Spray tans became very popular! And I have to be honest with you, I’m one of their biggest fans. They give you that attractive skin in less than 20 minutes without sitting in the sun!
However, the problem is, they don’t last that long. If you want to learn how to keep a tan longer, this article is for you! Proper maintenance is the key! However, preparation and watching after things you should and shouldn’t do after getting a spray tan matter as well.
If you want your spray tan to last longer, follow the tips and tricks below! They’re written by personal experience and will help your attractive tan stick longer than it normally would.
How long does a spray tan last?
If you’re new to this and don’t know anything about spray tan, just know that it’s not going to stick forever. You might have noticed from commercials that this product lasts for over 10 days.
However, it all depends on the shade you choose and how you take care of your tan after. The average spray tan lasts around 10 days. Lighter shades last even less, around 5 days, while medium shade stick between 7 and 8 days. And the darker ones last around 10.
Also Check: How Often Should You Spray Tan
This depends on the DHA (dihydroxyacetone) in the tanning solution. I’m talking about an active ingredient that affects the longevity of your spray tan. And I mentioned that dark shades might last longer than other shades because they contain more DHA. Meaning, the more of this ingredient in your tanning solution, the longer the color will last on your skin.
However, as I mentioned before, how you take care of your skin before and after matters as well! Scroll down if you want to learn some tips and tricks on how to prolong a spray tan!
How do you Prolong a Spray Tan?
If you take good care of your faux tan, it’ll last longer. “Good care” means prepping the right way and maintaining your tan after. Follow these tips and you’ll look like you’ve spent a summer vacation in Ibiza. Keep them jealous of your chocolate tan as long as possible!
Tip 1: No exfoliants the day before your tan!
If you want to keep your spray tan longer, don’t exfoliate 24 hours before you get your tan and during your tan. If you’re using face or body products that contain AHAs such as lactic and glycolic or citric acids, avoid them before your spray tan.
The reason why I recommend this is because products like this cause the skin to exfoliate on a cellular level which might cause the pigment to fade faster.
However, you’re allowed to exfoliate before you get tan. In fact, if you exfoliate at least 24 hours before, it will help you keep your tan longer.
So, it’s recommended to do all your exfoliating, shaving and waxing before you get your tan! If you wonder why, I will explain in detail, later in this article. Stick with me till the very end.
Tip 2: Post-period tanning is highly recommended
According to experts, timing is important when it comes to spray tan. If you want to keep your tan longer, always get your tan after your period.
Some skin typeс don’t take the tan as good as when it’s after a period due to hormone levels that play an important role in how the pigment develops. It sounds weird. But it’s true! Post-period tanning is recommended.
Tip 3: Use lotions instead of oil-based products
As I mentioned before, oil is the biggest threat of your tan. Oil-based products create a barrier on the skin that will stop the tanner from absorbing evenly. Meaning, if you apply a moisturizer or oil-filled exfoliator before your spray tan, you will definitely face problems.
Also, if you apply oil after you tan, it’s like you’re calling for trouble and asking for your spray tan to fade by breaking down the pigments.
I recommend avoiding oils in your daily maintenance before and after getting your tan. I’m not saying that you should forget all about moisture. Swap your oil-based products with lotions. Keep your skin well-hydrated.
Tip 4: Minimize the fade by using a “topper”
Last but certainly not less important step in prolonging your tan is adding a topper. And by “topper” I mean a tint of some kind in order to keep some level of glow. Mix a few drops of self-tanning product and moisturizer. Apply daily and you will enjoy your spray tan longer.
Self-tanning drops contain color-correcting components (purple for dark skin, peach for light skin and green for medium skin) as well. They will boost your skin’s brightness after every application. Keep reading to learn what you should/shouldn’t do after getting a tan.
What not to do after getting a spray tan?
I’ve shared the most important tips you should apply, but I wanted to break it down for you and make your tan maintenance easier. This is what you should do before/after if you want your tan to look even more appealing and last +10 days.
