How to stop the fake tan from coming off in hot tub? – it’s a common question most fake tan users do in countries where people have whiter skin.
Certainly, the answer depends on how you are using the hot tub. The whole thing depends on how long you are using the tub, the quality of the water, whether you use any protection product, and how you treat your skin in the tub.
I’m sure that my answer didn’t clear your confusion, right? Well, you will have a clear answer soon. Just go through the whole article and you will learn some tricks that surely help you stop the fake tan coming off in the hot tub.
What is the Fake Tan?
Fake tan is a type of self-tanner that is also known as the sunless tanner. It is a kind of skin product that people apply to create the shade of a tan that looks like it was made by the Sun but actually, it is not. It is not anyhow made of exposure to the sun or UV radiation.
People, especially ladies, usually apply a fake tan on their uncovered bodies to get a vibe like a sun-kissed or bronzed glow. Initially, products of the fake tans can be of various forms, like lotions, creams, mousses, gels, sprays, and wipes.
Generally, Fake tans contain active ingredients like dihydroxyacetone (DHA). This chemical usually reacts with the amino acids on the skin’s surface to produce a temporary darker color on the skin. It usually takes a few hours and can last for several days.
Can I Use the Hot Tab with a Fake Tan?
Yes, you can use Bathtub with a Fake tan. But it can affect the tan appearance and longevity while causing a little trouble with the tab as well. That’s why it is generally recommended to avoid being in a hot tub for a long time, especially in water with comparatively higher temperatures.
If you stay in the hot tub water for a long time, it can certainly dilute the fake tan on your skin. As a result, it can fade or seem uneven. It can be even worse if your hot tub water contains additives like oils, salts, or different bubble bath solutions.
Besides, if you are using water with comparatively higher temperatures, then the water will combine with the friction and can promote the process of natural exfoliation. As a result, the fake tan can fade faster.
Now, you must be thinking about what to do to protect the fake tan from the hot tub water, right? Check the next section to get the answer.
What Can I Do to Prevent Fake Tan Coming Off in the HotTub?
Now, you must be thinking if there is any way to stop fake tan coming off in the hot tub. Certainly, yes. You can follow some effective tricks that really help stop fake tan coming off in the hot tub.
1. Apply Waterproof Fake Tan Barrier
Before you enter the hot tub, you can simply apply a thin layer of waterproof barrier cream on areas where you have applied the fake tan. But I don’t recommend applying the cream all over your body because the fake tan of your skin doesn’t come off from all areas.
Usually, there are some areas where the fake tan is prone to coming off. For instance, the palms of your hands, the soles of your feet, and areas with thicker skin, like elbows and knees. In this area, you can use the barrier cream to create a protective barrier and minimize tan transfer.
2. Apply waterproof Sunscreen
If you don’t have any waterproof barrier cream, you can use your regular sunscreen while using your hot tub. In this case, make sure to use waterproof Sunscreen.
You should better choose a water-resistant sunscreen with a high SPF for your exposed skin. It can ensure an additional layer of protection on your fake tan. Also, it will prevent it from fading because of sun exposure or chemicals in the hot tub.
3. Don’t Rub Your Skin in The Hot Tub
While using your hot tub after applying a fake tan, you should avoid rubbing your skin so often. With the water of the hot tub, the layer of the fake tan can be thinner and more vulnerable.
So, if you rub it so hard and often while in the hot tub, it can come off so easily. Also, rubbing the skin so frequently can potentially cause the fake tan to fade or transfer onto the water.
4. Choose A Swimwear That Covers the Fake Tan

If you manage to wear a swimsuit or swimwear that covers the majority of your fake tan, it can help protect it from direct contact with the hot tub water.
We suggest wearing such a swimsuit if you need to be in the tub for a long time. The swimsuit also reduces the chances of the tan becoming faded or patchy.
Related: What to Wear In a Hot Tub In Winter?
5. Don’t Use Hot Tub for a Long Time
As you know, the most effective reason for a fake tan coming off is to be in the hot tub for a long time. Remember that prolonged use of a hot tub wearing a fake tab can easily accelerate the exfoliation process.
And it simply leads to faster fading of your fake tan. That’s why when you have a fake tan, you should limit your time in the hot tub to avoid the impact of the hot water on the tan.
6. Don’t go in the Hot Tub Until the Fake Tan Is Completely Set
It’s a tip, not actually a trick. You should wait until your fake tan has fully developed and set before entering the hot tub. A fake tan simply takes several hours to set.
If you use the hot tub before the tan is set, it can come off instantly even after a few minutes. Besides, it is highly recommended to avoid using a hot tub for at least 24 hours after applying a fake tan.
7. Use Moisturizer After Using A Hot Tub
Finally, after you use the hot tub wearing a fake tan, you should apply a moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated. The hot water in the tub can easily dehydrate your skin and that causes the fake tan to fade.
So, hydrated skin can help maintain the longevity of your fake tan. Applying moisturizer is recommended after using a hot tub even if you don’t apply a fake tan.
Hopefully, you’ve understood what to do and what not to protect your fake tan. So, act accordingly and limit your use of the hot tub when you will use it. Also, keep the water temperature not more than 98 degrees while using it.
FAQs
Fake tan products themselves are generally not bad or harmful to hot tubs. But the ingredients in some fake tan products, like oils, bronzers, or shimmer particles, can create a film on the water’s surface after reacting with the existing chemical in the water.
If you are wearing a fake tan, you shouldn’t be in the hot tub for more than 20 minutes. Usually, it is not good to use the hot tub for more than 30 to 40 minutes. But when you are wearing a fake tan, you should limit your use of fake tan.
Bottom Line
As we see, fake tan doesn’t come off in the hot tub unless your use of the tub is extreme. You no longer need to think about the tan if you follow the tricks regularly.
Once again, I love to remind you to limit your use of fake tan and simply use some skin products like a waterproof barrier cream, sunscreen, and moisturizer.