How long does your spray tan last? Usually about one week. But did you know that there are things you can do to make the results last longer? Not only that, you can even improve your chances of getting an even tan by doing a few simple things!
Most people may tell you that the key to an even and long-lasting spray tan is proper preparation. Although that is correct, that’s only half of what you should do. Spray tan aftercare is just as important as preparation.
Today, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on what to do after having a spray tan.
The things you do to your skin after having a spray tan can affect the tan you develop and how long it will last. Who wouldn’t want to achieve an even and long-lasting tan?
If you just want your tan to be beautiful in just a day, you could just have used bronzers. Of course, we all like our tan to be as beautiful as it could be as long as we can have it.
That’s the reason why you need to know how to take care of your skin after having the spray tan.
Proper care will help reduce the chances of having uneven, streaky, spotty, or splotchy tan. Plus it will make your tan last as long as possible.
The most crucial period after the spray tan procedure is the first 24 hours. That’s because that’s the time when you are allowing the formula to work its magic and react with your skin.
When it is allowed to properly react with your skin, it can produce that beautiful sunkissed glow.
After your spray tan session, don’t rush to get dressed. It’s understandable that you might feel embarrassed wearing nothing or skimpy clothing but you should wait. Make sure that the product has been absorbed by your skin before you wear your clothes.
Loose undergarments should be used or else the product could rub off on them. It would be best if you don’t wear any underwear or a bra. However, not all people may be comfortable with that.
If you wish to wear undergarments, use something that you don’t mind staining. Make sure they are loose. For bras, a strapless or bandeau style would be best.
Similarly, you should choose loose clothing. A loose long shirt or flowy dress would be the best choice.
Also, don’t forget about your feet — one of the trouble spots for spray tans. Flip-flops are the best footwear to use.
Avoid wearing jeans, leggings, socks, yoga pants, or anything that hugs your body.
Make sure you do your best to stay away from any source of moisture. Don’t hang out in pools or anywhere where water can splash over your body.
Even your own sweat can be a source of moisture that prevents you from developing that tan. That’s why you should avoid working out or doing things that could make you sweat after you have your spray tan.
Rain droplets should be avoided. Crying can also cause streaks on your face. So don’t let anything bad happen to you after you got a spray tan! (If only it was that easy).
Just do your best to keep yourself as dry as you can for at least 4 hours.
Keeping yourself as dry as possible helps the spray tan solution to stick to your skin for longer. That enables the active ingredient to react efficiently to your skin.
Most spray tan solutions will recommend you to let the product react to your skin for at least 4 hours. However, different solutions may require you to wait even longer.
Some people also choose to wait longer to give more time for their skin to react with the spray tan solution. There is a suggested minimum and a maximum number of hours before you shower.
Follow the instructions of the product manufacturer or spray tan salon to get the best results.
Once you’ve given ample time for the spray tan solution to react with your skin, you can rinse by taking a shower. When you shower, make sure not to use hot water because it can be bad for your spray tan.
Avoid using washcloths, soaps, or shower gels.
Rinsing with water in as little time as possible is best. And it’s probably not the best time to wash your hair.
Drying your skin gently after the shower is just as important.
Pat dry and avoid rubbing your skin with the towel.
You can take a proper shower after 24 hours. However, make sure to do it as quickly as you can. Also, choose gentle and oil-free cleansers.
Hydrating the skin also helps maintain the tan for longer. That is why you should moisturize with an oil-free moisturizer Taking proper care of your skin by providing moisture greatly helps with your tan so don’t forget to moisturize.
Some deodorants contain aluminum. You should never use any product with aluminum after you spray tan because it can react to produce a green color.
That green color also lasts — so best to avoid them.
Don’t rush to apply makeup after your spray tan. Let it work its magic until after your shower, then you can glam up.
To better prolong your tan, you should continuously care for your skin. Usually, the spray tan lasts for 5-10 days. You have a better chance of prolonging your tan if take care of your skin properly.
You can do that by moisturizing daily, avoiding swimming, or doing activities that expose your skin to chlorinated water.
Gentle exfoliation is also advised to make sure your tan fades evenly. In that way, you can better enjoy your tan, even as it fades.
The goal is a beautiful and long-lasting spray tan that fades gradually and doesn’t crack. This goal is achievable but requires proper pre-tan prep and post-tan aftercare.
You need to give enough time for the solution to react properly to your skin. That means avoiding anything that could remove it from your skin like tight-fitting clothes, moisture, or oil-based products.
Once you’ve developed the tan, you should also continue caring for your skin. Healthy skin will keep the tan for longer. So don’t forget to moisturize and exfoliate gently to help the tan fade evenly.
Here’s to luminous skin!
Kayla is the founder of LuxeLuminous. She has worked professionally in the tanning industry for years. She has been interested in esthetics since childhood, and has tried every hair, skin, and makeup product ever produced (more or less).
