5 Ways to Make Your Spray Tan Last Longer
Spray tans typically last 5–10 days, but with the right care, you can extend their lifespan. Here's how:
- Before Your Tan: Exfoliate 24 hours prior and avoid moisturizers, deodorants, or makeup on the day of your appointment.
- After Your Tan: Use Glow By Erin Finishing Powders to help the color develop fully.
- Daily Care: Use oil-free moisturizers and avoid hot showers or chlorinated pools.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Wear loose clothing and shower after sweating to prevent fading.
- Touch-Ups: Use self-tanners or extenders to fix uneven fading.
How long does a spray tan last? - spray tan tips and tricks
Before Your Spray Tan
Getting your skin ready is key to making your spray tan last longer. By timing your prep and following the right steps, you can achieve an even, glowing tan.
Exfoliating and Shaving Tips
Exfoliate your skin 24 hours before your appointment using an oil-free scrub, like our Charcoal Detox Bar and Exfoliating Mitt. This helps remove dead skin without leaving behind any residue.
If you need to shave or wax, do so 24–48 hours before your tan. This gives your skin time to heal and ensures a smooth surface. If you're planning beauty treatments like facials or manicures, schedule them during this same period.
Make sure to avoid anything that might block your skin from absorbing the tan properly.
What Products to Avoid
On the day of your spray tan, your skin should be completely clean and free of any products. Here's what to skip:
| Product Type | Why You Should Avoid It | When It's Safe to Use Again |
|---|---|---|
| Moisturizers | They create a barrier, stopping the tan from absorbing | After your first post-tan shower |
| Deodorants | Can react and cause a greenish tint | About 8 hours after tanning |
| Perfumes | Disrupts the DHA reaction needed for tanning | The next day |
| Makeup | Prevents even tan development | After your first post-tan shower |
Lastly, wear loose, dark clothing to avoid smudging or streaking your tan.
After-Tan Care Steps
Once you've prepped for your spray tan, it's time to focus on aftercare. The first 8 hours after your tan are crucial. With the right steps, you can stretch your tan’s lifespan from the usual 5–7 days to up to 10 days.
Daily Moisturizing Guide
Once you’ve taken your first post-tan shower, make moisturizing a daily habit to maintain your tan. Start with a quick, warm rinse, then apply a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer (like St. Tropez Tan Enhancing Moisturizer) to seal in hydration. In the evening, switch to a tan-specific product, such as Be Bronze Studio's Tan Extender, to keep your color even and long-lasting. Consistent hydration is the key to preserving your glow.
Daily Habits That Protect Your Tan
Your daily routine has a big impact on how long your spray tan lasts. By tweaking a few everyday habits, you can keep your tan looking vibrant and even for a longer time.
Activities That Speed Up Fading
Some common activities can cause your tan to fade faster. For instance, hot showers can dry out your skin, leading to quicker fading. Instead, stick to lukewarm, shorter showers to help maintain your tan. Swimming in chlorinated pools is another culprit - it can strip away your color. If you do swim, limit your time in the water and rinse off right after. After intense workouts, where sweating is unavoidable, take a quick lukewarm shower to prevent patchy discoloration.
Here’s a quick guide to these activities and their alternatives:
| Activity | Impact on Tan | Recommended Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Hot showers | Strips moisture, causing fading | Opt for brief, lukewarm showers |
| Chlorinated pools | Can strip color and cause unevenness | Rinse off immediately or limit exposure |
| Heavy exercise | Sweat can lead to patchy fading | Shower soon after exercising |
| Tight clothing | Friction may cause uneven fading | Wear loose-fitting clothing |
How to Touch Up Your Tan
If your tan starts to fade unevenly, you can fix it with a self-tanner or tan extender. Apply a thin layer to the faded areas and blend carefully to avoid noticeable lines. This quick touch-up can help even out your color and keep your tan looking fresh.
Expert Tips for Better Results
Get the most out of your spray tan by selecting the right shade and using products that help maintain its appearance. Experts emphasize the importance of shade choice and finishing products to keep your tan looking its best.
Choosing the Right Shade
Your chosen shade plays a big role in how long your spray tan lasts. Darker shades contain more DHA, which helps the color stay vibrant for a longer period. Typically, lighter shades last about 5 days, while darker ones can last up to 10 days. However, this can vary depending on your skin type. Pairing your shade with the right finishing product can make a noticeable difference.
Glow By Erin Finishing Powder
Our Glow By Erin finishing powder is a great way to set your spray tan while minimizing stickiness. This talc-free formula, available in shimmer and matte versions, absorbs excess moisture, prevents transfer, reduces tackiness, and ensures even color distribution.
After moisturizing, use a soft, loose-bristle brush to apply the powder immediately following your spray tan session. Reapplying it daily after moisturizing creates a protective barrier, helping your tan last longer and look even better.
Making Your Spray Tan Last
Well that's it. We've walked you through the process - pre-tan prep, post-tan care, and daily upkeep - to help you keep your spray tan looking great for longer. By focusing on five key areas - prepping your skin, caring for your tan right after application, maintaining it daily, making small lifestyle tweaks, and choosing the right products - you can stretch your tan from the usual 5–7 days to as much as 10 days.
Getting your skin ready before the tan ensures a smooth, even application. Following up with proper aftercare and sticking to a daily routine helps lock in the color. Using high-quality products adds a layer of protection, while small changes in your habits can stop your tan from fading too soon.
FAQs
Here are some common questions to help you get the most out of your spray tan.
Can a spray tan last 2 weeks?
Yes, it’s possible for a spray tan to last up to two weeks. Professional spray tans typically last 10–14 days with proper care, while at-home options last about 7–10 days. How long it lasts depends on factors like:
- Skin type: Oily skin may cause the tan to fade faster.
- Tanning solution: The quality of the product matters.
- Aftercare: Following a good routine helps maintain the tan.
- Daily habits: Activities like swimming or sweating can affect longevity.
How should you prep for a spray tan?
Preparing your skin is key to getting the best results. Follow these steps:
- Exfoliate: Do this 24 hours before to create a smooth surface.
- Shave or wax: Complete this 24–48 hours before your appointment.
- Clean skin: Arrive with no lotions, deodorants, or makeup.
The cleaner your skin, the better the tanning solution will bond with your skin cells, giving you a more even and longer-lasting tan.
Comments