with more dead skin cells, this could lead to darker, streaky patches. This is due to the DHA reacting with this outer surface of the skin.
Moisturize – Healthy skin is the best canvas for a good self-tanner. You should moisturize your skin daily, but it is really important to moisturize leading up to a self-tanner application. Healthy, nourished skin holds onto a self-tan much longer than dry, flaky skin. Self-tanner will just fade really quickly on dry skin.
Warm shower – Make sure that the water in the shower is warm, not hot. Warm water will gently open pores and nourish the skin, whereas hot water might do more damage than good.
Rinse off well – It is important to rinse off the in-shower self-tanner properly. If there are some areas that aren’t rinsed off properly they might turn out a darker shade than the rest of the tan. The lotion might also transfer onto towels or clothing, causing stains.
Keep moisturizing – You need to moisturize before your tan, but just as importantly you need to moisturize after your self-tan. This will help the tan last longer and look healthy and natural.
Tan gradually – In-shower self-tanners are great because they can be used for 3-4 days in a row, however long you need to achieve the tan that you want.
The Best In-Shower Self-Tanners
While the market isn’t necessarily flooded with in-shower self-tanners yet, there are some products that are better than the others. A good in-shower self-tanner will give a gradual tan, as well as have moisturizing properties that will lock in all the hydration from the shower, and leave the skin looking healthy.
Here are some of the best in-shower self-tanners on the market at the moment, find the one that is best for you and get showering and tanning!
1. Jergens Natural Glow Wet Skin Moisturizer
Check it out on Amazon.
This in-shower self-tanner actually requires no rinsing. You don’t have to wait after the application, you simply pat your skin dry and carry on as normal. The moisturizer soaks into your skin and gives it a wonderful tan.
It has a fresh scent and doesn’t contain the usual sunless tanner odor.
The Jergens Natural Glow Wet Skin Moisturizer gives a streak-free and subtle glow that can be developed in a week. It is a colorless formula that absorbs quickly, so it won’t transfer onto any towels or clothing.
It is a great in-shower self-tanner that is quick and easy to use, as well as nourishing for the skin.
2. St. Tropez Gradual Tan In-Shower Lotion
Check it out on Amazon.
The St. Tropez Gradual Tan In-Shower Lotion was one of the first on the market, and it is one of the best options for an in-shower self-tanner.
It gives a deep, natural looking tan that has a sun-kissed glow. You can build on this tan gradually day by day until you have achieved your desired result.
The lotion can be applied in the shower and rinsed off 3 minutes later. The tan will continue to develop throughout the next 8 hours.
The sweet almond in the lotion keeps the skin nourished and smooth.
3. Sunshimmer In-Shower Self-Tan Hydrating Lotion
Check it out on Amazon.
The Sunshimmer In-Shower Lotion can be applied in 1 minute. It gives an easy and smooth application in the shower and leaves the skin looking beautifully sun-kissed.
The ingredients allow the skin to be gorgeously tanned but also help to keep the skin nourished and soft after the application.
Your skin will also be left with a goddess-like shimmer, perfect to show off your new tan.
4. Jergens Natural Glow Color Primer
Check it out on Amazon.
While this isn’t an in-shower self-tanner, it is a great primer to use to prepare to use an in-shower self-tanner.
The primer will exfoliate the skin and create a perfect canvas for a self-tanner.
It is an in-shower scrub that gently exfoliates the skin to prepare it for an improved color absorption.
It has a light and fresh scent and can be used once a week before applying the in-shower self-tanner.
Related Questions
Does in-shower self-tanner rinse off as soon as you shower again?
No, the DHA, which is the active ingredient in the in-shower self-tanner and normal self-tanners, reacts with the outer layer of dead cells on the skin. It stains this outer layer, and this only fades after a week or so.
The stain cannot be washed off, which is why it is so important to apply the lotion evenly, as it is difficult to remove streaks or darker patches.
The product is actually rinsed off after application, once it has sat on the skin for 3 minutes, what is left on the body is the result of the DHA reacting with the skin.
Can in-shower tanner be used on the face?
Technically it can be used on the face, but unless you have a mist-free mirror in your shower, it could be difficult to achieve an even and streak-free application. Instead, a product like the St. Tropez Gradual Tan Classic Face Cream, will help you achieve a beautiful and matching tan out of the shower.
Rather use a lighter tan cream on your face, one that has good moisturizing properties and one that can be built gradually, until you have your desired look.
Will in-shower self-tanner dry out my skin?
No, one of the best properties of in-shower self-tanners is that it locks in the hydration from your shower. It will actually leave your skin feeling fresh and nourished, all with a beautiful, developing tan. Many in-shower self-tanners contain essential oils such as Almond Oil, which helps keep the skin soft and smooth. It is essential to use an in-shower self-tanner that has essential oils or moisturizing properties, as you want it to lock in all that hydration from your shower, getting two jobs done at once.
In-Shower Self-Tanners
Your prayers have been answered – you can cut down on your self-tanning application time drastically. Simply hop in the shower, do your thing, apply the self-tanning lotion and rinse off after the designated time, and let the color develop for the rest of the day. The gradual tanning of the in-shower self-tanners means you can achieve your desired look, and stop when you feel you look as sun-kissed as you want.
A good in-shower self-tanner will leave you looking like a glowing summer goddess and will leave your skin hydrated and nourished, making your tan look great and last even longer as well. As soon as your tan starts to fade, you simply hop back in the shower and re-apply. Self-tanning has never been so quick and easy!
