Skip to Content

Spray Tan Aftercare [Best Spray Tan Tips For A Flawless Tan]

Are you looking for the perfect finish after your spray tan? Want that natural, sun-kissed glow without the worry of long term skin damage? Look no further!

With these top tips for spray tan aftercare, to help you in maintaining your perfect spray tan, you’ll have flawless and beautiful skin in no time…

Spray Tan Aftercare

What Are The Benefits Of A Spray Tan?

A spray tan is an excellent alternative for those who desire beautiful, bronzed skin without exposing their skin to harmful UV rays.

With a spray tan solution, you can achieve the perfect sun-kissed look in just one session. Here are a few benefits of using a spray tan:

Firstly, a spray tan eliminates the risk associated with sunbathing and tanning beds.

By avoiding excessive exposure to UV rays, you significantly reduce your chances of developing skin cancer and premature aging. With a spray tan, you can achieve a natural-looking tan without putting your health at risk.

Spray tans are also tailored to suit every skin type. No matter what your complexion, you can find a spray tan solution that will provide a flawless, even result.

This ensures that your tan looks natural and enhances your overall appearance.

Another great benefit of spray tans is their quick and convenient application process. You can have a fresh, vibrant look within a matter of minutes.

Forget spending hours under the sun or laying in a tanning bed – a spray tan means instant results with no fuss.

Lastly, spray tans offer more control over your desired intensity and color. You can choose from a range of shades to suit your preferences, and the skilled technician can help you achieve your desired level of bronzed skin.

With customizable tanning solutions, you can enjoy a personalized, gorgeous glow that complements your unique beauty.

How Often Should You Get A Spray Tan?

Maintaining a beautiful and even tan can be an essential part of your beauty routine. However, knowing the right frequency for getting a spray tan might be a challenge.

Typically, a spray tan lasts about 7-10 days. The longevity of your tan depends on various factors such as your skin type, the quality of the tan solution, and your aftercare routine.

Each individual’s skin will respond differently to spray tanning, affecting both the color and duration of the tan.

To keep your tan looking fresh, it’s generally recommended to wait at least 10-14 days between spray tans.

This gap between tans helps prevent color build-up and allows your skin to fully exfoliate, providing a smooth canvas for the next tan application.

When taking care of your tan, the first 24 hours are vital, for ensuring its longevity. Here are a few tips on tan care:

  • Avoid showers or any contact with water for the first 8 hours after the tanning session. This allows the tan to fully develop on your skin.
  • Wear loose clothing to prevent streaks or rubbing that can affect the evenness of your tan.
  • Moisturize daily to lock in the color and keep your skin hydrated. Dry skin can cause your tan to fade unevenly.
  • Exfoliate your skin the day before your next spray tan appointment to remove any remaining color as well as dead skin cells.

Spray Tan Tips On How To Prepare Your Skin Before Your Airbrush Spray Tan Appointment

Spray Tan Tips On How To Prepare Your Skin Before Your Airbrush Spray Tan Appointment

Exfoliate

To maximize the evenness and longevity of your airbrush tan, exfoliate your skin 24 hours before your tanning appointment.

Using a gentle body scrub, pay close attention to areas with thicker skin, such as knees, elbows, and ankles.

Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells, providing a smooth and clean canvas for the spray tan solution.

Moisturize

After exfoliating, it’s essential to moisturize your skin. Regularly applying an oil-free body butter or lotion in the days leading up to your appointment will help nourish your skin and ensure a more even tan.

However, avoid applying moisturizers on the day of your appointment, as they can create a barrier that prevents the tanning solution from properly adhering to your skin.

Avoid Certain Products

Some products can negatively affect your airbrush tan, so it’s essential to be aware of what to avoid before your appointment.

Items such as bar soaps, body hair bleach, and products containing mineral oil can create uneven results.

To ensure the best possible outcome, use gentle, oil-free, and non-alcohol based products in the days leading up to your tanning session.

Wear Appropriate Clothing

On the day of your appointment, wear loose and dark clothing that is less likely to smudge or stain from the tanning solution.

