Here's How to Make Your Spray Tan Last Even Longer
Nothing says summer like bronzed skin. But with the well-known dangers of sun tanning in mind, many are turning to tried-and-true sunless tanning options to achieve a summer glow. One of the most common sunless tanning treatments is spray tanning, when a tanning formula is sprayed on a client either by a machine or by a technician via airbrush. The result is an even, all-over glow achieved without compromising the health and safety of your skin with sun damage.
But how do you prepare for your spray tanning treatment, and what tricks can you use to extend that bronzed look for days or even weeks? We asked our most pressing spray tan questions to Courtney Claghorn, the founder of spray tanning mecca SUGARED + BRONZED, which has locations in California, New York, and Pennsylvania. Read on for Claghorn's expert advice to achieve a perfect spray tan glow.
How should clients prepare for a spray tan?
The secret to a long lasting spray tan actually involves preparing long before your treatment. Claghorn recommends that clients should start exfoliating and moisturizing skin at least a week before a spray tan. "Exfoliation is the removal of the oldest dead skin cells on the skin's outermost surface, thus making this practice a pre-spray essential," Claghorn told T&C. "The dead skin cell layer is where a spray tan lives and dies—it's where the tan develops and eventually, sheds." The night before your treatment, Claghorn advises clients to pause your exfoliation regime so your skin can neutralize and return to its natural PH balance.
In addition to exfoliating, Claghorn adds that having well-hydrated skin is key to helping a spray tan last. "While exfoliating is an important factor in prepping the skin to increase longevity, well-hydrated skin is the key to the slowest and most natural fade," Claghorn said. "Dry skin causes the dreaded, patchy dissolve, which essentially shortens the life of a beautiful faux glow."
There are also specific products to avoid in the days before treatment. Specifically, Claghorn suggests that customers stay away from retinoids and ingrown serums products. She adds that Accutane, a medication used to treat severe acne, can cause skin dryness, which can impact the quality of your spray tan,
You should plan on arriving to your spray tan appointment with clean skin—but don't use oil or deodorant before treatment. "DHA, the active ingredient in sunless tanning that is derived from sugar beets, can easily penetrate makeup and perfume," Claghorn revealed. "But it’s important that body wash is thoroughly rinsed off before an appointment since it has the ability to create a barrier layer between the skin and spray solution, which could affect a sunless tan’s ability to reach its full potential."
How long does a spray tan typically last?
You can expect a spray tan to last between seven and 10 days. But as Claghorn revealed, your skin routine before and after the treatment can either extend or limit the life of your bronzed look. "Pre-tan prep and post-tan maintenance is the most influential way to shorten or more importantly, lengthen the average life of a sunless tan," Claghorn told T&C.
What are the best ways to maintain a spray tan?
If you're looking to extend the live of your spray tan, you should consider how moisturized your skin is. As soon as you see your bronzed glow fully set into your skin, you should start a moisturizing routine to keep your skin hydrated.
"The best ways to ensure well-hydrated skin is drinking plenty of water, and applying products that lock in moisture, such as fractionated coconut oil and/or jojoba oil," Claghorn told T&C. "It is most beneficial to apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp, AKA immediately after a shower or bath."
Claghorn also recommends tan extending products, like SUGARED + BRONZED's Tan Extender or sunless tanning staple St. Tropez's Tan Optimizer Body Moisturizer. These products can help replenish the tan and hydrate your skin, all while slowing down the fading process. But there are certain skincare products to avoids post-tan, like exfoliants, which can speed up the fading process, Claghorn revealed.
Lastly, Claghorn urges clients to wear an SPF when spending time in the sun—not only for an obvious layer of sun protection, but also because sunburns can negatively impact spray tans. "Sunless tans unfortunately don’t protect against UV rays," Claghorn said. "Sunburns (especially ones that peel) are the fastest way to see a spray tan disintegrate!"
Will swimming or any other summer activity affect the quality or longevity of your spray tan?
Many spray tan devotees receive the treatment before a special occasion, like a vacation or trip to the beach. No matter the destination, you'll want to make sure you can participate in your favorite warm weather activities without damaging your glow.
As Claghorn reveals, a quick dip in a pool, ocean, lake, or hot tub is fine, but you may want to rethink any long swims if you want to extend the life of your spray tan. "Spending a significant amount of time in hot water, salt water, or chlorine will unfortunately result in faster fade," Claghorn said. "Spending extended periods of time in water will not only dry out skin, but also speed up the skin’s natural exfoliation process."
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