Getting a beautiful, bronzed glow without sitting in the sun or using a tanning bed can be challenging. Self-tanners provide a safe alternative, but it’s important to know how long they take to develop so you get the color you want. Banana Boat is a popular drugstore self-tanning brand with several different lotion and spray options. Knowing when to expect results from their products will help you plan your self-tanning routine.
In this article, we’ll look at how long it takes for Banana Boat self tanners to work, from first application to full development. We’ll also provide tips on using their products properly so you can achieve an even, natural-looking tan.
How Self-Tanners Work
Before getting into the timing, it helps to understand what’s happening when you apply a self-tanner. These products contain an active ingredient called dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which interacts with dead skin cells on the outer layer of your skin. When DHA and these cells meet, a browning effect occurs, which we see as a tan color.
This color change process begins as soon as you apply the self-tanner. However, it takes time for the DHA to fully react with skin cells across your entire body to produce an even, deeper tan. Several other factors also impact the timing and appearance of your tan results.
Banana Boat Self-Tanner Types
Banana Boat offers self-tanning lotions as well as spray options. The timing differs slightly between these formats:
Self-Tanning Lotions
These provide buildable, customizable color with ingredients to hydrate skin. Banana Boat’s lotions include:
– Summer Color Self-Tanning Lotion
– Deep Summer Color Self-Tanning Lotion
– UltraMist UV Bronzing Mist Lotion
Self-Tanning Sprays
These mists promise fast-drying formulas for easy, streak-free application. Options include:
– Summer Color Bronzing Dry Oil Continuous Clear Spray
– UltraMist Bronzing Dry Oil Clear Spray
– UltraMist Color Correcting Bronzer Spray
Timing Overview
On average, it takes 6-8 hours to see visible color from Banana Boat self-tanners, whether you use a lotion or spray. Here’s a general timeline:
1 Hour After Application: You’ll notice some subtle, light bronze coloring.
2-4 Hours After: The tan starts to visibly develop, but won’t be very dark at this point.
6-8 Hours After: Your deepest, darkest tan color will appear.
24 Hours After: Your color will fully set. Reapply if you want a deeper tan.
However, the precise timing can vary based on the specific product, your skin type, and how you prep and care for your skin.
Detailed Timeline Per Product
Here is a more detailed look at the timeline for Banana Boat’s main self-tanning options:
Summer Color Self-Tanning Lotion
1 Hour After: Light tan begins to develop.
3 Hours After: Noticeable medium bronze tint.
6 Hours After: Deepest color is visible.
24 Hours After: Color stabilizes for an even tan.
Deep Summer Color Self-Tanning Lotion
2 Hours After: Initial light tan color.
4 Hours After: Darker tan is semi-developed.
8 Hours After: Very dark tan has fully set in.
24 Hours After: Long-lasting, deep tan is complete.
UltraMist UV Bronzing Mist Lotion
30 Minutes After: See a light glow beginning.
1 Hour After: Light tan develops.
4 Hours After: Tan darkens significantly.
8 Hours After: Deepest color appears.
Summer Color Clear Spray
1 Hour After: Very subtle, light bronzing.
3 Hours After: Buildable color is more visible.
6 Hours After: Medium-dark tan fully shows.
24 Hours After: Tan stabilizes and completes.
UltraMist Clear Spray
30 Minutes After: Faint glow is detectable.
2 Hours After: Light tan develops.
4 Hours After: Bronze tan darkens.
6 Hours After: Deepest color appears.
UltraMist Color Correcting Bronzer Spray
1 Hour After: Subtle, warm glow is visible.
3 Hours After: Light tan develops.
5 Hours After: Bronze tan is darker.
8 Hours After: Full, rich color is achieved.
Application Tips for Best Results
Following best practices when applying your Banana Boat self-tanner will help ensure ideal results in the timeline provided:
– Exfoliate skin before applying. This removes dead cells so the DHA reacts with fresh ones.
– Use a body scrub glove and pay extra attention to dry areas like knees, elbows, and ankles.
– Shave before self-tanning if needed, since hair causes uneven absorption.
– Apply to clean, dry skin for optimal absorption.
– Use sweeping motions and blend thoroughly to prevent streaking.
– Apply evenly and don’t miss spots. Use a tanning mitt if needed.
– Allow the recommended dry time before dressing to prevent transferring.
– Moisturize daily to help color last longer.
– Avoid long hot showers, chlorine, and friction which can fade color.
What About Reapplication?
If after the initial 24 hours your color isn’t as dark as desired, you can safely reapply Banana Boat self-tanner for a deeper tan.
It’s best to wait at least 24 hours between applications. Then, exfoliate gently before reapplying to help remove any product buildup.
When reapplying, the timing will be quicker than your first application. You’ll notice darker color developing within 2-4 hours.
How Long Does it Last?
With proper care, your Banana Boat self tan can last around 5-7 days. Gradual fading will occur as your skin naturally exfoliates.
The darker the color, the longer it will appear vibrant before fading. Using their Deep Summer Color or UltraMist Bronzing products will lead to longer-lasting results.
Moisturizing daily, avoiding long baths, and using gentle exfoliation can help extend the life of your tan an extra few days.
Comparison to Other Self-Tanning Brands
Here is how the timing with Banana Boat compares to a few other top self-tanning brands:
| Brand | Visible Color Starts | Deepest Color Reached |
| Banana Boat | 1-2 hours | 6-8 hours |
| Neutrogena | 2-4 hours | 6-8 hours |
| Jergens | 1 hour | 4 hours |
| St Tropez | 1-4 hours | 8-24 hours |
As you can see, Banana Boat is pretty comparable to other drugstore brands in development time. Higher end brands like St Tropez take slightly longer.
Tanning Accelerators
If you want to speed up the self-tanning process, using a tanning accelerator can help. These are formulated to help the DHA in self-tanners activate and develop faster.
Popular options include:
– Australian Gold Dark Tanning Accelerator – Helps develop color in as little as 1 hour.
– Tanovations DHA Boost Accelerator – Allows color to show in 30 mins to 1 hour.
– Devoted Creations Tanning Accelerator – Develops initial color in just 30 minutes.
Be sure to do a patch test when first using an accelerator to see how your skin reacts and confirm the quicker timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I leave the self-tanner on before showering?
It’s recommended to allow Banana Boat self-tanners to absorb into the skin for at least 1 hour before showering or swimming. For best results, wait at least 4-6 hours if possible.
Should I apply self-tanner to wet or dry skin?
Always apply to clean, dry skin for optimal absorption and even development. Applying onto wet skin can lead to streaking.
Can I speed up the results process?
Using a tanning accelerator product formulated to work with self-tanners can help them develop faster. Otherwise, patience is key!
What if my tan comes out uneven?
If you end up with an uneven tan, exfoliate then reapply a thin layer to dark spots. Using a tanning mitt helps prevent unevenness.
Conclusion
When used properly, Banana Boat self-tanners can provide gorgeous, bronze color in as little as 1-2 hours after application. Allowing the full 6-8 hours for the deepest color to develop will give you the best results. Understanding the timing and being diligent with prep and application is key to getting a beautiful, even glow with any self-tanner.