Having a good spray tan can make you feel like a million bucks! However, those beautiful sun-kissed results don’t last forever. To ensure your spray tan looks great and lasts as long as possible, remember to prepare for your tan and keep these things in mind:

Spray TansExfoliate

Before your spray tan appointment, carefully exfoliate your skin. Removing dead skin cells is one of the most important things you can do to ensure your tan lasts as long as possible. Use an exfoliator mitt and cleanser or cream to remove dead skin cells and debris. Dead skin cells create a barrier, block the tanning solution and can cause streaking. Shave or wax the day before your appointment. If you shave/wax after spray tanning, you risk removing the tan from your skin.

Moisturize

Moisturizing is key! Moisturize the day before your appointment, concentrating on areas where your skin is the driest, like feet, heels & elbows.
Your body naturally sheds dead skin cells every seven days. While this process maintains healthy skin, your spray tan sheds off during this process as well.
Moisturizing slows down the exfoliation process, which is essential for prolonging your spray tan. Moisturizing regularly after your spray tan slows fading and extends its life.

Shower Carefully

The first 8 to 12 hours after your spray tan application are very important. During this time your tan is curing. It is VERY IMPORTANT to not get wet! The longer you can wait to shower, the better. Give your tan plenty of time to develop. Eight hours is the minimum wait time – but the longer you can wait the better.

When showering, keep it quick and cool. Just a gentle rinse with warm/cool water – never hot – will do. Minimize the use of soaps, shampoos, etc. Find ones that are free of parabens and sulfates.

Never rub. When you have finished rinsing, gently pat your skin dry. Rubbing results in removal of the spray tan and causes splotchy patches. Remember quick, cool showers and always pat dry. The gentler you are, the longer you tan can last.

Avoid Sweating

This is especially important during those first eight hours after the solution is applied. Avoid activities that will cause you to sweat. Moisture is the biggest threat to tanning solutions. Skip the gym and swimming pools. Chlorine dries out the skin and quickens fading.

Baby powder on sweaty areas, as well as in areas where your skin rubs together, i.e., inner thighs, behind your knees and joints will help as well.

Touch Up as Needed

To keep your tan looking fresh, apply moisturizer one day and a tan extender the next. Your technician can provide recommendations. Professional sunless tanning products will achieve the best results.

By following these tips, you can maintain a beautiful, lasting spray tan that will keep heads turning! With a few simple steps, you can enjoy your tan for much longer than expected.

Book Your Spray Tan Today at The Body Bar!

Spray tans are a safe, UV-free way to get a sun-kissed glow! At The Body Bar, we offer spray tanning with a trained professional who will create a customized tanning formula for you and expertly apply it for a beautiful, natural look. Contact us today to learn more!