When it comes to getting a spray tan, one of the most common questions people ask is how long it will last. The answer to that question depends on a number of factors, including how well you prepare your skin and how often you get your spray tan touched up. In this article, we will discuss what you can do to make your spray tan last as long as possible.

A spray tan can usually last about a week, depending on a number of factors. These include the type of spray tan solution used, how often you shower, and how much you sweat. In general, darker spray tans and those applied by a professional tend to last longer. If you shower soon after getting a spray tan, it will also fade more quickly. Also, if you live an active lifestyle or spend a lot of time in the pool or ocean, your spray tan will fade faster.

The Importance Of Before And After Care

To make your spray tan last as long as possible, it is important to follow a few tried and tested practices. Following these steps can mean the difference between a tan that lasts a couple of days and doesn't look very good or one that looks fantastic and lasts a week or longer. Let's talk about what you can do to make your spray tan last as long as possible!

Prepare Your Skin For The Best Results A Day Or Two Before

Preparing your skin for a spray tan is essential for getting the best results and ensuring that your spray tan lasts as long as possible. Before your spray tan, it's important to:

• Exfoliate your skin to remove any dead or dry skin cells that may interfere with the development of a smooth, even spray tan. You'll want to exfoliate every day for at least two days before your appointment. Also, avoid exfoliants that are oil-based. Why? Oil can create a barrier on your skin that prevents the spray tan solution from evenly adhering to your skin. As a result, you may end up with an uneven, patchy tan. So, what should you use instead? Our In The Buff Exfoliating Mitt is designed for ideal skin care and comes with two different levels of exfoliation to suit your individual needs.
• Shave at least 12 hours before you spray tan. This will give your skin time to heal and will help to ensure that your spray tan looks its best.
• Don't wax within 24-hours of applying a spray tan. When you get a spray tan, the solution reacts with the oils in your skin to create a bronzed effect. If you have recently waxed, there is a higher concentration of oils in your pores, which can cause the spray tan to absorb unevenly and look patchy. In addition, the spray tan solution can irritate freshly waxed skin, leading to discomfort and redness. To avoid these issues, it is best to wait at least 24 hours after waxing before getting a spray tan. This will give your skin time to recover and produce more natural oils, resulting in a more even and long-lasting tan.
• Showering. Most people choose to shower before their spray tan, as it helps to ensure that the solution goes on evenly. However, it is important to avoid using any products that contain oils or fragrances, as these can break down the spray tan and cause it to fade more quickly. For best results, shower several hours before you apply a spray tan. This will give your skin time to dry completely, ensuring that the spray tan solution goes on smoothly.

By paying close attention to how you prepare before getting a spray tan, you can ensure that you get that tan to last as long as possible and look fabulous for at least a week!

What You Can Do After Your Spray Tan

Wear Loose-Fitting Clothes

The spray tan will take about eight hours to fully set. During this time try to wear clothes that are loose and comfortable. Tight clothing can rub off the spray tan, causing it to fade prematurely. In addition, tight clothing can also irritate the skin, especially if you have sensitive skin. Wearing loose-fitting clothing helps to keep the spray tan intact and allows your skin to breathe.

Moisturize and exfoliate

It is important to moisturize and lightly exfoliate regularly after getting a spray tan. Keeping your skin hydrated and exfoliated will help to prevent the color from wearing off or developing an uneven appearance. Moisturizing can help to lock in the spray tan, while exfoliation removes any dead skin cells and keeps the spray tan looking smooth and even.

Both moisturizing and lightly exfoliating should be done at least once a day, preferably using natural products that won't interfere with the spray tan chemicals, like our Coconut Exfoliating Wipes. By taking care of your skin after getting a tan, you will be able to maintain your beautiful glow for longer and keep those compliments coming.

Take Quick Showers

After you get your tan, you should shower using lukewarm water and a mild soap. Keep in mind though that the more you shower the shorter the lifespan of your tan. Keeping the showers you do take short will definitely help. Avoid scrubbing your skin vigorously, as this can remove your tan. Instead, gently wash your body to remove any oils or sweat. You should also avoid shaving or waxing for at least 24 hours, as this can also remove the spray tan. After showering, pat your skin dry with a towel and don't rub. Finally, apply a moisturizer to help prolong the life of your glow.

Avoid Sweat And High Humidity

When it comes to getting spray tans, one of the most important things to keep in mind is avoiding sweat and humidity. Sweat and humidity can disrupt the spray tan process, preventing it from setting properly. Additionally, excess sweat and moisture can accelerate the fading of a spray tan, leaving you with uneven color or patchy spots. To help your spray tan last longer and look its best, it is important to avoid sweating or being in humid conditions for at least 6-8 hours after getting spray tanned. This will help ensure that your tan stays put and looks great for as long as possible. Even after that initial window, you should keep sweating to a minimum if possible. If this is unavoidable, be sure to dry your skin as soon as possible afterward.

Top Off With Your Favorite Self-Tanner

Like any beauty treatment, a spray tan requires some maintenance. To keep your spray tan looking its best and lasting longer, you'll need to reapply self-tanner at home between sessions.

Here's how to do it:

Start by exfoliating your skin with our In The Buff Exfoliating Mitt. This will help to remove any dead skin cells that could cause your self-tanner to apply unevenly. Then, shave or wax any areas that you want to be smooth (this will also help with even application). Now it's time to apply the self-tanner. Use a tanning mitt and apply the product in long, sweeping motions. Be sure to cover all areas evenly, including hard-to-reach spots like your back with our BodyMate 360° Self Tanning Applicator. Once you're done applying, wash your hands and wait for the self-tanner to dry completely before getting dressed.

Maintaining a spray tan takes a bit of effort, but it's worth it for the beautiful, sun-kissed glow that it gives your skin. By following these simple tips, you can help to prolong the life of your spray tan and keep looking gorgeous long after your session. Right now, you can save 25% off your next purchase by using coupon code BLOG4623 at checkout by April 19th! And if you're ever in doubt about how to best take care of your spray tan, don't hesitate to ask one of our experts for advice. They'll be more than happy to help you keep your spray or self-tan looking its best.

Now that you know how to make your spray tan last, go out and enjoy your beautiful, sun-kissed skin! You've earned it!