SPRAY TANS

The first 24 hours after your spray tan can make or break how it looks, so it’s important to know what to do after a spray tan. With proper care, your spray tan will keep that stellar glow. Here are some of our favourite tips:  

1. Wear loose clothing 

After your tan, you should wear loose-fitting clothing so your tan doesn’t rub off or look uneven. The perfect outfit is a long, black t-shirt dress and sandals. You’ll want to avoid wearing anything tight, like jeans, leggings, yoga pants, socks, or sneakers. 

2. Go commando

It might sound silly but try to avoid wearing a bra or undies directly after your spray tan. If you do want to wear underwear, choose a loose, dark pair as the spray tan solution could stain nylon or Lycra (it washes out of most fabrics, though). If you want 

3. Stay dry

To help your tan develop, you’ll want to avoid all moisture for at least 4-5 hours after you get a spray tan. This includes showering, workouts, hot yoga, lotions, liquid foundation, etc. Staying dry will help the spray tan solution adhere to your skin.

4, Wait to shower 

We recommend showering no sooner than 4 hours after your spray tan, but no longer than 24 hours after. When you do shower, be gentle and only use oil-free cleansers. Avoid any exfoliants and just use the palm of your hand to gently rinse off the surface bronzer. Avoid harsh scrubbing, hot water, drying soaps, and other chemicals. Pat yourself dry instead of rubbing.  

5. Moisturize after the shower 

After your shower, moisturize with an oil-free moisturizer. Hydrated skin maintains a tan longer than dry, thirsty skin. Remember the previous spray tan aftercare tip to stay dry and make sure that any moisturizing occurs at least 4 hours after the spray tan. These spray tan aftercare tips will help you navigate the first 24 hours after your tan, but having a great tan also involves good skincare between appointments to keep you fresh and glowing.

6. Avoid makeup

Many people wonder “can you put makeup over a fresh spray tan?”. However, like any moisture, you want to try and avoid applying any makeup for at least 6 to 8 hours after a spray tan. Applying makeup or any other types of moisturizer can alter the colour of a fresh spray tan or cause blotches.

Your spray tan will last anywhere between 5-10 days, depending on your skin complexion and how you care for your tan. Taking good care of your skin and your tan in the week after a spray tan is super important, so try these tips: MOISTURISE DAILY Make sure to moisturize in the morning and evening to keep your skin looking healthy. AVOID SWIMMINGAvoiding swimming, long showers, baths, steam rooms, saunas, or any other activity that exposes your skin to being wet for long periods of time.AVOID CHEMICALS AND ADHESIVESAvoid harsh chemicals such as chlorine, products containing acids, massages, fashion tape, bandages, and anything else that may strip your tan. .TRY NOT TO TOUCH YOUR SKINKeep your hands off your skin as much as possible to avoid discoloration. This includes crossing your legs and arms for long periods of time.  

In continuing with our list of spray tan aftercare tips, we also want to share some tips on how to prepare your skin for the next spray tan.

PROPERLY EXFOLIATE YOUR SKIN

To best prepare for your next appointment, start by exfoliating your skin. Exfoliants help get rid of the top layer of your skin and make it more receptive to the spray tan solution. Prepare for your appointment by exfoliating at least 4 hours before. This gives your pores time to close up, which helps avoid discoloration. It will also leave you with a fresh new layer of skin to tan. Make sure your exfoliant is oil-free and made from organic and natural ingredients. You can also use an exfoliating mitt to help remove dead skin and old spray tan.

REMOVE LOTION AND MAKEUP

Be sure to clean off any lotions or makeup before coming to your next tanning appointment. Hydrated skin is beautiful skin, but lotions make it harder for the tanning solution to adhere to your skin.  

GET BEAUTY SERVICES BEFORE A SPRAY TAN

Get all of your beauty services, like nails, waxing, or a massage before your spray tan to avoid the potential of rubbing off a fresh spray tan. Make sure to wax at least 24 hours before a spray tan to make sure any leftover wax is cleaned off.

SHAVE BEFORE THE APPOINTMENT

If you need to shave, do so 4 to 12 hours before your spray tan to avoid irritation.

All spray tan products contain the same active ingredient, but that doesn't mean they all contain the same percentage of it. Generally speaking, the higher the percentage of DHA, the quicker (and darker) the spray tan will develop. 

Yes! While the term "chemical reaction" might sound harmful, it's just the name given to the process of DHA interacting with the skin (in other words, it's much less scary than it sounds). "Basically, DHA responds with the skin's amino acids, particularly arginine, lysine, histidine, and it forms a variety of brown compounds called melanoidins. 

Aside from having a conversation with our spray tanner, another way to decipher which DHA percentage is best for you is through good old trial-and-error. This is especially true if you're planning on getting a spray tan before a big event (brides beware!). I would recommend a trial tan for a big event, like a wedding. Come in at least three weeks before.