Whether you slather on sunscreen and spend some time in the sun, or regularly apply a self tanner, you might have a burning question on your mind: ‘how long does a tan really last?’ Well, it depends.

Self tanners can expect their golden hue to last between 7-10 days due to the natural turnover of skin cells. If you get a tan outside, you can expect your tan to fade in a similar amount of time. When your skin is exposed to the sun, it produces a pigment called melanin, which darkens the skin to help protect it from harmful ultraviolet rays.

This reaction causes the skin to tan, but how long it lasts largely depends on your skin type. Those with dark or olive skin will have a longer-lasting tan than those with fair or beige skin. Luckily for self tanning, applying a daily sunless tanner can help you maintain an even tan indefinitely (or until your product runs out!).

If you’re looking for a long-lasting sunless tan, it’s important to exfoliate your skin to remove any dead skin cells. Exfoliation helps smooth your skin and create an even surface for self tanner. When you’re ready to give your skin a beautiful, natural-looking bronze glow, follow our guide to applying self tanner.

Though you may enjoy hot baths, showers, and hot tubs, your sunless tanner won’t. Hot water causes your skin to dry out and shed—taking your carefully applied sunless tanner with it. For best results—and to avoid unnecessary shedding and flaking—avoid prolonged exposure to hot water.

Drink lots of water to help keep your skin healthy and moisturized. Water is also essential to flush out toxins, improve circulation, and help your skin glow.

Moisturized skin is happy skin, and happy skin holds your sunless tan longer. Apply a nourishing moisturizer daily to keep your skin hydrated and looking healthy. Avoid moisturizing with a concentrated oil like coconut oil or oil-based moisturizers and lotions. Oil-based products can make your self-tanner go on unevenly and break down the tanner after you apply it to your skin. 

Take a few minutes to review the products you use regularly. You may not realize it, but some of them might be removing your tan prematurely. Help your tan last longer by avoiding body scrubs, peels, and certain face masks. Also, watch out for acne treatments and ingrown hair products containing salicylic acid. These products can cause your skin cells to shed more quickly and may take your tan with it.

Keep your skin looking and feeling its best with a moisturizer that shimmers. Apply an illuminating moisturizer to highlight your tan skin while also keeping it moisturized and looking healthy.

Yes, really! Pastel blues and pinks can help complement the warm hues in your skin, which can give your tan a lil’ boost. For those with dark hair and olive skin, black clothes can help bring out your golden tones.

If you do have a tan from the sun, a self-tanner can safely extend your tan—and help you avoid more damaging sun exposure.

While self tanners do not increase or extend the amount of melanin in your skin, they do help you maintain the appearance of a tan. If you are using a sunless tanner, it is also important to wear a daily sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 to avoid burning. Sunburned skin is damaged skin that often leads to peeling—which means your tan goes away even faster. 

• Exfoliate your skin to remove any dead skin cells before applying your sunless tanner.


• Keep your skin moisturized and hydrated by regularly applying body moisturizer.


• Avoid exposure to hot water, as it can cause your tan to come off at a faster rate.


• Avoid body scrubs, peels, face masks, and products that contain salicylic acid or exfoliants.


• Keep your skin healthy with a daily moisturizer, sunless tanner, and sunscreen with at least SPF 30.


• For even more tips for helping you get a gorgeous glow all year long, read our self tanning tips!