There are many reasons why one might choose a spray tan over traditional sunbathing. Perhaps it’s not the right season, you don’t have the time, or you simply don’t feel “beach ready.” Maybe it’s because you have sensitive skin and can’t afford to risk burning it, or maybe you’re just the type of person that prefers the comfort and safety of being indoors, in pyjamas, over eating sand.
While we do love a good trip to the beach, spray tans offer the quickest, safest and most convenient way to acquire beautiful, glowing, beach-bronze skin, without actually having to spend hours in the sun to get it – or even having to set foot on the beach at all.
What to do before a spray tan
If you’re heading to your spray tan salon in the hopes of looking your best for an upcoming event, you should always notify your salon technician so that they can advise you on the best way to prepare for it. If you are planning on getting your nails done, for example, make sure to get them done before your spray tan.
The same goes for getting a facial done or any other spa treatments you have planned before the big day. Make sure everything is done beforehand, otherwise you may run the risk of having certain areas fade quicker than others – resulting in an uneven tan on the big day.
You’ll also want to plan your spray-date carefully, as spray tans take some time to develop. Depending on the type of solution used, it could only reach its full colour potential after two days. For this reason, you’ll want to book your appointment at least a day or two prior to your event.
If you’d like to shave before your appointment, make sure to use a sharp razor to get the most even shave possible. You’ll also want to rinse your skin with cool water afterwards so that your pores close. This way, you can do your best to prevent tanning solution going into your pores, and leaving darker “specs” on your skin.
One more thing to consider before getting your spray tan, is to exfoliate your skin well before your appointment. Once again, this will encourage an even tan and help to prevent your skin from cracking. You’ll also want to go to your appointment without make-up, perfume, moisturiser, deodorant or anything else that may alter the result of your spray tan.
What to do after a spray tan
Depending on which spray tan solution was used, you may have to wait a few hours before you shower or get your skin wet. This includes sweating or getting caught in the rain. Some beauty salons only require that you wait two hours before rinsing, while others encourage you to wait up to 24 hours. Most shades will continue to darken as they develop over the next 48 hours.
After this initial waiting period, you should moisturise often and drink plenty of water to keep your skin healthy and nourished. Be careful not to use products or oils that can actually strip the tan off your skin, like coconut oil, for example. You might even want to invest in a spray tan lotion which you can use on your hands and face at home, every few days, as these areas tend to fade quicker than the rest of the body.
How to make a spray tan last longer
If you notice that your skin is fading unevenly in an area – for whatever reason – you can exfoliate the rest of your body to achieve more of an even shade all round. Even if this doesn’t happen, exfoliating your skin gently every few days is a good way to prolong your tan and best avoid it from going patchy.
Of course, keeping your skin moisturised is easily one of the best ways to keep your skin looking its best, for the longest time possible. In addition – if you can – make sure that your showers and baths are at a lower temperature than usual, as overly hot water can also cause your tan to fade more easily.
