Tips for How to Prolong Your Spray Tan

Many people desire healthy-looking, glowing skin like they just returned from a sunny beach vacation. However, not everyone wants to risk harmful UV rays to achieve a tan and opt for a spray tan instead. While it may be considered a “fake tan,” you may be surprised at how natural it appears with the proper spray tan aftercare.

This guide explains all the essential information about making your professionally applied spray tan last as long as possible.

Exfoliate Your Skin Beforehand

First, you want to remove loose, dry skin by gently rubbing and exfoliating your entire body before your appointment. It ensures that the spray tan formulation reaches new skin cells and absorbs deeply into the top layer of your skin.

Spray tan solution consists of the Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) chemical, and when misted over your body, it causes a reaction that darkens your skin. So, without good exfoliation, it has inconsistent results.

Moisturize

Along with exfoliation, moisturizing your skin is vital for optimal tan development. Dryness creates microscopic fissures in your skin and may not be visible to the eye. However, these tiny cracks cause the mist to stick and absorb weirdly, leaving a blotchy effect afterward. 

Therefore, to avoid an uneven spray tan and make it last longer, moisturize your whole body daily for two weeks before your session.

Avoid Swimming or Sweating

A common misconception is that the spray tan solution sits on the skin, like makeup. While it does need to stay in place between 4 to 8 hours, it is the chemical reaction that is responsible for your skin changing colour. The acidity in your sweat or pool water reacts with the DHA, making it less effective.

However, swimming or sweating excessively within the first 24 hours could cause your spray tan to fade sooner than expected. 

Wear Loose-Fitting Clothes

Your choice of clothing afterward makes a considerable difference to your spray tan’s longevity. Tight-fitting clothing will rub, causing the solution to come off. So, instead of having a lovely smooth glow, your tan will become blotchy where your skin has the most contact with your clothes.

To avoid this problem, wear loose-fitting clothing that drapes or gently sits over your body without bunching, especially around your knees, waist, or armpits.

Avoid Taking Long Baths or Showers

Like swimming, you want to avoid taking a shower or bath within the first 4-8 hours after getting a spray tan. Otherwise, you will effectively wash off the chemical before it fully reacts with your skin. However, don’t wait more than 24 hours to bathe.

Your spray tan will last anywhere from 7 to 10 days; however, this timeline will shorten with extended hot baths or showers.

Apply Sunscreen Every Day

People often get a fake tan before heading on holidays with the idea they will build a base while still looking sun-kissed. Unfortunately, while there is some SPF in your spray tan, it will quickly fade within a few days. 

It can be easy to forget that you are still susceptible to UV and sunburns; therefore, it is wise to apply sunscreen every day. When your spray tan fades, your natural tan will replace it without an uncomfortable red tinge from too much sun.

Use Professional Spray Tan Services

Don’t rely on self-tanning lotions that leave your skin uneven or splotchy. Instead, get perfect results with the professional spray tan services of Sunswirl Laser and Esthetics in Dartmouth, NS. Their expert technicians will customize your tan to your skin tone and give you the perfect glowing skin you desire. Additionally, following their spray tan aftercare instructions will maximize your radiant skin longer. 

Get sun-kissed-looking skin today! Schedule your spray tan online or by calling Sunswirl at 902-706-4971 now.