A spray tan is an easy way to achieve the appearance of sun-kissed skin without laying out and risking damage from UV rays. Whether you schedule a spray tan appointment at the salon or mist on a spray tan formula at home, the bronzed results can help even out your skin tone and make you look as though you just got back from vacation. Spray tanning works on all skin tones, from very pale to deep-you just have to find that proper shade that makes your complexion glow and learn about after-care for a fake tan. Below, we spoke with Sophie Evans, St. Tropez Skin Finishing Expert, to find out her tips for how to make a spray tan last longer, how to prep your skin for a spray tan, and what to wear if it’s your first appointment.
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How Long Does a Spray Tan Last?
With proper preparation and aftercare, a spray tan can last anywhere from 10 days up to two weeks, Evans says. At-home formulas will generally last for a little shorter amount of time-think one week to 10 days. The more you’re exfoliating your skin and the more you’re sweating, the faster it’s going to fade. Swimming can also cause it to fade.
How to Make a Spray Tan Last Longer: 15 Spray Tan Tips
Exfoliate your skin ahead of time
“The best way to prepare your skin for a spray tan is to start exfoliating a few days in advance, ideally making your last exfoliation eight hours before the actual spray tan,” says Evans. Exfoliating too close to your spray tan can lower your skin’s pH level, she says, which translates to a lighter, less pigmented tan. Most tanning technicians will apply a pH-balancing product to your skin prior to applying your tan. Evans likes the St. Tropez Tan Remover Prep and Maintain Mousse, which works just as well for those at-home tanning sessions. We also recommend our L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Dark Spot Exfoliant Peel, with its skin-gentle and professional-grade peel inspiration.
- Wax and shave accordingly before your tan
If you’re going to get waxed, make sure it’s at least 24 hours prior to your spray tan. “When you wax, your pores are slightly open, and to put a spray tan on so shortly after can result in darkened, spotty pores,” Evans says. Shaving is fine, however-Evans says most people are able to shave the morning of or the day after their spray tans without any problems. “If you shave facial hair daily, you may continue with your usual grooming routine,” she says. - Do Not Use Body-Care Products Prior to Your Spray Tan
On the day of your spray tan, do not apply any thick body lotions, perfumes, and oils, as those can change the color of the spray tan and hinder the tanning solution from sticking to your skin, which may cause patchiness. You are also going to want to take off deodorant with a cleansing wipe before your spray tan application because that may turn your spray tan some kind of funky green color. - Get a professional spray tan
“Traditional spray tans generally last a little longer, and the spray tan technician can control the depth of color better,” Evans says. In addition to extending the life of your tan and offering you a better color match, seeing a professional ensures you won’t have to worry about missing a tricky spot near your back or shoulders. - Take a lukewarm first shower
After you get a spray tan, it’s important to wait the right amount of time before your first shower-about eight hours. But Evans says it’s also important to make sure the temperature of the water isn’t too hot-lukewarm water is best for your first shower post-spray tan, she says. It’s also a better temperature on your skin, period. When you get out of the shower, pat your skin dry with a towel. Don’t rub, or you could take some of that new color off. - Moisturize daily
You can moisturize your skin like you typically would to help extend your spray tan. After showering, lightly apply a body lotion of your choice. Of course, one of our favorite body lotions is the La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Body Moisturizer for Dry Skin. In this formula, it’s blended with ceramide-3, shea butter, niacinamide, glycerin, and La Roche-Posay’s proprietary prebiotic thermal spring water to keep your skin satiny, soft, and nourished. It works for all skin types, aside from being accepted by the National Eczema Association.