No, avoid using soap immediately after applying fake tan. Instead, rinse with lukewarm water to remove excess product. Using soap too soon can strip away the tan, resulting in an uneven or faded finish.
When to Use Soap After Fake Tan
The timing of when you can use soap depends on the type of fake tan and the manufacturer's instructions. Generally, waiting at least 12 hours is recommended before using soap in your shower. However, some sources suggest waiting even longer for a fully developed tan, often 24 hours.
- Initial Rinse: After the recommended development time (often 2-12 hours, depending on the product), rinse your body with lukewarm water to remove any excess self-tanner.
- Subsequent Showers: After the initial rinse and the development period, you can incorporate soap into your showers. However, prioritize gentle, mild soaps that avoid harsh chemicals to prevent premature fading of your tan. Avoid bar soaps or products with harsh chemicals.
Minimizing Soap Use:
Even after the initial waiting period, some sources recommend minimizing the amount of soap used. Focus on areas like underarms and other areas where you'd normally use soap. This helps preserve the tan for longer.
- Example: Wash your armpits and other areas that require soap, using gentle circular motions without scrubbing harshly. For the rest of the body, simply rinse with water.
Important Considerations:
- Product Instructions: Always follow the specific instructions provided by your self-tanner brand. The development time and shower recommendations may vary.
- Skin Type: Those with sensitive skin should be extra cautious and use exceptionally gentle cleansers.
- Tanning Type: The application type (spray tan, self-tanner lotion) doesn't significantly affect the soap usage recommendation; focus on the product's development time.
This information is based on various sources, including online forums (Reddit), beauty blogs (Coco & Eve, St. Tropez), and expert advice found on sites and social media, such as TikTok and Quora. These sources highlight the importance of using lukewarm water to remove excess product initially, followed by waiting a minimum of 12 hours before introducing soap. Using gentle soaps and minimal scrubbing are vital for preserving a long-lasting, even tan.
