A fresh spray tan feels like the fastest way to look summer-ready, especially when you want that sun-kissed glow without the sunburn. But nothing ruins that perfect bronze faster than seeing it shift to a strange, greenish color right after jumping in the pool. If you’ve ever gone for a dip and come out looking more frog than golden goddess, you’re definitely not alone.
Summer is full of outdoor fun, and plenty of it involves water. Whether you’re cooling off in a backyard pool or lounging at a resort, chlorinated water is almost guaranteed to play a part. So when your tan suddenly turns green, it can be confusing and disappointing. Here’s what’s actually happening and how to keep your glow from going green this season.
Why Spray Tans Turn Green After Swimming
Spray tans change how your skin looks by reacting with the outer layer of dead skin cells. The active ingredient in most sprays is something called DHA, which gives you that bronze color over time. The same ingredient, though, can run into problems when it meets chlorine in pool water.
Chlorine is meant to keep pools clean, but it doesn’t mix well with DHA. When you dive into cool, clean water that’s been treated with plenty of chlorine, a chemical reaction can happen. That reaction may cause your golden tan to shift or even turn slightly green or gray in some areas, especially if the spray tan hasn’t fully set or if your skin is dry.
Other factors might make it worse too. If you scrubbed off natural oils before applying your spray tan or were sweaty when you got in the water, the chlorine has more chances to interact with and alter the tan. Even if the green tint doesn’t show up right away, it might creep in a few hours later as your tan fully develops.
This often happens on areas that stay submerged the longest, like your legs or stomach. It doesn’t mean something is wrong with the spray solution itself. It just means your skin and the pool water had a clash. And once it happens, there’s not much you can do in that moment to reverse it.
Tips To Prevent Your Spray Tan From Turning Green
A few small steps can go a long way when it comes to protecting your spray tan during pool days. These tips are easy to follow and help lock in your color so it stays golden, not green, no matter how many laps you swim.
1. Moisturize properly before you get in the water. A good, oil-free moisturizer creates a barrier that helps stop chlorine from seeping into the skin so fast. Focus on areas like your knees, ankles, and elbows where spray tan can wear off quicker.
2. Wait the full time before hitting the water. Most spray tans need about 8 hours to settle before any swimming. Jumping in too soon can mess with the development and make your tan patchy or uneven, even if you don’t see the damage right away.
3. Don’t stay in too long. A quick swim won’t hurt, but soaking for long periods increases the chances that chlorine and chemicals will impact your skin’s surface. If possible, rinse off quickly with clean water once you’re done.
4. Apply a water-resistant cream or balm to areas that will be submerged. There are safe formulas designed to shield your skin and make your tan last longer despite water exposure. They’re especially helpful for vacations or pool-heavy weekends.
5. Moisturize again after showering. Chlorine can really dry out the skin, and dry skin means your tan fades faster. Use fragrance-free lotion regularly to rebuild your skin barrier and keep things smooth and healthy-looking.
Following these steps gives your spray tan its best shot at staying natural and sun-kissed, even in chlorine-rich water. Whether you swim once in a while or have a routine pool day, small tweaks in your prep and aftercare routine can help avoid those weird green tones.
Benefits Of Choosing Natural Spray Tans
Using a natural spray tan can make a big difference when it comes to avoiding that unwanted green tint. These types of formulas are made without added dyes, harsh preservatives, or synthetic ingredients that might react more strongly with chlorinated water. When you’re applying something all over your body, what’s in the mix really matters, especially if you’ll be out enjoying summer fun.
Natural spray tans often use plant-based ingredients, which tend to be gentler on the skin. That’s good news if you have sensitive skin or if you’re layering the product frequently in warmer months. Many people notice longer-lasting color and less blotchiness compared to formulas packed with additives. While no spray tan is invincible to pool chemicals, natural options may hold up a little better since they rely more on DHA and less on added colorants that shift when exposed to chlorine.
Another plus is they typically leave out fragrances and oils that can interfere with application. That means fewer streaks or sticky spots, and a more uniform finish. If you’ve ever smelled strongly after a spray tan or had a patchy result, those extra ingredients may have been the culprit. With a simpler formula made from clean components, the focus stays on what actually works to give you a smooth, even tone.
If you’re planning a beach trip or pool day and still want a sun-kissed look, natural formulas give you the glow with fewer trade-offs. They let you enjoy a beautiful bronze without coating your skin in heavy chemicals that don’t mix well with chlorine.
How Sugar Sugar Boerne Can Help
Choosing the right product and prep routine can make a huge difference in how your tan holds up after swimming. But doing it all on your own leaves a lot to guesswork. Having trained professionals who understand how natural formulas interact with the skin and with water makes it so much easier to enjoy a predictable, great-looking tan.
A good spray tan session isn’t just about the product used. It’s about knowing how to apply it evenly, how to adjust for your skin type, and how to prep and finish properly. That’s what helps you prevent issues like uneven fade, streaks, or yes, even that greenish tint after a pool dip.
When your appointment includes proper skin prep, matched tones for your complexion, and guidance for aftercare, you’re more likely to walk away with smoother results that last longer and handle summer activities better.
Keep Your Glow Strong All Season
Maintaining a smooth and even spray tan through pool parties, beach days, and summer heat might take a bit of care, but it’s more than doable with the right steps. Being aware of where chlorine can throw things off and prepping your skin ahead of time already puts you ahead of the curve.
The key is keeping the skin healthy and hydrated. Dry or damaged skin speeds up uneven fading and invites that odd green hue to show up after a swim. But paying attention to moisture levels, using the right body wash, and rinsing off gently after pool time keeps your skin ready for your next tan or just helps your current one look great longer.
When it comes to spray tans and pool water, it’s easy to blame products when things look off. But more often, it’s the mix of chemicals, skin prep, and how long you stay in the water that affect the outcome. Little habits build up to make a difference, so keep your post-swim rinse short, choose the right lotion, and avoid exposing your skin to harsh stuff before tanning.
If you’ve been nervous about mixing spray tans with swimming, you’re not alone. But with some smart prep, better ingredients, and a few good habits, you can absolutely keep that summer glow without the strange side effects.
To keep your glow looking fresh no matter how many pool days you have planned, explore the benefits of natural spray tans available at Sugar Sugar Boerne. Our team uses clean, skin-friendly formulas designed to hold up against summer fun, helping you enjoy a sun-kissed look that lasts without the chlorine surprises.