How to Make a Spray Tan Last: Preparation and Aftercare Tips
Stocksy
Medically reviewed by Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAADFact checked by Michelle Regalado
If you're on the quest for the "glowy and natural" look, you can definitely get it with a spray tan— but how long that look lasts can be hit or miss. Turns out, though, there are a handful of things you can do to prep your skin to ensure your sun-kissed look sticks around for more than a couple of days.
In an effort to round up exactly what to do to make a spray tan last (and what not to do, to prevent it from fading), we went straight to spray tan experts Brittney Bennett and Lucy Salguero.
Meet the Expert
Brittney Bennett is a Los Angeles-based skincare and spray-tanning expert with more than a decade worth of professional experience. She is the owner of Be Bronze Studios.
Lucy Salguero is a spray tanning expert and educator at Tanning Luxe in Fresno, California.
Prep Your Skin
It's important to prep your before the next step (exfoliating), to maximize dead skin removal and improve skin smoothness, which will lead to a more even application. "The very best way to prep skin is to soak in a tub for 15-20 minutes then gently rub skin with a wet washcloth to remove dead skin without irritating skin," says board-certified dermatologist. Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose.
Exfoliate (Well) Before Your Spray Tan Appointment
Prior to a spray tan, you should exfoliate—but, make sure you do it the right way. "Exfoliation is a key preparation in making sure your skin is ready to absorb the spray tan solution," explains Bennett. "Exfoliants help get rid of the top layer of your skin and make it more receptive to the spray tan solution."
Be sure to use a product that does not contain any oils. We like Clinique's Sparkle Skin Body Exfoliator, a silica-based body scrub that's formulated with soothing aloe and hydrating glycerin to leave your skin with a soft feel and even glow.
Or try St. Moriz Advanced Pro Exfoliating Skin Primer, gel body exfoliator, about 24 hours before your next tanning session. Be sure to pay attention to drier areas or places where spray tanner tends to build up like your elbows, knees, ankles, and wrists. It's incredibly easy to apply and makes your skin feel like butter.
"Prepare for your appointment by exfoliating at least four hours before," Bennett adds. "This gives your pores time to close up, which helps avoid discoloration. It will also leave you with a fresh new layer of skin to tan. Make sure your exfoliant is oil-free and made from organic and natural ingredients. You can also use an exfoliating mitt to help remove dead skin and old spray tan."
Use a Gentle Body Wash
Bennett recommends tanning a minimum of four hours ahead of your spray tan appointment. This will ensure that there's no trace of any products lingering on the skin and creating a barrier, which can mess with the absorption of the spray tan solution.
During your shower, use a gentle wash like Rahua Shower Gel, which is formulated without sulfates or parabens and contains a host of good-for-your-skin ingredients. There's quinoa (yes, the stuff you put in your salads also hydrates your skin), soothing lavender, and organic hibiscus, a natural exfoliating ingredient that keeps your skin soft and supple .
Byrdie Tip
Do not use a body wash or bar soap with sulfates or parabens for the showers that follow your spray tan. The same goes for moisturizers: Avoid oily products.
Salguero advises booking all other beauty appointments—such as nails, waxing, brows, lashes, or hair—"at least 24 hours prior" to a spray tan, to prevent any ingredients from those services from interfering with your tan. And that goes for after your spray tan, too– the formulas used in these services, even water, can remove your tan or cause it to get splotchy.
Leave Skin Bare of Product
After you shower and before your appointment, you're not meant to apply any moisturizing products, especially oil-based products. That means no lotions or body oils.
Post-Spray Tan, Stay Away From Direct Contact
After your appointment, allow your tan time to develop. "Avoid sweating or coming into contact with water, little ones or furry ones," advises Salguero. "Bring a towel for your car to sit on and be careful with the seat belt." This is why it's recommended to wear baggy clothing, too. You don't want anything rubbing up against the skin and causing your tan to wipe off or get patchy.
Continue Using Gentle Products for Two Weeks
If you continue to use gentle products during the two weeks following your appointment, expect your color to last longer than it ever has. "Aftercare is another crucial step to prolonging your spray tan that starts in the shower and immediately after," Bennett says. "When using a body wash make sure to use a paraben, fragrance-free product with no exfoliants in it. Moisturizer is also a key component and ingredients such as the shea butter, coconut oil, and aloe vera are an excellent way to keep a tan going."
Try a Tan Extender
Bennett advises investing in a high-quality spray tan extender lotion. "An extender is just that—a lotion that can continue to extend the life of a tan, " she notes. "This is possibly due to this product having the active ingredient DHA included in the lotion. This is the same ingredient that is in the spray tan solution." Tanceuticals Everyday Tan Extender is a good one that has a small amount of DHA and is super hydrating.
Bennett says to start using extender lotion 48 hours after your spray tan. "Starting this too early can lead to your tan overprocessing and resulting in the dreaded 'orange' effect of a tan." And don't forget to wash your hands after, so you don't wake up with orange palms.
Up Next: Everything You Need to Know About Getting a Spray Tan
Read the original article on Byrdie.
