Spray Tanning Tips

Now that spring has arrived, you will probably want a sun-kissed look for your skin. Instead of waiting for the weather to warm up enough to go to the beach, you can get a golden glow with a spray tan. Here are some tips on how to prepare for your tanning session and how to care for your skin afterward to make your spray tan last as long as possible.

Before Your Tanning Session:

• To get even results, exfoliate your skin at least eight hours before your spray tanning session. Pay extra attention to your knees, elbows, hands, and feet.
• Shave at least six hours before your tanning session with just soap and water. Shaving creams can create a barrier between the tanning solution and your skin. Waxing should be done one or two days before your session.
• If your skin is dry, apply a bit of light, water-based lotion at least two hours before your tanning session.
• Do not apply oil to your skin either before or after your session.
• Remove makeup before your tanning session.

After Your Tanning Session:

• After you get your spray tan, wear dark, loose-fitting clothing. Don’t wear wool, nylon, or silk during your sunless tanning session or for at least eight hours afterward because DHA can cause staining.
• Don’t shower for eight to 12 hours after your tanning session to allow the self tanning reaction to occur.
• You might see some color from the bronzer wash off when you shower. This is normal.
• Don’t apply moisturizer until after you have taken a shower. Applying it before you shower could cause streaking. Use a water-based (not oil-based) moisturizer every day, especially after bathing.
• Don’t exercise until after you have showered. Exercising or excessive sweating can make your spray tan fade.
• Hot tubs, swimming pools, and long hot baths can make a spray tan fade.
• Avoid using a loofah, mitt, or scrub for daily bathing.
• Wait at least 48 hours to exfoliate. Do it gently and evenly to keep your tan even.
• If you go sunbathing after your spray tanning session, be sure to wear sunscreen. Your skin can still burn after getting a spray tan.
• Some products can cause a spray tan to fade or become blotchy. Avoid AHA products, acne products that exfoliate or dry skin, anti-aging products that exfoliate, bar soap, products with BHA or Retin-A, body hair bleaching products, toner with alcohol or witch hazel, facial masks, exfoliating scrubs, hair-inhibiting lotions, makeup removal products or oils, waxing, and depilatory hair removal products.
• Instead of spraying body spray, perfume, or bug spray directly on your skin, you should spray your clothing or spray the air and walk through.

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