Opt for items like leggings, oversized shirts, or dresses without tight sleeves and avoid wearing any makeup.

Loose-fitting, dark clothing not only helps prevent unwanted marks but also allows your freshly applied tan to develop without any disruptions.

Spray Tan Aftercare Tips For A Flawless, Long Lasting Fake Tan

To get the most out of your spray tan, it’s essential to take good care of your skin. Proper aftercare will help your tan last longer and keep your skin looking healthy and glowing.

Here are some tips to ensure that your tan lasts as long as possible and stays looking flawless:

  • Stay dry for the first few hours: Avoid water for at least 4-8 hours after your spray tanning session. This allows the tan to develop properly and prevents it from becoming patchy or uneven. Activities like swimming, sweating, and even washing your hands can affect your tan during this time.
  • Wear loose clothing: After your session, make sure to wear loose-fitting clothes that won’t rub against your skin and cause your tan to fade or streak. Tight clothing can also hinder tanning product absorption.
  • Rinse properly: When it’s time to take your first shower after the spray tan, ensure that you gently rinse off the formula with lukewarm water. Be careful not to use hot water or harsh soaps, as these can strip the color and make your tan fade faster.
  • Pat yourself dry: After showering, gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel. Rubbing your skin can cause the tan to fade unevenly.
  • Hydrate your skin: Keeping your skin moisturized is essential for maintaining a long-lasting, even tan. Make sure to use an appropriate, hydrating moisturizer throughout the life of your tan. Avoid using products containing oil, as these can cause your tan to break down more quickly.
  • Wait to shave: It’s best to shave before your spray tan session and then wait at least 24 hours after your tan before you shave again. Shaving can cause your tan to fade more quickly.
  • Take care of your skin: To prolong the life of your tan, take good care of your skin by avoiding activities that can cause your tan to fade faster, such as hot showers, chlorine, and saltwater. Stick to gentle skincare products, including non-abrasive exfoliants and moisturizers.

How To Prevent A Streaky Spray Tan

How To Prevent A Streaky Spray Tan

To prevent a streaky spray tan, you need to follow some essential steps, both before and after the tanning session. By doing so, you can enjoy a beautiful and natural-looking golden tan.

First, start with a clean and well-exfoliated skin. Remove any dead skin cells by using a mild exfoliating scrub, focusing on the dry areas like elbows, knees, and ankles.

This will help ensure an even application of the spray tan solution. Also, avoid wearing any makeup, deodorant, or lotions, as these can create a barrier and result in an uneven tan.

When you go in for your spray tan session, wear loose, dark-colored clothing to avoid rubbing off the tan or staining your clothes.

During the session, make sure to follow the technician’s instructions on how to position your body to ensure proper coverage.

After the session, avoid showering or getting your skin wet for at least 4-8 hours, as this could cause the tan to streak.

When you do shower, gently pat your skin dry with a towel instead of rubbing it, and avoid using harsh soaps or exfoliants. Keep your skin moisturized to prolong your tan’s life and ensure even fading.

In the first 24 hours, avoid tight clothing, excessive sweating, and long soaks in hot tubs or baths, as these can contribute to streaks or uneven fading of your tan.

Opt for light, breathable fabrics and enjoy cool showers to maintain a smooth and even tan.

How Long Should I Wait to Shower After a Spray Tan?

After getting a spray tan, give your skin enough time to fully develop the tan. To achieve the best results, you should wait at least 4-8 hours before showering.

This will ensure that the DHA in the spray tan has sufficient time to darken your skin cells, giving you a deeper and more tanned look. Don’t wait more than 24 hours, as this might affect the tan’s outcome.

During your first shower after the spray tan, avoid using hot water. Instead, opt for warm water, which is gentle on your skin and helps maintain the streak-free finish.

Hot showers can cause the tan to fade faster, as the increased temperature might disrupt the tan’s development.

When you shower for the first time after getting a spray tan, it’s normal to see some golden glow wash down the drain.

