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The power of a radiant and golden glow of the skin is immense. Fake tanning has become a popular alternative for those who seek a healthy and safe tan with a perfect glow. With the introduction of fake tan, achieving a healthy bronze skin color has become easier and safer than ever before. Shaving exfoliates the skin, removing the top layer of dead skin cells and exposing fresh, new skin. Many people frequently shave their bodies before a fake tan to avoid fading faster unevenly, while you can also do it after tanning.
A delicate balance between shaving and fake tanning is necessary. You may wonder about the ideal timing between shaving and applying a fake tan. So, how long after shaving can you fake tan? Whether you are experienced or new to the world of fake tan, this article will help you to discover everything you need to know about the waiting duration to achieve a fake tan after shaving. I will provide you with some valuable tips to ensure a perfect and long-lasting tan.
Fake Tan Explained
Fake tan refers to a cosmetic product or treatment that helps darken the skin temporarily, similar to the appearance of a natural tan without exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Fake tan is also known as self-tanning or sunless tanning. It is an alternative to traditional sunbathing or using tanning beds, which can increase the risk of skin damage and the development of skin cancer. Fake tan disappears on its own within 4 weeks when skin renewal takes place.
Fake tan products are available in various forms, including lotions, moisturizers, sprays, mousses, gels, and wipes to enhance the application experience. Fake tan products work by containing a chemical called dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which interacts with the dead skin cells on the outermost layer of the skin. DHA is a colorless sugar that reacts with the amino acids in the skin cells, and oxygen in air resulting in a temporary darkening effect.
How Long After Shaving Can You Fake Tan: Why?
You can shave both before and after a fake tan! Shaving at least one day before applying a fake tan to allow the skin to calm down and avoid any potential irritation for your fake tan is important. Before applying fake tan, make sure your skin is clean and dry. Use a gentle exfoliator or loofah to remove any remaining dead skin cells, focusing on areas like knees, elbows, and ankles.
The duration of waiting before a fake tan for that period is because of several factors. Along with these factors your skin type, the specific product used, and how well you maintain the skin is also related. Let’s explain the factors behind why you need to wait for that certain period.
- Rough Texture: After shaving the skin texture become rough. The UV rays reflect rough and dry skin which is unfavourable for fake tan. This type of skin can cause uneven tanning. Use a lotion to moisturize the skin and enhance the effects of tanning. So, it is better to wait so that the skin can moisturize and heals.
- Cut Spots: While shaving, the sharp razor results in major or minor cuts and leaves spots on the skin. The healing period depends on the nature of the razor cut. If the cut is minor, it takes 5-10 minutes to heal but if the cut is major, it can take 2 to 5 days or even one month to heal. Now, if you do not wait for the recommended period, there are high risks that small spots of darker tan will appear on your skin. For that, it is necessary to give enough time to the skin to heal and adjust.
- Skin Irritation: Shaving causes microscopic holes in the stratum corneum along with the removal of undesirable hair. It takes 24 to 48 hours for these microabrasions to heal and recover. In particular, for delicate skin, applying fake tan to open wounds can exacerbate skin rashes, itching, and irritation. Before applying a fake tan, it is advised to wait at least a day after shaving.
- Open Pores: Unwanted hair removal techniques like shaving can cause pores to open up, which leads to an accumulation of extra pigments and uneven fake tan effects. As a result, the skin gets spots. Pores can close after 24 to 48 hours, repairing cuts and wounds, and preparing the skin for fake tan by leaving it smooth.
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6 Tips and Tricks for Fake Tan
Fake tans might be simple and easy to do but it is something that needs to be maintained so that it lasts a long time. Here are 6 tips and tricks for fake tanning to make sure that your tan lasts as long as possible!
- Fake tan products do not provide any protection against UV radiation. If you plan to spend time in the sun, it is important to use sunscreen with appropriate sun protection factor (SPF).
- Wait until the first shower to moisturize since oils might inhibit the development of a tan. Pick a water-based hydrating, creamy body lotion for your fake tan. Avoid harsh scrubbing to make sure that you do not scrub away your tan.
- Apply a light moisturizer to areas prone to dryness, such as knees, elbows, and ankles. It helps prevent those areas from absorbing too much tanning solution, which can lead to darker patches.
- Ensure an even application of the fake tan following the instructions provided with the product. Blend it well, especially around joints and areas with thicker skin like the legs and ankles.
- People with burning or peeling issues should apply an extra thin layer of fake tan.
- Allow the fake tan to dry completely before dressing or coming into contact with water.
FAQs
1. Can you shave 12 hours after a fake tan?
No. A spray tan usually needs to be rinsed after 8 hours and is finished developing 24 hours later. If the body is shaved before the 24-hour growth time, the tan won’t develop properly because shaving entails exfoliating the skin and using some form of wash in the shower.
2. Can I self-tan 3 hours after shaving?
If you want to shave before getting a spray tan, do it at least 24 hours beforehand. Four hours is the earliest period in which you should shave before getting a tan. Then finish your shower with a thorough cold rinse to close your pores.
3. Can I tan 6 hours after shaving?
Conduct shaving before your tanning appointment. Removing layers of skin can maximize the process of fading. So, you should aim for 24-48 hours before your spray tan, just similarly with exfoliating.
4. Can you fake tan 24 hours after waxing?
Wait at least 24 hours after getting waxing done before applying any products or scheduling a spray tan session, even if it may be quite interesting. You should rather wait 48 hours after getting waxed. It won’t matter which body part you had waxing, the area will stay sensitive for one or two days.
5. How long should you wait to self-tan after showering?
It is very evident to know about the period of waiting for self-tan after showering. After showering, dry yourself with a towel and wait 10 minutes until your skin is completely dry. If water is left on the skin, the tan is erased and diluted, producing awful streaks and spots.
Final Thoughts
Fake tan offers a wonderful alternative to achieve a temporary tanned appearance without the need for sun exposure. After 24 to 48 hours of shaving, you can fake a tan. Waiting for that period is necessary for avoiding certain skin conditions, such as rough texture, cut spots, skin irritation, and open pores. All these influence the ideal waiting time.
So, knowing about the right time to wait after shaving to fake tan will help you to get the benefits of a fake tan properly. Always choose reputable products, follow instructions for tanning products, and prioritize skin health by practicing sun safety measures. These tips and tricks will help you to avoid the potential risks. So, give a break after shaving to fake tan rather than instantly starting to fake tan.
Key Points
- Fake tan refers to a cosmetic product or treatment that helps darken the skin temporarily, similar to the appearance of a natural tan without exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
- Fake tan products, such as lotions, moisturizers, sprays, mousses, gels, and wipes etc enhance the application experience. These work by containing a chemical called dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which interacts with the dead skin cells on the outermost layer of the skin.
- Wait for a minimum of 12 hours after shaving you apply a new layer of fake tan. But ideally waiting for 24 to 48 hours after shaving to fake tan is worth it.
- After shaving the skin texture become rough. The UV rays reflect rough and dry skin which is unfavourable for fake tan.
- Unwanted hair removal techniques like shaving can cause pores to open up, which leads to an accumulation of extra pigments and uneven fake tan effects. As a result, the skin gets spots.
- If you have burning or peeling issues, you should apply an extra thin layer of fake tan.
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