How to Maintain Your Spray Tan
If you're wondering how to maintain your spray tan effectively and make it last as long as possible, here are some simple and practical steps to follow:
Avoid water for the first few hours: After undergoing your spray tan treatment, it's critical that you avoid any contact with water or moisture and prevent sweating until the rinse time your spray tan technician informs you of. This is to allow the tan to fully set in and develop on your skin, ensuring an even and long-lasting color.
The rinse/shower: At the time your spray tan tech has told you it’s time to rinse, it should be just that. A rinse and nothing more. No soap, shaving or hair washing. You want to rinse in cool/luke warm water and use your hands to lightly rub off all remaining bronzer on the skin. It will look like your tan is going down the drain, but don’t worry! It’s going to continue to develop for up to 24 hours after initial application. You will either apply a tan-safe moisturizer immediately after your rinse, or the next day after your shower. This depends on the instruction of your spray tan professional.
Skincare routine: During the 24 hours your tan is developing, it’s crucial to keep a minimal skincare routine. You want to avoid all products that contain actives and exfoliants. This may be ingredients such as retinol, glycolic acid, mandelic acid, lactic acid, enzymes and benzoyl peroxide. If used while the tan is developing, it can cause some unwanted blotchiness or streaks. After the 24 hours you can use them, but know all these ingredients WILL make your tan fade faster. If you have a strict skincare routine, you can always opt out of tanning your face or purchase a face tanning serum.
Tan-safe shower: 24 hours after your appointment is when you can shower with soap and wash your hair. (No dove, bar soap, or any milky/opaque body soap). Use a clear/translucent shower gel. When shaving, use a new/sharp razor.
Moisturize daily: Keeping your skin well-hydrated is a key step in maintaining your spray tan. Moisturizing daily, immediately after showering, with a quality lotion helps to keep the tan looking fresh, vibrant, and will significantly extend its lifespan.
Use a tan extender: Tan extenders are specialty creams or lotions that contain a minimal amount of the same tanning ingredient found in your spray tan. Regular use of these products can help to continuously replenish the tan, prolonging the life and quality of your color. We recommend starting the tan extender on day 3 of your tan.
Avoid exfoliation and waxing: Any kind of skin exfoliation or waxing post your spray tan treatment will shorten its lifespan. These processes remove the top layer of the skin where the tan resides, causing it to fade faster.
Avoid long baths or showers: Long soaks in the bath or extended showers can accelerate the fading process of your tan. It can also dry out your skin - leading to uneven fading.
Pat your skin dry: After each bathing session or swimming, ensure you gently pat your skin dry instead of vigorously rubbing it. The rubbing action can cause the tan to fade unevenly, leading to patches and streaks.
Avoid these ingredients/products: Mineral oil, essential oil, fragrances, toners, acne products, baby oil, anything marketed as “anti-aging” and makeup wipes. They can strip your tan. Opt for the following SAFE alternatives: Coconut oil, shea butter, and aloe vera.
By diligently following these steps, you can help to maintain your spray tan, ensuring it stays looking fresh, vibrant, and beautiful for as long as possible.
Click here to download a FREE spray tan development guide for step-by-step instructions on how to achieve a flawless tan.
Click here to see a list of spray tan safe products on Amazon
