Body · Self-Tan · Sub-chapter 03
Gradual tan — building colour slowly, on purpose.
Lower DHA, applied daily. No development wait, no single-night commitment. The trade-off: it takes three to five days before colour becomes visible.
52 how-to's · Updated 3 May 2026 · Avg. 4 min per piece · Edited by Nelly · Beauty & Style Director
Why gradual tan behaves differently
Standard self-tanners deposit DHA at four to six percent — enough for visible colour within four to eight hours. Gradual formulas use two to three percent, which produces a subtle colour shift per application. After three to five daily applications you have accumulated enough DHA reactions to see meaningful warmth. The same fade rules apply: surface skin sheds over one to two weeks, taking the colour with it.
Gradual tan formats
- Daily lotion — replace your regular body lotion, no extra step
- Gradual mousse — slightly faster build than lotion
- Wash-off tint — immediate warmth, not accumulative colour
- Gradual drops — ultra-low commitment, face-safe
- SPF daily tan — dual-use morning routine (DHA does not provide UV protection)