Getting a spray tan is one of the best ways to achieve a sun-kissed glow without exposing your skin to the harmful UV rays. However, while getting a spray tan is easy and convenient, maintaining it requires some effort and care on your part. To make the most of your spray tan, you need to follow a proper aftercare routine and avoid certain habits that can strip your tan. In this article, we’ll share some essential post-spray tan care tips that will help you make your tan last longer, and answer some common questions about spray tans.
Table of Contents
Tips for Preparing for Your Spray Tan Appointment
What to Do Before Your Spray Tan Appointment
Prior to your spray tan appointment, there are a few things you need to do to ensure that you get the best results. First, you should exfoliate your skin to remove any dead skin cells and ensure an even application of the spray tan solution. Secondly, you should wax or shave at least 24 hours before your appointment to give your skin enough time to heal. Lastly, make sure that your skin is free from any lotions, oils or deodorants, as these can affect the quality of your spray tan.
What to Wear to Your Spray Tan Appointment
You want to wear loose-fitting, dark clothes to your appointment to prevent any transfer of the spray tan solution onto your other clothes. It’s also advisable to wear a bra that you don’t mind discarding, or no bra at all to avoid any tan lines. This way, the whole of your body will be evenly tanned.
What to Avoid Before Your Spray Tan Appointment
Prior to your appointment, avoid wearing any tight-fitting clothes or anything that could rub against or irritate your skin. You will also want to avoid taking a shower or sweating excessively in the hours before your appointment, as this could also affect the quality of your spray tan.
Post-Spray Tan Care
How Long to Wait Before Showering After a Spray Tan
You should wait at least 8 hours before taking a shower after your spray tan to give it enough time to develop. You’ll want to avoid taking a hot shower, as hot water can strip your tan. Instead, use lukewarm water and rinse your body gently. Avoid using any exfoliating or abrasive products, as these can also strip your tan.
How to Shower After a Spray Tan
When taking a shower, use a mild, oil-free moisturizer and avoid using harsh soaps or body washes. Instead, use a product that’s gentle and won’t irritate your skin. Also, avoid using a scrub brush or loofah, as these can rub off your tan. Instead, gently pat your skin dry with a towel after you shower.
How to Moisturize After a Spray Tan
Moisturizing is a crucial step in post-spray tan care. To make your tan last for as long as possible, it’s important to keep your skin hydrated. Use an oil-free moisturizer, paying extra attention to areas that are prone to dryness, such as your elbows and knees. You can apply the moisturizer twice daily to protect your skin and prolong the life of your tan.
Maximizing Your Spray Tan Results
How to Make Your Tan Last Longer
To make your spray tan last longer, you need to take good care of your skin. Keep your skin moisturized, avoid prolonged exposure to water, and avoid wearing tight clothes that could rub off your tan. You can also use a gradual tanning lotion to enhance and prolong your tan. Lastly, don’t forget to exfoliate gently after a week of your tanning session.
How to Help Your Tan Develop
To help your tan develop, you should avoid sweating excessively or getting wet within the first 8 hours of your spray tan. You should also avoid applying any bronzer or lotion that could interfere with the development of your tan. To enhance your tan, you can use a gradual tanning lotion or oil, but be sure to choose a product that’s compatible with your spray tan solution.
Things to Avoid to Prevent Your Spray Tan from Fading
To prevent your spray tan from fading, you should avoid activities such as swimming, soaking in a bathtub, or engaging in any activities that could lead to excessive sweating. You should also avoid using oil-based products, as these can strip your tan. Lastly, avoid wearing tight clothes, as they could rub off your tan.
Airbrush vs. Spray Tan: Which One to Choose?
What is Airbrush Tanning?
Airbrush tanning involves a technician spraying a customized tanning solution onto your skin using an airbrush gun. The solution is applied in a fine mist, resulting in a flawless and even tan.
How Does Airbrush Tanning Differ from Spray Tanning?
Spray tanning involves a person standing in a spray tan booth while a machine sprays the tanning solution onto their skin. Airbrush tanning, on the other hand, is done by a technician using an airbrush gun to apply the solution. Airbrush tanning is more customizable and allows for more control over the application of the solution.