This is just the excess color, and you’ll still be left with a beautiful bronzed look when you step out.

While showering, avoid using shower gel, body washes or hair products, as these can strip away the spray tan and affect its appearance. Stick to rinsing with warm water only during the first shower to preserve your tan.

What Are The Dos and Don'ts After a Spray Tan?

What Are The Dos and Don’ts After a Spray Tan?

After getting a spray tan, you’ll want to ensure it lasts as long as possible and looks its best. To achieve this, there are certain dos and don’ts that you should follow:

Do:

  • Avoid water for the first 8 hours: Staying away from water during this time is essential, as it allows the spray tan to adhere to your skin properly. This will help to prevent an orange patchy look, ensuring a smooth and golden tan.
  • Exfoliate your skin beforehand: Exfoliating your skin will remove dead skin cells, creating an even surface for the spray tan to be applied. Pay attention to areas like knees, elbows, and ankles which tend to have more dead skin buildup. This will lead to a more consistent, long-lasting tan.
  • Stay dry and avoid sweating: For the tan to develop properly, you’ll want to avoid activities that can cause sweating, such as exercise or hot baths. This includes swimming, long baths, and saunas as they can strip your tan or lead to an uneven result.
  • Wear loose clothing after the session: You’ll want to avoid wearing tight clothes immediately after your spray tan as they can create lines or smudges on your fresh tan.

Don’t:

  • Skip spray tan care: A proper aftercare routine is key in ensuring your tan doesn’t fade prematurely. Use products containing gentle ingredients that are specifically designed for spray tan care to maintain your tan and protect your skin.
  • Apply makeup immediately after tanning: It’s best to avoid any makeup during the initial development time of up to 10 hours. After this period, you can use makeup, but ideally, you should wait a full 24 hours to prevent any interference with the tan.
  • Massage or rub your skin: You’ll want to avoid massaging or rubbing your skin during the first few hours after your spray tan, as this can lead to an uneven outcome or strip your tan.
  • Neglect the rest of your body: To ensure a balanced, full-body tan, it is essential to give equal attention to all parts of your body – even if you don’t think they’ll be visible. Avoid tan lines and make sure that the tan doesn’t fade disproportionately by applying the same level of care and attention across your entire body.

 

How Long After Spray Tan Can I Wear a Bra?

After getting a spray tan, you need to take care of your skin and allow the color to develop evenly.

One common concern is when you can wear a bra again without risking the appearance of your new tan.

The general recommendation is to wait approximately 4 hours after a spray tan session before putting on a bra. However, it’s even better if you can avoid wearing one for up to 9 to 12 hours to let the color fully develop.

When you choose to wear a bra after this time, make sure it’s composed of loose-fitting material, ensuring that it doesn’t leave any marks or create streaks on your newly tanned skin.

Tight clothing can impact the final appearance of your tan, so it’s essential to opt for more relaxed attire.

During your spray tan session, you can opt to wear a bra, underwear, a thong, or nothing – the choice is up to you.

If you decide to wear a bra, choose a black or dark-colored one to prevent any tan solution from staining the fabric. The tan solution will wash out more easily from darker fabric.

Summary

Spray tanning is an excellent way to get the perfect sun-kissed glow without exposing your skin to harmful UV rays.

To ensure the best results and longest lasting tan, it’s key to prepare your skin beforehand and follow proper aftercare instructions.

Exfoliate 24 hours before your spray tan session and avoid wearing any makeup or lotions on the day of the appointment.

During the session, wear loose clothing that won’t rub off on you or stain from the tanning solution.

Afterward, wait at least 4-8 hours to shower and opt for warm water instead of hot water when you do.

Moisturize regularly throughout the life of your spray tan and avoid tight clothing in the first 24 hours after application.

Lastly, wait at least 9-12 hours before wearing a bra to ensure that your tanned skin has time to develop fully with no interference.



All products featured on Gemma Etc. are PR samples or gifted items, unless otherwise indicated. This post may contain affiliate links. If you wish to find out more, please see my Disclaimer within my navigation bar.