Waterproof Self-Tanners – Will Swimming Remove My Fake Tan?
Self-tanners are all the rage right now, and for good reason; they are a safe and effective way to get a beautiful summer (or winter) glow.
However, have you ever wondered if self-tanners are waterproof, or if you can go swimming with your fake tan fading away?
In this article, we’ll discuss the basics of self-tanners, their interaction with pool and ocean water, and the precautions you can take to maintain your tan while keeping your skin healthy.
So are self-tanners waterproof?
Most self-tanning products are “waterproof” in the sense that they will not immediately come off in the water. However, chlorinated water tends to dry out the skin, causing the skin cells holding the tan color to fall off and your tan to fade faster.
Alright, now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s talk a little bit more about how self-tanners work, if waterproof self-tanners exist, and how you can keep your fake tan from fading while you’re diving into the pool this summer!
Is Self-Tanner Waterproof?
Well, sort of.
However, to gain a more comprehensive understanding, we need to get a basic understanding of how most sunless tanning products work.
Most quality sunless tanners (Like my favorite) work because of a unique and safe chemical called dihydroxyacetone, or DHA.
DHA is a type of sugar that you can either create synthetically (as you’ll see in many products) or get naturally from things like sugar beets and sugar cane (which is why you can have natural and organic products that still contain DHA).
DHA chemically reacts with the amino acids in the dead skin cells on the outer layer of your skin.
This reaction creates a pigment called melanoidin, which ultimately darkens, forming the tan we’re familiar with from self-tanners.
This is why we have to reapply fake tanner fairly often: as new skin cells form, the old ones fall off, taking the tan with them.
Self-tanner is waterproof in the sense that it cannot be easily washed off through traditional means, and it won’t come off quickly in water.
However, it is not waterproof entirely because chlorinated water will cause it to fade at a much faster pace.
The Best Waterproof Self-Tanner: St. Tropez Self-Tanning Mousse
In my opinion, the absolute best and most waterproof self-tanner is the St. Tropez self-tanning mousse.
What makes St. Tropez the best waterproof self-tanner? It is one of the longest-lasting self-tanners on the market.
The tan will last for up to 10 days, which is typical for most self-tanners, but this one actually delivers on that promise.
It is also one of the fastest drying self-tanners and doesn’t transfer onto sheets or clothing.
Does Fake Tan Come Off In The Pool?
Well, it doesn’t always ruin it if you’re careful, but it can certainly cause it to fade more quickly and unevenly.
Since DHA doesn’t tan anything below the outermost layer of our skin, anything that causes that skin to shed faster can ruin our tan.
This usually occurs when our skin becomes dry, and the layers start to flake off, which is why moisturizing while self-tanning is so important.
Water and chlorine are both major culprits when it comes to drying out our skin, so lots of swimming, especially in a chlorinated pool, can cause your tan to fade a bit faster.
The best way to minimize this effect is to moisturize immediately after getting out of the pool, which we’ll discuss in more detail below.
How To Prevent Fake Tan From Fading While Swimming
Okay, now let’s talk about some ways we can help our tan last longer when we’re swimming.
What To Do Before
There are a few things we can do before going swimming to help our fake tan last longer. First, ensure you’re using a high-quality product, as it tends to produce a better, longer-lasting color.
You can check out my Buyer’s Guide if you’re not sure where to start with this.
Alternatively, consider using this self-tanner, which provides a fantastic result that lasts through water contact for up to 8 hours.
Be sure to thoroughly exfoliate your skin when doing your pre-tanning routine.
This step is important because we want the self-tanner to adhere to the freshest skin cells possible, allowing it to last longer.
If you’d like, you can also use an exfoliation glove to really do a great job. Then, go ahead and continue on with your normal routine.
Next, ensure that you’ve applied your self-tanner at least 6–8 hours before entering the water (or even showering, preferably).
This will give the DHA the time it needs to fully develop its color, ensuring it doesn’t get washed off prematurely.
This is one of the reasons that many people prefer to apply their fake tan before going to sleep!
Also, make sure to moisturize your skin well before swimming to help prevent it from drying out. It’s also a good idea to use a water-resistant or waterproof sunscreen.
This can help protect the skin, but it can also add a layer of protection to your tan.
When we’re swimming around, after a while, the water absorbs into the skin, causing swelling and cell separation, ultimately leading to early tan fading. So, look for sport sunscreens that offer good water protection.
Also, whenever the choice is presented to you, try to swim in non-chlorinated water instead of a pool, as these types of chemicals can dry out your skin even faster.
What To Do During
There isn’t much you can do while you’re swimming to prevent your tan from fading, other than trying to limit the amount of time you spend in the water.
Whenever you get out of the water or pool, make sure to pat yourself dry and avoid rubbing the towel around, as this can cause skin cells to fall off even faster, resulting in a blotchy-looking tan.
It is worth noting that almost no self-tanners provide adequate SPF protection.
So, although your newly acquired bronze glow may make you feel safer in the sun, it isn’t actually protecting your skin.
Be sure to use a quality sunscreen to prevent burning and premature aging.
What To Do After
Once you’re done swimming, the most important thing to do is to thoroughly moisturize your skin right away. This helps keep your skin well-hydrated and prevents excessive shedding.
You can also use a gradual tan moisturizer like this one from Amazon to both moisturize your skin and apply a new layer of self-tan to keep your color in great shape.
So Do “Waterproof” Self-Tanners Exist?
No, not really. As we discussed earlier, when self-tanner is applied properly, the DHA creates a pigment that darkens the skin and can last 3–8 days.
It is waterproof in the sense that it won’t immediately fade away when it comes into contact with water.
However, regardless of what you do, swimming for extended periods will cause your tan to fade faster, as it dries out the skin and speeds up skin exfoliation.
Does Chlorine Or Salt Water Bleach Fake Tan?
This is a common misconception. Nothing in the water is actually “bleaching” your skin or your tan.
When it appears that your tan lightens after a short swim in the pool, here is what is actually happening.
Water seeps into the skin and between the cells, causing the skin to swell.
This swelling stretches the skin slightly, causing the tan to appear a bit lighter as it’s spread over a larger surface area.
If you look extremely closely, you’ll see there are paler skin gaps between the tanned skin cells.
After you get out of the pool and pat yourself dry, the skin will begin to dry, the swelling will subside, and the skin should start to regain its normal color.
Final Thoughts
One common reason people use self-tanner is to achieve a beautiful bronze color while at the beach or by the pool.
Although swimming may cause your tan to fade a bit faster, it shouldn’t deter you from enjoying yourself! Just follow the tips I outlined above and apply your self-tanner a bit more frequently.
I hope you found this article helpful. If so, please consider sharing!
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