Here's How To Go Swimming Without Sabotaging Your Self-Tan

Even though baking yourself at the beach in exchange for a tan is not a recommendation you’ll be hearing from us, we do still understand the confidence that comes with having a bronzed glow, especially when you’ve got a day in your bikini ahead of you.

RELATED: Which tan should you be using?

And while a few coats of fake tan can easily solve such issue, there is still one conundrum that needs to be answered...

What happens when you need to go for a swim?

Because, sorry but, entering the pool party as a golden goddess with your tan perfectly intact, only to see it wash off as you say your goodbyes hours later (especially when you’re someone who hasn’t seen the sun since the first lockdown) just ain’t going to cut it.

So, until a water-resistant fake tan is available, here are a few tips for swimming without sabotaging your golden glow…

Which is more forgiving: ocean or pool?

First things first, most self-tanners won’t last you much longer than a week. 10 days if you’re really lucky.

The reason being that the formulation of most tans don’t penetrate the skin, they only darken the surface layer. This means, as your skin sheds ie. from sweating, rubbing against tight clothing and exposure to water (in particular chlorinated pools), the tan goes with it.

So if you’ve got the option between swimming in a pool or the ocean, avoid the chlorine and stick to the ocean where possible.

How long should our swims last? And are there products we can use to avoid our tan from fading post-swim?

As you’ve probably already guessed, the more time spent in the water means the faster your tan is going to fade.

If extending the life of your glow is priority, stick to quick dips rather than longer swims, then pat yourself dry with a towel and apply a hydrating, gradual tanner to top up the colour and moisturise the skin.

bh recommends: Bondi Sands Self Tanning Foam – Dark, Bronze by La Mav® Gradual Tanning Moisturiser – Medium, Coconut Oil Certified Organic Gradual Tan

One last tip: Avoid using a sandy towel to dry yourself. Granules = premature exfoliation and a patchy tan.

Do you have any tips to extend the life of your tan if you love to swim?

Main image credit: @

24 Member Comments

Jamesm12 23 Feb 2021 10:03 PM

God is the giver of talent, So i believe he gave Dr Eromo the power to cure people from All illiment through healing them with herbs and roots even any spiritual cases, a all over the Globe alot have testify on the internet . Herbal power rules more, with Dr EROMO Herbal product your case is different, if you are having a similar problem just contact him on whatsapp Via:( +2348088220147)or email dr.eromo1@gmail.com
HE CAN ALSO CURE DISEASES LIKE 1HERPES 2DIABETES TYPE 1& 2 3HEPATITIS A, B & C 4CANCER, 5INFERTILITY 6LOW SPAM COUNT 7FIBROID 8MENINGITIS Pleaseshare this round so you can also save more souls and Good Luck

Log in or register to commentReply to comment
Likes 0

Karma Llama 14 Feb 2021 11:18 AM

Sounds like to be avoided altogether if you plan on swimming.

GeeJ 13 Feb 2021 1:07 AM

I don't use tanning products, but interesting for those who do.

Jenniqua 12 Feb 2021 1:43 PM

I only tend to fake tan when it is absolutely necessary.lol

Rose_P 12 Feb 2021 12:44 PM

I don’t do self/fake tanning products. I find that they don’t turn me a nice colour. They tend to go orange. Pass!

Chicklet 9 Feb 2021 10:38 PM

I definitely notice chlorinated pools just strip my fake tan.

jackie6622 9 Feb 2021 7:52 PM

HH....I will forever in my life remain grateful to this great man called Dr. Agbazara for bringing my lover back to me after 7months of emotional tears and pains during the period I lost my lover to another woman, but this great man brought my man back to me just within 48 hours. contact this great man and see for yourself the outcome Contact him via WhatsApp at: +234 810 410 2662 or via email: ( agbazara @ gmail . com ) I promise you that after contacting him your life will never remain the same.

KATH from ALABAMA..,.,,

Log in or register to commentReply to comment
Likes 1

Jessica712 8 Feb 2021 2:22 PM

Havent fake tanned in a while.

Chrystalage 5 Feb 2021 10:14 PM

One thing that I don't need to be concerned about. I've never wanted to fake tan.

cityglenda 1 Feb 2021 9:56 AM

I would recommend that you don't take a light-coloured towel to the beach - especially a white one.

Ethelinde 31 Jan 2021 6:47 PM

Not into fake tan generally but have thought about using it a lot more lately so my legs have a bit more colour. I've been inside too long!

Lisa359 30 Jan 2021 8:14 PM

I guess it comes down to your priorities, exercise in the water or keep your tan?

lgauci 30 Jan 2021 2:03 PM

YES very safe too and a good way to stay out of the sun .A very interesting article.

misfortune8 30 Jan 2021 1:43 PM

On the rare occasions that I use fake tan, I notice it does come off after a swim; but, I like to stay in for ages.

Elunia 29 Jan 2021 9:25 PM

I guess this helps tanners.

clearcrystalwater 29 Jan 2021 9:17 PM

I have noticed that it's hard to keep a fakened tanned face as brown as my body because of all the attention my face gets like cleansing twice a day and exfoliating and using a washer and/or cleansing mitty thing (enjo) and then it just seems to shed so fast like only in a day or two on my face and then I have to do it again - if I want a brown face to match my natural tan on my body. Not a biggy but I do love not wearing foundation in summer because I've put a bit of fake tan on my face. Gee that was a bit of a ramble!

Tee631 29 Jan 2021 8:20 PM

I see

Sootyhere 29 Jan 2021 3:32 PM

Good information for self tanners.

Miss19 29 Jan 2021 2:35 PM

Not an issue for me since I don't use fake tan

S-P 29 Jan 2021 2:32 PM

Great article - it all makes sense.

Yohanna 29 Jan 2021 2:06 PM

I'm the opposite: need tips for not getting tanned while on the beach. I tend to go early mornings or late afternoons.

Meedee 29 Jan 2021 11:07 AM

No self tan for me so not something I have to worry about. I just need to make sure i have a good sunscreen.

Frenchy1 29 Jan 2021 10:08 AM

Don't relate to this. I swim for exercise and don't worry how I look during exercise.

Margi59 29 Jan 2021 10:00 AM

Not into Fake Tanning Products, because I have enough age spots and tend to stay out of the Sun as much as possible. But it is great advice for those Women who want to maintain a Fake Tan.

You need to log in or become a member to post a comment.