by liz, founderA developing tan is wet cement. The colour you rinse to tomorrow is being decided by everything that touches your skin tonight — which is why aftercare is really just a short list of things not to do.
the development window
Until the first rinse, the reaction is live. Tight elastic prints lines, sweat channels rivulets, rain spots spots. Loose dark clothes, a quiet evening, and the windows-down commute can wait. The clear mousse buys forgiveness on the transfer front but not the sweat front — the chemistry is identical.
the first rinse
Rinse at your shade’s development time in warm — not hot — water, skip soap on the body, and stop when the water runs clear (that is the guide colour leaving, not your tan). Pat dry; rubbing a fresh tan with a towel is exfoliation you did not order.
quick answers
Can I sleep in my self tan?+
Yes — overnight development gives the deepest result for Dark and Ultra Dark shades. Wear loose sleepwear and use the clear mousse if sheet transfer bothers you.
Why did my tan wash off in the first shower?+
It didn’t — the bronze in the water is the cosmetic guide colour, which is designed to rinse away. The developed tan underneath keeps deepening for several hours after.
