Moisturized skin will absorb the spray tan solution better and help you maintain your glow, but some lotions will actually strip your spray tan and cause more harm than good.
The key to making your fake tan last longer? moisturising. We're not just talking about any moisturiser though, we're talking about one rich in body butter, silky oils and natural ingredients that will really feed your skin and ensure your fake tan stays put.
Keeping your skin hydrated and moisturized can help preserve your spray tan and ensure it fades evenly. Once a few days have passed, and you notice your tan fading, reach for a gradual tanning lotion like the L'Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Tinted Self-Tanning Lotion Medium Natural Tan to help extend your faux glow.
1: Lock in hydration
The best natural way to keep your holiday tan for longer is to hydrate your skin well. Avoid drying ingredients such as ethanol alcohol and invest in a moisturising after sun that cools and rehydrates your skin after sun exposure.
Once you have washed off your fake tan moisturise your skin daily to increase the longevity of your tan. Dry, dehydrated skin will cause your dead skin cells to shed quicker, taking the fake tan you worked so hard for with it. Use an oil-free moisturiser as oil can break down the product [2].
Loofahs, washcloths, brushes, and body washes with microbeads are all going to hasten the tan's departure. Your first shower after your spray tan will likely result in a puddle of colored water around your drain, but this is normal. As you leave the shower, make sure to pat yourself dry with the towel, don't rub.
On average, a professional spray tan will last between 5 to 10 days, with some variation based on skin type, preparation, and aftercare. Here's a breakdown by skin type: Fair Skin: Fair skin can experience fading sooner, generally around 5 to 7 days.
Avoid shaving immediately before your spray tan session. Ideally, shave 24 hours prior to allow your skin to recover and avoid any potential irritation. Exfoliate gently: If you're shaving before tanning, gently exfoliate your skin using a mild scrub or exfoliating glove.
Our Tanning Experts can connect you with the best skincare products to extend the life of your tan. Just make sure that the lotion you use is an indoor tanning lotion—lotions not made for indoor tanning can damage tanning beds and won't help you develop your tan.
A good quality spray tan will last up to a week, though it does vary according to your skin regime and the depth of the spray tan you opt for. A light bronze can fade in around 5 days, while a darker shade will stay put for a good week.
Tens of millions of people use them EVERY week to get a safe, gorgeous tan in the comfort of their own homes. There are a lot of reasons people are using self tanning lotions instead of going to a spray tanning salon. #1 It's a lot cheaper!
Ocean / Swimming Any immersion in water for a long period of time will fade your spray tan (especially swimming pool water containing chlorine). Hot Showers Try to keep your showers just warm (and quick) and not hot as this will very quickly remove your spray tan.
No, you don't have to be naked when you spray tan. While some people prefer to be nude to avoid tan lines, you have the option to wear whatever is most comfortable for you—like a swimsuit or underwear. During your tan, bronzer could transfer to your clothing but don't worry!
Wearing tight clothing, including bras with straps that can rub against your skin, can cause the tan to wear off unevenly or even come off in patches. To ensure that your spray tan looks its best and lasts as long as possible, it's generally recommended to wait at least 8-12 hours before wearing a bra.
Keeping your skin hydrated is key to making your airbrush tan last longer. Moisturize your skin at least twice a day with a water-based lotion or oil-free moisturizer. Avoid using products that contain alcohol, fragrance, or essential oils as they can dry out your skin and cause your tan to fade faster.
If you want to constantly stay tan, having a spray tan appointment every 7-12 days is ideal to maintain your glow while getting the most out of each tan. During your spray tan session, I'll give you a few more tips ( not noted here ) on how to maintain your glow in between spray tan sessions.
DO NOT MOISTURIZE UNTIL THE TAN HAS TOTALLY DEVELOPED. We recommend you wait at least 12 hours after receiving your tan, before moisturizing to ensure it has fully developed. Continue to avoid bar soaps.
Compared to the rest of the body, skin on the legs does not produce the same amount of melanin, which results in legs getting less tan. Skin on the legs is thicker and harder and the UV light from the sun or sunbeds cannot easily penetrate it.
Continue to avoid makeup, perfume, deodorant, soaps, and lotions during the development period. Do not wear tight clothing or bras after a session. Follow your technician's advice on when to shower based on the solution used. Avoid sweating excessively for the first 24 hours.
LOTIONS Avoid any oils or lotions that use mineral oil (petroleum), baby oil, coconut oil, and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (which is found in most body washes). I have found the best lotions to use are Aveeno, Cetaphil, Hempz, and CeraVe. Lotions with perfumes contain high alcohol levels and tend to dry out the skin.
Hydrated skin will not only tan better but will also keep its colour for longer. Moisturise your skin twice daily to prepare your skin for the sunshine and get that long-lasting tan. Dry skin can lead to a peeling and uneven sun tan and so is effectively the enemy.