Leaving Fake Tan On Overnight – What You Need To Know
Are you about to start using sunless or fake tanner, and wondering if you can leave it on overnight?
In this article, I want to discuss some key considerations to think about immediately after tanning, and why going to bed immediately afterward can be either a good idea or a bad one, depending on several factors.
First, just to answer the question very briefly.
Leaving a fake tan on overnight is alright as long as the self-tanner doesn’t contain too much guide color, which can stain the sheets.
Leaving your self-tanner on overnight can help the color fully develop, but try to use a quality sunless tanning mousse with minimal tint so that it dries quickly.
Leaving Fake Tan On Overnight – The Basics
Many experts recommend applying fake tanner right before use, as this allows sufficient time for the chemical reaction that forms the color on your skin to develop.
This is completely true. Applying self-tanner right before bed is extremely convenient, and you’ll wake up with a nice tan glow.
However, it’s essential to apply the right kind of tanner before doing this so you don’t end up with streaks or stain your sheets.
Let’s start by discussing a few of the common self-tanners on the market, and then we’ll explore which ones are likely the best if you plan to tan before hitting the sheets.
The Different Self Tanning Products
First of all, it’s essential to note that all these various self-tanners likely contain some guide color or light tint.
This is very helpful, especially for beginners, as it allows you to easily see where you’ve applied the self-tanner and where you might need to rub it in a bit more.
So, if you plan to self-tan before bed and want to avoid staining anything, it may be best to practice with a guide color before moving on to a tintless tanner.
Additionally, all of the following tanning types ultimately achieve the same result; they simply approach it in slightly different ways.
Ok, now the different types.
Lotions
Lotions are ideal for individuals new to self-tanning.
They tend to take a bit longer to absorb into the skin, so you have more time to spread it out evenly and fix any mistakes you may have made.
My favorite example of tanning lotion is the Beauty By Earth Organic Self Tanner, which can be purchased on Amazon.
Alternatively, you can read my full review here. In fact, Beauty By Earth is the self-tanner I use exclusively now. If you haven’t tried it, do yourself a favor.
Mousses
Mousse is probably my favorite, and likely yours as well if you’ve been self-tanning for a while. These typically have a higher alcohol content, which enables them to dry more quickly.
With a fake tanning mousse, you can easily cover your entire body quite quickly and achieve a streak-free shine.
This is why mousses are probably the best option for applying self-tanner right before bed. They will dry quickly, and often don’t contain too much guide color or tint.
My absolute favorite self-tanning mousse (and my favorite self-tanner overall) is the St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse, which you can purchase on Amazon.
Gels
Gels are ideally suited for people with normal or slightly oily skin. They tend to spread extremely well, allowing you to use less self-tanner and achieve more coverage.
Sunless tanning gels are far less common than lotions or mousses, but you will still see them occasionally.
A good example of a self-tanning gel would be Clarins Instant Self-Tanning Gel.
Glow Pads
Finally, there are pre-soaked pads or towelettes available. My favorite glow pads are actually Tan Towel’s self-tanning towelettes.
These are ideal for travel or when you’re on the go. Think of them sort of like make-up pads that have been pre-loaded with self-tanner.
There is typically enough on the pad for a full-body application.
You want to ensure that you are thorough with these pads, as it can be easy to rub them in too lightly and end up with a streaky tan.
Tips For Sleeping With Your Fake Tanner On
Fake tan, self-tanner, sunless tanner — whatever you call it — they are all a bit different from a spray tan.
However, when it comes to going to sleep immediately after, the tips are relatively the same.
Avoid Skin-to-Skin Contact
Self-tanner contains a chemical called DHA, which reacts with dead skin cells, causing a darkening of the outer layer of your skin.
If you’ve just applied fresh self-tanner, it’s essential to avoid pressing your skin together while you sleep, as some of this chemical may transfer, resulting in blotches of darker color.
So, a good rule of thumb when you’re sleeping in fake tan is to not fall asleep with skin-to-skin contact.
A great example of this is that some people like to sleep with one or both hands between their knees.
If you tend to do this, try sleeping in loose pajamas or place socks on your hands to prevent blotching.
Let Your Self-Tanner Fully Dry
Allow your newly applied self-tanner enough time to dry completely before going to bed.
Not only will this prevent much tint from transferring to your sheets, but it will also prevent smearing of the lotion or gel that could cause streaks or blotchiness.
Sunless tanning mousses dry the fastest; however, any self-tanner will work as long as you give it enough time to fully dry.
Moisturize When You Wake Up
If you read my article on Moisturizing Before You Apply Fake Tan, then you already know what an important step moisturizing plays in the fake tan process.
Keeping your skin well hydrated allows the self-tan to apply more evenly, fade more consistently, and last longer.
So after you’ve gone to bed with your sunless tanner on, be sure to apply a good oil-free moisturizer in the morning.
Hydrated skin sheds more slowly, allowing the tan to last longer and your skin to look even better.
Ultimately, sleeping with your fake tanner on can be a great way to achieve a great color without having to wear it all day.
Just be sure to use the right kind of self-tanner and follow the steps I mentioned above.
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