Can You Sleep After a Spray Tan? How to Protect Your Tan Overnight
Quick Answer
Yes, you can sleep after a spray tan if your tan requires an overnight development period. The key is protecting your developing tan from moisture, excessive friction, and skin-to-skin contact.
Wear loose, comfortable pajamas, keep your skin dry, and follow the exact rinse time provided by your BlushTan artist. If you receive an express or super express tan, you may be instructed to rinse before going to bed instead.
Can You Sleep With a Spray Tan On?
Yes—depending on the spray tan solution you receive.
Some spray tans require a longer development period, which may mean sleeping before your first rinse. Other solutions have shorter rinse times and may be rinsed off before bedtime.
At BlushTan, your spray tan artist will tell you exactly when to rinse based on your solution and desired color.
The important thing is not to rinse early simply because you're getting ready for bed.
Follow the development time recommended for your specific tan.
Will Sleeping Mess Up a Spray Tan?
Sleeping doesn't automatically ruin a spray tan.
However, your tan is still developing before your first rinse, so friction and moisture can potentially affect your results.
Things to be mindful of include:
sweating during the night
tight pajamas
skin-to-skin contact
rubbing against bedding
getting your skin wet
sleeping in a very warm room
You don't need to stay perfectly still all night. A few simple precautions can help protect your developing color.
What Should You Wear to Bed After a Spray Tan?
Loose, comfortable pajamas are generally the best option.
Consider:
loose pajama pants
an oversized T-shirt
a loose long-sleeve shirt
breathable fabrics
Covering more of your skin with loose clothing may also help reduce skin-to-skin contact and temporary cosmetic bronzer transfer onto your sheets.
Avoid tight leggings, restrictive waistbands, tight bras, or other clothing that presses firmly against your skin while the tan develops.
For our complete clothing guide, read:
What Should You Wear After a Spray Tan?
Will a Spray Tan Stain Your Sheets?
Some spray tan solutions contain a temporary cosmetic bronzer that may transfer onto clothing or bedding before your first rinse.
This doesn't necessarily mean your developed tan is rubbing off.
If you're sleeping before your first rinse, you may prefer to use dark or older sheets that you aren't worried about temporarily discoloring.
Wearing loose pajamas that cover your arms and legs can also reduce direct contact between your freshly sprayed skin and bedding.
What If You Sweat While Sleeping After a Spray Tan?
Sweat is one of the bigger concerns during the development period.
Moisture can interfere with a developing spray tan and may contribute to streaking or uneven areas.
If you tend to get warm while sleeping, keeping your bedroom comfortable and cool may help reduce excessive sweating.
Avoid heavy blankets or anything else that makes you unnecessarily hot.
This is similar to why we recommend avoiding workouts while your tan develops.
Can You Work Out After a Spray Tan?
Should You Shower Before Going to Bed?
Only if you've reached the rinse time recommended by your spray tan artist.
Do not rinse your tan early simply because it's bedtime.
Different tanning solutions have different development times.
If your rinse time occurs before bed, follow your artist's instructions and complete your first rinse.
If your tan is supposed to develop overnight, wait until the instructed rinse time.
For more information about that first shower, read:
Can You Shower After a Spray Tan?
What If Your Skin Touches While You Sleep?
Skin-to-skin contact can create moisture and friction, particularly in areas such as:
between the thighs
under the arms
around the chest
behind the knees
Loose, breathable pajamas can help create a barrier between these areas while you're sleeping.
Again, don't stress about maintaining one exact sleeping position. The goal is simply to reduce unnecessary friction and moisture while your tan develops.
Can You Sleep on Your Side After a Spray Tan?
Yes.
You don't need to force yourself to sleep on your back all night because you received a spray tan.
Your normal sleeping position is generally fine.
The more important factors are keeping your skin dry, avoiding tight clothing, minimizing excessive friction, and following your development instructions.
Can You Sleep Naked After a Spray Tan?
If your tan is still developing, loose pajamas are usually a better choice.
Sleeping naked increases skin-to-skin contact and puts more of the tanning solution directly against your bedding.
Loose clothing can help protect both your developing tan and your sheets.
Once you've completed your first rinse, you can return to your normal sleep routine.
What Should You Do the Morning After a Spray Tan?
If your tan developed overnight, follow the rinse instructions provided by your BlushTan artist.
For your first rinse, you may be instructed to keep things simple and avoid aggressive scrubbing.
After you've completed your first rinse, gently pat your skin dry rather than rubbing it vigorously with your towel.
Then follow your recommended aftercare routine.
Should You Moisturize the Morning After a Spray Tan?
Moisturizing is an important part of maintaining your spray tan, but follow your artist's instructions regarding when to begin applying products after your first rinse.
Keeping your skin hydrated can help your tan fade more evenly.
BlushTan's Hydrating Moisturizer is designed to support hydrated skin as part of your sunless tanning routine.
BlushTan Hydrating Moisturizer
How to Prepare for an Evening Spray Tan Appointment
If you're booking later in the day, planning ahead can make your evening much easier.
Before your appointment:
complete your workout
shower if instructed
remove lotions and oils
bring loose clothing
prepare comfortable pajamas
have clean, dark or older bedding ready if desired
And most importantly, know your recommended rinse time before leaving the studio.
Our complete preparation guide covers the other steps you should take before your appointment:
Professional Spray Tanning in San Diego
One benefit of professional airbrush tanning is that you don't have to guess about development time or aftercare.
At BlushTan San Diego, your spray tan is customized based on your skin tone, undertones, desired color, and schedule.
If you have an evening appointment, ask your BlushTan artist whether you'll need to rinse before bed or allow your tan to develop overnight.
BlushTan offers customized airbrush spray tanning at our Bankers Hill, La Jolla, and Encinitas studios.
Explore our custom airbrush spray tanning services
Book Your Spray Tan in San Diego
Whether you're getting ready for a wedding, vacation, photoshoot, date night, or simply want a natural-looking glow, we'll help you plan your tan around your schedule.
Book your spray tan in San Diego and ask your BlushTan artist about the best rinse time for your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you sleep after a spray tan?
Yes. If your spray tan requires an overnight development period, you can sleep before your first rinse. Wear loose clothing, keep your skin dry, and follow the rinse time provided by your spray tan artist.
What should I wear to bed after a spray tan?
Loose, breathable pajamas are generally best. Loose pants and a relaxed long-sleeve shirt can help minimize friction, skin-to-skin contact, and temporary bronzer transfer.
Will a spray tan stain my sheets?
Some tanning solutions contain temporary cosmetic bronzer that may transfer onto bedding before your first rinse. Using dark or older sheets can help protect bedding you don't want temporarily discolored.
Can I sleep naked after a spray tan?
Loose pajamas are generally a better option while your tan is developing because they can reduce skin-to-skin contact and bronzer transfer onto your bedding.
Can I sleep on my side after a spray tan?
Yes. You don't have to sleep in one specific position. Focus instead on keeping your skin dry and minimizing excessive friction while your tan develops.
Should I shower before bed after a spray tan?
Only if you've reached the rinse time provided by your spray tan artist. Don't rinse early simply because you're going to bed.