How Long Does a Spray Tan Really Last?
When it comes to preparing for holidays, weddings, parties or special events, one of the most frequently asked questions is how long will the spray tan last?
A professional spray tan will typically stay for about 5 – 10 days. This will depend on your skin type, the preparation before your appointment and the skin care after your appointment.
Preparation and aftercare can make a difference as a spray tan fades as dead skin cells naturally drop off. Exfoliating correctly, moisturising regularly and avoiding things that detract from the tan will help to keep the tan looking even for longer.
How Long Does a Spray Tan Last on Average?
The length of time a spray tan lasts is usually 5 to 10 days, though some may experience a fade sooner or longer.
The duration of the tan can be affected by the following:
Skin type
Quality of the tanning solution
Practice prior to the appointment
How frequently to shower
Swimming and exercise
Moisturising habits
Exfoliation after tanning
Hands, feet, face, knees and elbows might bleach more rapidly due to more washing or friction.
If you have moisturised and protected your torso and legs, they might be coloured while the rest of your body is drying.
Prepare Your Skin Before a Spray Tan
One of the most important steps to make a smooth, long lasting result of your skin preparation.
Exfoliate skin 24 hours prior to spray tan. This will eliminate dead skin cells and soften the surface of the tanning solution.
Pay particular attention to dry areas such as:
Elbows
Knees
Ankles
Hands
Feet
Do not exfoliate right before a session as the skin might be sensitive or pores may be open.
When having your hair shaven or waxed, try to do this at least 24 hours in advance. This helps to minimize irritation and prevents uneven tanning of newly treated skin.
Please refrain from applying heavy moisturisers, oils, perfumes and deodorants (unless advised to do so by your tanning professional) on the day of your appointment.
Moisturise to Help Your Tan Last Longer
One of the simplest methods of prolonging the use of a spray tan is to moistenurise it.
When the skin is dry, it will shed faster, which may lead to spotty or faster fading of colour.
Use a light moisturiser regularly after your first shower after tanning. Ideally, moisturise at least once a day.
Be sure to moisturize any dry spots, including elbows, knees, ankles, and hands.
Opt for softness and moisture; steer clear of abrasive exfoliants.
Fading can be accelerated by products with strong acids, retinoids or exfoliation agents.
Moisturizing your skin will help the tan fade more slowly and evenly.
Be Careful With Your First Shower
The first shower after a spray tan is particularly crucial.
Your tanning technician will likely instruct you on the time that should be allowed before rinsing. This could differ depending on the type of solution (standard or express).
Use a mild scrubber when you shower the first time.
Rinse off tanning solution with lukewarm water and rinse gently.
Colour will fade during this first shower as it is normal. This is mostly the guide colour you put on your body, and you may not have a tan.
When showering, pat skin dry after a shower, not rub.
Rubbing can cause unnecessary friction and can cause uneven fading.
Does Swimming Make a Spray Tan Fade Faster?
Yes, excessive swimming will reduce the lifespan of a spray tan.
Swimming pool colours may fade faster in chlorinated pools due to the dryness they cause on the skin. If you swim for extended periods of time, salt water can also cause fading.
If you are traveling and want to preserve your spray tan, avoid long exposure to pools, spas and salt water.
After swimming, rinse your skin with fresh water and apply moisturiser once your skin is dry.
Spray tans can be especially hard on hot tubs and spas since the heat, chemicals, and extended contact with water can cause the tan to fade more quickly.
Avoid Excessive Exfoliation After Tanning
It’s a good idea to exfoliate prior to your appointment, but avoid exfoliating right after a spray tan as this can reduce the longevity.
To preserve your colour, don’t scrub, use exfoliating gloves, loofahs or harsh skin care products.
Rather, use soft cloth or hands to wash gently.
If you notice the tan beginning to fade, exfoliation can be of benefit again. Exfoliating gently will help to get rid of any leftover strips of colour to ensure that your skin is ready for your next spray tan.
Exercise and Sweating Can Affect Your Tan
If there is a lot of sweating immediately after a spray tan, there is the potential of streaking or uneven development.
This is why it’s usually best to refrain from heavy exercise until after the first shower and the tan has completed.
Once that is done, a normal workout should be okay, though frequent heavy perspiration may cause accelerated fading.
Colour can also rub off in some places, from tight clothes and repetitive friction.
Breathable clothes can help minimize any extra rubbing against the skin.
Spray Tans for Brides and Special Occasions
When it comes to getting a spray tan for a wedding or significant event, timing is crucial.
Most brides and event clients will find it convenient to have their spray tan two days before the event.
This will give the tan time to set, so that you can get that first shower and then a natural tan will form.
Also allows for a little time to correct any minor unevenness, if necessary.
For instance, if your wedding day is Saturday, you can get booked for your tan on Thursday.
If you have never had a professional spray tan before, consider having a trial tan several weeks before the event. You can find out what colour will work for your skin tone and how your skin will react to the tanning solution by doing a trial.
Those searching for the best spray tan in Moonee Ponds may also want to discuss event timing, preferred colour depth, and preparation instructions with their tanning professional before booking.
How to Make a Spray Tan Last Longer
Aftercare regimen is important to maximize your tan.
Try to:
Moisturise daily
Do not have long, very hot showers.
Pat in, rather than rub, skin.
Swim only in swimming pools which are disinfected with chlorine.
Don’t use abrasive products for exfoliation.
Apply gentle body washes such as baby powder.
Tight-fitting clothing shouldn’t be a source of undue friction.
Stay hydrated
It is also important to refrain from using strong skin care products on the parts of the skin that you wish to have a tan.
Although a spray tan is a great choice after a wonderful treatment, it will fade as your skin naturally turns over.
The aim should be to promote a gradual, uniform fade and not to try to avoid fading altogether.
When Should You Book Your Next Spray Tan?
If you are routinely trying to get a tanned look, you might want to make another appointment every 7-10 days.
Exfoliate well and let the old tan fade before putting on another layer of spray tan.
If a spray tan is applied over unevenly tanned areas, it can lead to uneven colour.
Applying the proper skin care before every session can help achieve more natural-looking and predictable results.
Final Thoughts
So, how long does a spray tan last? The duration of most spray tans ranges from 5 to 10 days, depending on how the skin is prepared for the tanning, how the tanning is maintained, lifestyle habits and the amount of water, exfoliation and friction the skin is exposed to.
Exfoliating before your appointment can help to even out the base tone and moisturising regularly after the appointment will help to reduce spots from fading unevenly.
If you want to use a spray tan for a wedding or other special event, it is recommended to schedule your appointment at least 2 days prior to the event in order to allow the spray tan to set.
If you prepare it properly and take care of it well, the natural-looking shine can be maintained for as long as you can.
