How Often Should I Use a Self-Tanner? Learn application best practices depending on your skin type and the color glow you want.

How Often Should I Use a Self-Tanner?

Self-tanners are a great way to achieve a sun-skissed glow look with harmful UV rays, but knowing how often to apply them can be the difference between a natural glow and an unnatural color. Here’s everything you need to know about timing your self-tanning routine and what are the best self-tanning products to use.

How Does Self-Tanner Work?

Self-tanners contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a colorless sugar that reacts with the amino acids in your skin’s outer layer to produce a temporary tan. The tan usually lasts 3–7 days, depending on your skin type, how well you exfoliate, and the product’s formulation. Because DHA only reacts with the outer layer of skin, your self-tan naturally fades as dead skin cells shed every few days.

How Often Should You Apply Self-Tanner?

Your routine may vary based on your skin type and needs. For most people, applying a tanning mousse or lotion once a week is an ideal routine to maintain a seamless, even glow.

Using Self-Tanner For the First Time

If this is your first time using a self-tanner, start by applying it once a week. This gives you a baseline color and helps you see how your skin reacts.

Maintaining a Self Tan

To maintain a continuous glow, reapply self-tanner every 3–5 days. This allows the color to fade naturally without building up unevenly, giving you streaks.

Gradual Tanners

Brown Bee’s gradual tanners are designed to be used daily for a subtle, natural-looking glow. These self-tanners are great if you prefer a consistent tan. Shop our gradual tanners.

Skin Type

Your skin type has a big impact on how long your tan lasts. 

If your skin is dry, it sheds skin cells quicker, which usually causes your tan to fade faster and sometimes appear patchy or streaky. Because of this, you may need to reapply every 4–5 days to maintain a fresh, even color.

On the other hand, oily or well-hydrated skin holds color longer because natural oils help lock in your tan, so you likely will need to apply self-tanner every 7–10 days.

How Often Should I Use a Self-Tanner? Brown Bee has self-tanners for those looking for an ongoing tan or a glow for a special event.

How Do You Make Self-Tan Last Longer?

  • Exfoliate before applying self-tanner
  • Moisturize regularly because dry patches on the skin absorb more tanner, which causes streaks
  • Avoid long hot showers because too much water exposure can cause your tan to fade quicker
  • When reapplying self-tanner, focus on areas where the tan fades first like hands, knees, and elbows

Finding Your Perfect Self-Tanning Routine

How often you apply self-tanner depends on your skin type and your needs. Finding the right self-tanning routine, combined with your skincare routine will help you maintain a flawless, healthy-looking glow all year round.

What Are the Best Self-Tanners?

Achieve a flawless, sun-kissed glow with Brown Bee’s self-tanners:

Be sure to use our exfoliating mitt and application mitt for a seamless self-tanning routine, and check out our how-to videos for application tips.

FAQs

Can I use self-tanner every day?

Yes, gradual tanners designed for daily use. However, be mindful of build-up and gently exfoliate to avoid patchiness.

Does my skin type affect how often I should apply self-tanner?

Dry skin sheds faster so your tan may fade sooner. Oily and well-moisturized skin can hold color longer so you don’t need to apply as frequently.

Should I shower before or after applying self-tanner?

Shower and exfoliate before applying to ensure smooth, even coverage. Avoid long, hot showers immediately afterward because this can fade your tan faster.

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