Thinking of Going Swimming When You Have A Spray Tan? Read This First
If you’ve ever gone swimming in a pool, relaxed in a hot tub, or even spent a long time in the ocean when you had a spray tan then you likely noticed it faded quickly afterward. Fake tans tend to fade faster due to chlorine and excess water exposure. To find out why and how to try to prevent it from happening—read on.
4 Reasons Swimming Causes Your Spray Tan to Fade:
Chlorine Strips the Tan: Chlorine in pools is a strong chemical that can break down the DHA in your spray tan, causing it to fade faster.
Prolonged Water Exposure: Soaking in water softens the skin, making it easier for dead skin cells (where the tan sits) to shed.
Exfoliation from Swimming: Movement in the water, combined with the friction of towels, swimsuits, and even pool walls, can cause the tan to rub off.
Drying Effects of Chlorine: Chlorine can dry out the skin, leading to peeling or flaking, which makes the tan fade unevenly.
How to Protect Your Spray Tan in the Pool:
Apply a waterproof barrier like baby oil or a tan-safe sunscreen or moisturizer before swimming.
Limit time in the water and pat dry instead of rubbing after swimming.
Moisturize well before and after to keep the skin hydrated.
Rinse off immediately after getting out of the pool to remove chlorine residue.