In-Shower Self-Tanner: What To Know
An in-shower self-tanner is a gradual tanning lotion you rub onto wet skin in the shower and rinse off after about three minutes. The colour then keeps developing for the rest of the day.
It is the fastest way I know to build a tan, because it slots into a shower you were taking anyway instead of adding fifteen minutes of standing around waiting to dry.
The catch is that the category has shrunk badly. Most of the in-shower tanners sold a few years ago have been discontinued, so below you will find what is genuinely still buyable, how the product works, and how to get an even result.
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, like other self-tanners, but it gives you the opportunity to achieve your tan while 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 similarly 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 more quickly.
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 that prevents the DHA from breaking down when it comes into contact with 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 several practices you can follow to achieve optimal results when using an in-shower self-tanner. By prepping your skin and applying the product correctly, 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 the 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 – Ensure the water in the shower is warm, not hot. Warm water gently opens pores and nourishes the skin, whereas hot water may do more harm 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, allowing you to achieve the desired tan over a longer period.
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 others.
A good in-shower self-tanner will provide a gradual tan, while also offering moisturizing properties that lock in hydration from the shower, leaving the skin looking healthy.
Here are some of the best in-shower self-tanners currently available on the market. Find the one that is best for you and get showering and tanning!
1. Jergens Natural Glow Wet Skin Moisturizer
This in-shower self-tanner actually requires no rinsing. You don’t have to wait after applying; 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 provides a streak-free, subtle glow that can be achieved in just one 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. Jergens Natural Glow In Shower Lotion (Fair To Medium)
If your skin sits on the fairer side, this is the same Jergens in-shower lotion as pick 1 in its lighter shade band, made for fair to medium skin tones.
You use it exactly the same way: smooth it over wet skin in the shower, then towel off straight away. There is no waiting around and no rinsing step.
The colour builds gradually over several days, so you can stop once you reach the depth you want rather than committing to a full tan in one go.
It moisturises while it works, and the formula is streak-free and dries fast enough not to mark towels or clothing.
It rates 4.2 stars across more than 7,400 reviews, the strongest record of anything still sold in this category.
3. Sunshimmer In-Shower Self-Tan Hydrating Lotion
The Sunshimmer In-Shower Lotion can be applied in 1 minute.
It provides a smooth and easy application in the shower, leaving the skin looking beautifully sun-kissed.
The ingredients allow the skin to be gorgeously tanned while also helping to keep it nourished and soft after application.
Your skin will also be left with a goddess-like shimmer, perfect to show off your new tan.
Update: Rimmel has discontinued the Sun Shimmer in-shower lotion and it no longer has an Amazon listing. The Sun Shimmer products still on sale are wash-off instant tans, which are a different kind of product, so we have removed the buy link rather than point you at the wrong thing.
4. Jergens Natural Glow Color Primer
While this isn’t an in-shower self-tanner, it serves as a great primer to prepare for use with an in-shower self-tanner.
The primer will exfoliate the skin, creating a perfect canvas for self-tanner.
It is an in-shower scrub that gently exfoliates the skin to prepare it for improved color absorption.
It has a light and fresh scent and can be used once a week before applying the in-shower self-tanner.
Update: Jergens no longer sells the Natural Glow Color Primer in-shower scrub and nothing has replaced it in the range, so the buy link has been removed. Any gentle in-shower exfoliator will do the same job before you tan.
Related Questions
Does the in-shower self-tanner rinse off as soon as you shower again?
No, the DHA, which is the active ingredient in in-shower self-tanners and normal self-tanners, reacts with the outer layer of dead skin cells.
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 crucial to apply the lotion evenly; otherwise, 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 an 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, achieving an even and streak-free application can be difficult.
Instead, a product like the St. Tropez Gradual Tan Classic Face Cream will help you achieve a beautiful, matching tan right out of the shower.
Rather, use a lighter tan cream on your face, one that has good moisturizing properties and can be built up gradually until you achieve 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 while developing a beautiful 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 drastically cut down on your self-tanning application time.
Simply hop in the shower, do your thing, apply the self-tanning lotion, and rinse off after the designated time. Let the color develop for the rest of the day.
The gradual tanning of in-shower self-tanners allows you to achieve your desired look and stop when you feel you’ve reached the sun-kissed look you want.
A good in-shower self-tanner will leave you looking like a glowing summer goddess, while also keeping your skin hydrated and nourished, making your tan look great and last even longer.
As soon as your tan starts to fade, you simply hop back in the shower and reapply. Self-tanning has never been quicker or easier!