Things you should do BEFORE you get your spray tan
- Schedule your spray tan appointment after your period
- Exfoliate your body and face for 3 days before your spray tan
- Avoid oil-based products and chemical exfoliants before and after
- Avoid waxing and showering 24 hours before your appointment
- Remove your deodorant and makeup before your appointment
Things you should do AFTER you get your spray tan
- Apply baby powder instead of deodorant to stop streaking (apply underarms, on the back of your knees, under your butt and inner elbows)
- Keep clothing loose after you get your spray tan (24 hours after your appointment)
- Avoid showering in the next 6 hours after your appointment and don’t wash off the solution. Give your skin some time to absorb your new tan and lock an even shade
- Allow the solution to absorb for 12 hours tops! Otherwise, you will cause streaking
- Don’t spend too much time in the water if you want to prolongate your spray tan
- It’s recommended that you buy special products for showering after your spray tan
- Use warm instead of hot water when showering and avoid harsh soaps and scrubs
- Keep your shampoo and conditioner off your new spray tan when washing your hair
- Avoid fragrances and oil-based products in order to keep your spray tan longer
- It’s allowed to lightly exfoliate every second day after you get your spray tan
- If you decide to exfoliate lightly, use a gentle exfoliator every couple of days
- If hairy legs aren’t your thing, shave but gently in order to prolongate your tan
- Use a high-quality and new razor that requires less pressure and minimal effort
- Apply a “topper” or gradual tanning product to extend the life of your spray tan
- Apply highlighter to boost your skin glow and enhance your spray tan
How can I make my self-tanner last longer?
However, that’s not all I have prepared for you today! This is how you take care of your tan before/after in detail and make your self-tanner last longer, according to Vogue!
Step 1: Prep your skin before your tan
Moisturize and exfoliate 3 to 4 days before your spray tan in order to extend the life of your self-tanner. This matters because it will allow your previous tan to fade away evenly.
Pay extra attention to your knees, elbows, feet, hands, and armpits in order to make sure that the tan looks more natural in these specific spots.
Also, just like I’ve mentioned before, take care of your waxing or shaving at least 24 hours before your tan.
Test the shade before you apply in order to make sure that you’re applying the right one.
Before you get your tan, splash your face with cold water and wait for your pores to close. Wipe with a towel or a tissue. Apply a moisturizer into your hairline to prevent a tan line.
In the end, make sure that you’re using the proper application tool. This matters as much as the application itself. Applying with the right tool will ensure even application and ideal finish! If you apply with the wrong tool, your tan will look bad and unprofessionally made.
Step 2: Make sure that you apply properly
Flawless application matters! So, make sure that you’re using the perfect tool for applying your spray tan. Most people use a tanning mitt. It provides an even application.
Apply in small amounts for the best results. Start from the face and work your way out. Save your hands and feet for last.
Mix your H20 tan drops with your moisturizer and create your tan color by personal preference. If you want a darker shade, add 4 to 5 drops. If you’re for a medium, 3 to 4 drops should be enough. And if you’re focused on the glow, 2 drops will do the job!
Mix a moisturizer with your body tans if you want a lighter shade. If you have light skin, use a granular tan. However, if you have medium/dark skin tone, use gels/mousses.
For your face, use an overnight tan or a facial tan mist.
Have you heard of translucent tanning? It’s quite popular because it allows you to apply tan without transferring onto your bedding or clothes!
Use wash off tans if you want an instant spray tan.
If you mess things up, don’t worry! And don’t panic. Place a slice of lemon soaked in soda on your tan and leave it for a few minutes. This is helpful for specific spots such as eyebrows that might turn orange.
The last step is associated with spray tan maintenance! I’ve mentioned before, and I will say it again. The right maintenance is crucial in prolonging your fake tan!
However, don’t worry. It’s not something complicated and hard to follow. On the contrary, it’s very easy and simple to proceed. Just follow this final step and you will do just fine!
Step 3: Maintain your new chocolate tan!
If you want your fake tan to last, you have to maintain it properly. First and foremost, you should always moisturize, however, not with oil-based products. Use lotions instead. After a few days, exfoliate so that your spray tan can come off naturally.
Add a small amount of gradual tan in your aftersun. This will revive the pigmentation of the self-tanning formula, while the aftersun will hydrate and extend the duration of your spray tan. While you’re on holiday always use a water-resistant SPF that will protect your spray tan from the water.
What’s the bottom line here?
Spray tan represents the safest and easiest option when you want to get your glow on! And with the proper maintenance, you can make your chocolate tan can last for over 10 days as it naturally would.
I hope that my in-depth guide on keeping a spray tan longer will help you and teach you how to keep other people jealous of your chocolate tan for a longer time.
Remember that you should exfoliate, wax and shave your skin at least 24 hours before you apply your spray tan. Avoid oil-based products and replace your moisturizer with lotions.
It will make sure that your tan lasts longer, unlike oil-based products that have the power of breaking the pigments and make your tan fade faster.
Wear some lighter clothes after you get your spray tan and give your skin between 6 and 12 hours to accept the tanning solution before you jump into the shower. Wash your hair separately and protect your skin from shampoo, conditioner, and other harsh products!
Share these tips with someone you love and happy tanning!