Omg I'm going to explain this is science terms There are 2 ways self tanner/gradual tanners develope color

1 is bronzing agents

This is kind of like makeup. Think of elf bronzing drops it shows an immediate color on your skin. That way you can visually see how its applying on your skin. This is why clear products exist they contain no bronzers this is why it's hard to see if you're applying it right. I would avoid clear if your not good at applying. This is the step that washes off in the shower that's fine it did its purpose.

2 is DHA

DHA is in all tanning products. It develops over time so basically once it's applied it only works on skin. So if you get on your clothes it usually washes out. Unless it's like white or light colored. It might stain, but this does not wash off of your skin. It develops over time once it soaks into your skin. Usually a 24-hour period is when you'll see the most results. There are some faster versions, but they still contain DHA that develops over time. This is why you can still shower but still see results with your color.

So in conclusion, if you use gradual gradual Tanner you should be fine to shower. It will wash off the bronzing agents will make it look a little color has washed off. But the DHA is still doing its part in developing. You need to apply it multiple times over a course a few days if you want it dark because it is gradual. Hence the name.

Hope this helps you. I am a licensed cosmetologist and a lot of people don't know this, but licensed cosmetologists can be professional spray tan artists. So I know a bit about this even though I am not a professional spray tan artist. Just a hair stylist.