Prolonging and caring for your spray tan involves some basic steps that you need to unconditionally follow if you want to achieve a beautiful-looking and longer lasting spray tan. In this post I want to summarize some important tips which will help you to get the most out of your spray tan and to achieve the best possible color tone, but most importantly save yourself some money.

As you will see, a good-looking spray tan is not just something that is dependent on the skills of the spray tan technician or the quality of the spray tan lotion. How you prepare for and look after your spray tan is just as important. Even though I may have mentioned these tips in another post, they are still worth emphasizing because that’s how important they are.

Tip 1 – Shave or wax at least 24 hours prior to the spray tan (if required):
If you need to wax or shave your body, be sure that you do this at least 24 hours BEFORE you get your spray tan. This is important because if you decide to wax or shave after getting your spray tan, you will lose a lot of your tan color because of the shedding of the dead skin layer during the waxing or shaving process.

Tip 2 – Exfoliate your skin thoroughly prior to the spray tan:
Preferably on the day before you get the spray tan, use a body scrub and exfoliating glove to remove the dead layers of skin. This will ensure that you create a smooth foundation on which to apply the spray tan.

Tip 3 – Do not apply any products on your skin prior to the spray tan:
On the day of your spray tan do not apply deodorant, moisturizer, perfume or anything else to your skin. The reason is because you want as much of the spray tan to come into contact with your skin and you don’t want to be placing anything between your topmost skin layer and the spray tan solution. Some deodorants/perfumes may react with the spray tan and cause unexpected discoloration.

Tip 4 – Bring loose-fitting clothes to the spray tan salon
You wouldn’t believe the number of girls I see who turn up with tight clothing before their spray tans.
Wearing dark colored loose fitting clothing such as running pants and cotton t-shirt or something similar will minimize the chance of your spray tan rubbing against your clothes harshly and thus causing streaking or uneven tone. Also the dark clothes help conceal any smudging or discoloration on the garments which can happen due to some of the excess tanning solution rubbing off from your hands, neck or other parts.

Tip 5 – Do not shower, swim or do anything that would cause you to perspire for at least 6-8 hours after your spray tan
In order to allow the spray tan ingredients to work their magic, do not disturb the spray tan on your skin for at least 6 to 8 hours. This means avoiding water (no swimming or showering) or anything which might cause you to sweat profusely. If it is a really hot day, you should plan the rest of your day to be spent in-doors in cool conditions where you can kick your heels up and relax or visit a friend.

Tip 6 – Moisturize at least twice daily after you receive your spray tan
Use a gentle moisturizer to help hydrate your skin and prevent the excessive shedding of your dead skin layer which contains the wonderful tan you wanted so much. The more you can slow down the shedding of your dead skin, the longer your tan will last.

Tip 7 – Avoid swimming in chlorinated water
In the days after your spray tan, avoid going for a swim in chlorinated water or soaking for long periods in a hot-tub. Chlorine will shorten the life of your tan dramatically and it can also have a bleaching effect.

Tip 8 (Optional) – Use a self tanning tanning lotion to extend the life of your spray tan
Self tanning lotions are a great way to lengthen the life of your spray tan. The combination of the existing DHA on your skin from the spray tan and the DHA from the  self tanning lotion can serve as a very effective tan extender. By using this technique I have been able to consistently maintain a beautiful spray tan color and tone for more than 3 weeks.
Try to choose a self tanning lotion which contains moisturizer because this will save you from having to moisturize separately.

If you follow the above tips I am confident that you will have a longer lasting and more beautiful spray tan color and tone.