Which One is Right for You?
The choice between spray tanning and airbrush tanning depends on your personal preference. If you’re looking for a quick and affordable tan, spray tanning is the best option. If you have specific needs, such as a customized tan or specific areas that need more attention, airbrush tanning may be the better choice.
Common Questions About Spray Tans
Can I Wax or Shave Before a Spray Tan?
Yes, you can wax or shave before a spray tan. However, you should do so at least 24 hours before your appointment to avoid any irritation or damage to your skin.
Should I Moisturize Before a Spray Tan?
No, you should avoid using any lotions or moisturizers on the day of your spray tan appointment. Moisturizers can interfere with the development of your tan and cause it to look streaky or uneven.
Can I Wear My Regular Clothes After a Spray Tan?
You can wear your regular clothes after a spray tan, but you’ll want to avoid wearing anything tight-fitting that could rub against your skin and cause your tan to fade. Loose-fitting, dark clothes are the best option.
Choosing the Right Products for Your Spray Tan
Understanding Spray Tan Solutions
Spray tan solutions are made up of dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which reacts with the amino acids in your skin to produce a brown pigment. However, the potency of the solution can vary, so it’s important to choose a product that’s right for your skin tone and desired level of tan.
Moisturizers to Use After a Spray Tan
Oil-free moisturizers are the best option to use after a spray tan, as they won’t strip your tan. You should avoid using any products that contain alcohol, as these can dry out your skin and cause your tan to fade.
What Products to Avoid After a Spray Tan
You should avoid using any oil-based products after a spray tan, as they can strip your tan. You should also avoid using any products that contain exfoliating agents, such as alpha-hydroxy acids or salicylic acid. Lastly, avoid using any products that contain alcohol, including perfumes, as these can dry out your skin and cause your tan to fade.
Getting a spray tan is the best way to achieve a sun-kissed glow without exposing your skin to harmful UV rays. By following the tips outlined in this article and taking good care of your skin, you can make your spray tan last for as long as possible. Remember to choose the right products, avoid tight-fitting clothes, and maintain good hydration to help your tan develop and last for a flawless, natural-looking glow.
What are some pre-spray tan tips to ensure the best result?
Prior to your spray tan, it is important to exfoliate your skin gently and avoid moisturizing. Also, avoid wearing any lotion, deodorants, or perfumes as they can affect the outcome of your tan. It is important to shower, shave or wax prior to your appointment and wear loose, dark clothing.
How will I know if my spray tan is well done?
A well-done spray tan should be smooth, even, and not too dark or orange. Your skin should have a healthy glow and your overall complexion should look even.
What happens after I get my spray tan?
After getting a spray tan, it is important to avoid sweating or getting wet for at least 6 to 8 hours. Your technician will provide you with specific instructions for the initial rinse and aftercare.
How long will my spray tan last?
Your spray tan will last anywhere from 5-10 days depending on how well you take care of it.
What is the best way to take care of my spray tan to make it last?
To make your spray tan last longer, it is important to moisturize daily and avoid exfoliating or rubbing your skin too hard. It is also important to avoid wearing tight clothing or bras that can cause your tan to fade unevenly. Additionally, avoid using any products with Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and retinol as they can cause your tan to fade quickly.
What should I avoid wearing after my spray tan?
Avoid wearing any tight clothing or bras that may rub against your skin and cause your tan to fade unevenly. It is also important to avoid wearing anything made of nylon or lycra as these materials can easily stain your skin.
Can I wear make-up after my spray tan?
It is recommended to wait at least 24 hours after your spray tan before applying any makeup. When you do apply makeup, avoid using any products that contain oil or fragrance.
How long should I wait to get my next spray tan?
It is recommended to wait at least a week before getting your next spray tan.
Will a massage affect my spray tan?
It is recommended to avoid any massages or excessive rubbing of your skin as this can cause your tan to fade unevenly.
How can I prepare my skin to receive a spray tan?
To prepare your skin, it is recommended to exfoliate and moisturize in the days leading up to your appointment. Also, avoid using any products that may cause your skin to dry out and avoid waxing or shaving within 24 hours prior to your tan appointment.
