How Long Does a Spray Tan Last? Unlock the Secret to a Longer Lasting Glow
Picture this: You walk into a room, and heads turn. Your skin radiates warmth and luminosity, turning heads and sparking envy. It’s not just a tan; it’s a statement. Now, allow us to unveil the secrets to prolonging that radiant glow, making your next spray tan a long-lasting boost of confidence.
A professional spray tan can deliver a flawless, sun kissed glow that blends seamlessly with your natural skin tone, but how long do spray on tans last depends on several factors. Typically, a spray tan lasts 5–10 days, gradually fading as dead skin cells shed. The tan’s lifespan can vary based on skin type, skincare routine, and how well you prepare and maintain your skin. In the days leading to your appointment, exfoliate gently with an exfoliating mitt and avoid oily body scrubs or waxing right before tanning, as these can affect how the tanning solution binds to amino acids in your skin. After your first shower, steer clear of harsh soaps, salicylic acid, and exfoliating products that can accelerate fading or cause uneven fading. Wear loose, dark clothing, avoid excessive sweating, hot yoga, long baths, and hot tubs, as they can fade faster due to skin’s pH changes and moisture loss. Moisturize daily with shea butter or a gentle daily moisturizer to prevent skin from becoming dry, which helps the tan fade evenly. For best results, avoid lotions with heavy oils that block absorption. With proper care, you can extend your tanning experience, ensuring an even fade that lasts through your special event and beyond.
The Basics of Sunless Tan
A spray tan is much more than a short-lived enhancement; it’s a pledge to looking and feeling your best. Airbrush spray tanning involves the careful application of a tanning solution through a spray gun handled by a skilled specialist. This approach provides a more precise and even coverage compared to automatic spray booths or at-home self-tanner products. The tanning solution usually consists of two main ingredients: a bronzer for instant colour and dihydroxyacetone (DHA).
DHA, a colourless sugar, is the true key to UV-free tanning. It interacts with the amino acids in the stratum corneum, which is the outermost layer of the epidermis (outer skin). This chemical interaction, known as the Maillard reaction, results in the production of a brown pigment called melanoidin, giving you a sun-kissed glow without the need for any UV exposure. Initially, the tan begins to develop within 2-4 hours and reaches its full potential in 24-72 hours. Typically, the tan remains vibrant for about 5-7 days, gradually fading because of cell turnover; the process of dead skin cells naturally sloughing off your epidermis. The airbrush tanning solution also includes moisturizers to improve absorption, and bronzers for immediate colour, which rinse off during the first shower, leaving the DHA-induced tan beneath.
The lifespan of a professional spray tan generally falls between 5 to 10 days. However, several factors can affect how long it lasts, and being aware of these can help you extend the brilliance of your glow.
Ideal Candidates for Spray Tans
- Sunless tanning is versatile and accommodates a variety of skin types and tones, making it an option for almost everyone.
- Particularly beneficial for individuals with fair skin who might burn easily in the sun, or for those with skin conditions that make sun and UV exposure risky.
- An excellent solution for people getting ready for special occasions like weddings, vacations, or photo shoots, providing a fast and safe way to achieve a glowing tan.
- Nevertheless, individuals with sensitive skin are advised to perform a patch test prior to a complete application to ensure no adverse reaction occurs to the tanning solution.
Skin Preparation is Key for a Longer-Lasting Sunless Glow
Preparation is the secret ingredient to a long-lasting spray tan. The canvas matters, friends!
Exfoliate
Ensure your skin is exfoliated and moisturized in the days leading up to your appointment. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, creating a smooth surface for the tan to adhere to, while good hydration helps maintain an even color.
However, avoid chemical exfoliating scrubs or products. For better and maximum exfoliation, we suggest using instead our EXFOLIATE MITT. This exfoliating mitt will effectively remove dead skin cells without leaving behind an oily residue, like what can be caused by many oil or salt body scrubs.
Cleanse
When it comes to cleansing your skin, we recommend ditching any soap or body wash products that contain sulfates, as these will strip your skin’s natural oils and amino acids, which are necessary for the DHA (the active ingredient in sunless tanning) to properly bind to your epidermis. The sulfates in these soaps can also give you an orange look when you spray tan or self-tan. Try our CLEANSE to prepare your skin, instead.
Hydrate
For moisturizing and hydrating your skin, opt for a mineral-oil-free moisturizer lotion like our HYDRATE. Mineral oil is made from petroleum, which essentially sits on your skin like a film, and creates a barrier that water and oxygen cannot penetrate, so your skin cannot actually remain hydrated or moisturized when using products with mineral oil. HYDRATE, on the other hand, will deliver effective hydration with hyaluronic acid and antioxidants and draw water to the skin with humectants.
Quality Products Matter
Not all spray tans are created equal. Opt for a reputable salon that uses high-quality products to ensure a flawless and enduring result. Cheap imitations, like many spray tanning booths (you know which ones we are talking about), may offer a quick fix, but the golden glow of a premium airbrushed sunless tan like goGLOW is an investment in your confidence.
At goGLOW we offer memberships and packages to make it more affordable to come visit us more often if you find yourself wanting to glow year-round.
Post-Tan Aftercare Routine
Your commitment doesn’t end with the full-body session application; post-tan care is equally crucial. From your shower habits to how you moisturize, every bit counts in the effort to extend the life of your tan.
Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize
Hydration is the golden rule for a skincare routine that leads to a long-lasting spray tan.
- Moisturize your skin daily to lock in that luminous color.
- Steer clear of products that contain mineral oil, as they can give you that cracked and blotchy look, as they do not actually deliver any moisture benefits, and avoid any body washes with sulfates or sudsing agents.
- Avoid body exfoliants or chemical exfoliating acids (think about anything that is a skin renewing agent or anything normally present in anti-aging or anti-acne products – these will turn over the skin cells faster and remove the tan color).
- If you use CLEANSE and HYDRATE as your face and body cleansers and moisturizers exclusively, you will see a vast improvement in the life of your color.
- Using our gradual tan extender lotion, EXTEND, is the best way to hydrate while maintaining your bronze. Apply EXTEND all over your body after a few days of fading to give you a boost of glowing skin.
- You will notice your face fading more quickly due to typical facial skin care ingredients and routines (makeup removers, etc.), which is why we formulated our TOUCH UP spray: lightly mist this over your face, neck, chest, hands, and even your feet for a light glow anytime you feel a bit washed out or ghostly! This gives you a few extra days of sunless color with each application
Lifestyle Choices That Matter
Your lifestyle can impact the lifespan of your tan.
- Avoid excessive sweating and activities, like running, steam rooms, or hot yoga, that could lead to rubbing or smudging immediately after your goGLOW.
- Activities such as swimming in chlorinated pools must be avoided, although you can use waterproof sunscreen to act as a barrier between the chlorine and your tan.
- You will have to cut back on warm and long baths in hot tubs or hot showers while working on keeping that glow. Opt for cool, quick showers and pat your skin dry instead of rubbing.
Now that you know how to extend the life of your spray tan, there’s only one thing left to do: experience the magic for yourself! At goGLOW, we’re more than just experts; we’re artists dedicated to making you glow consistently and gorgeously every time.
Indulge in a premium sunless airbrush spray tanning that lasts, and let your confidence shine brighter than ever. Book your appointment with us today and embrace the golden glow that turns heads and steals the spotlight. Your radiant journey awaits!
Not sure if winter is the best time to try out your first goGLOW? Check out our blog on winter spray tan mythbusters!
