With a spray tan, you can get an amazing bronzed look in no time. But, the durability of the spray tan is a real worry.
How long does a spray tan last?
Well, it depends on a lot of parameters. But, typically a spray tan lasts around 10 days if done well.
You might ask me, “only 10 days”?
Well well, there are better methods to extend the life of a spray tan. This is what we are exactly going to explore in this article.
Table of Contents
How Long do Spray Tans Last?
To get a better idea, we need to find out how they work.
The active element of a spray tan, or any sunless tanning product for that matter, is DHA or Dihydroxyacetone. When applied on the skin, it reacts with the amino acids in dead skin cells to produce a brown color, resembling a tan.
Spray tanning is much easier and less time consuming than applying tanning lotion or gel all over your body. You can either go to a specially designed tanning booth or have a professional do it for you in a short ten to a fifteen-minute session!
Since a spray tan reaches only the topmost layer of our skin, the effects are obviously not going to last long. As your dead skin cells fall out and your skin regenerates, you will eventually go back to your pre-tan look.
An average lifespan of a spray tan is anywhere between 7 to 10 days. It can even last a few more days or even fade way before it. It all depends on how good you take care of your tan. These are a few factors which determine how long your spray tan lasts.
Generally speaking, this is how long you can enjoy the spray tan depending upon the shades:
- Lighter shades: up to 5 days
- Medium shades: 6-8 days
- Darker shades: 10-12 days
Preparation
The perfect tan starts all the way before the tanning procedure. Even before the spray tan, you don’t want to do anything which can spell an end to your bronze dream. For instance, it’s better to depend on moisturizing lotions rather than something with oils in it as they can mess with your newly acquired tan.
Here are some of the best spray tan exfoliators you can use: https://tanninggirl.com/exfoliate-before-spray-tan/
If you want to get a spray tan done, you NEED TO say no to cosmetics and makeup. Cosmetics, oils and spray tans just don’t gel well. The reason? You will get to know why in the tips on how to give more life to your tan.
What you wear also matters. It’s best to wear loose clothes to the tanning session. Anything tight on your body or feet and you can risk ruining your perfect tan.
The kind of Tanning Product
The type of spray tan solution you are using also determines how long the spray tan lasts.
There’s no doubt that a spray tan is a safest Valium Canadian pharmacy and quickest way to go brown. But while all spray tans have DHA in it, some brands have a higher level of the substance.
More DHA means more tan and that means you get a few more days of it!
The Kind of Tan You Want- Lighter/Darker Shades
Even I was baffled by this; the life of spray tan depends on the type of spray tan shades too.
I know you won’t believe this. But that’s the truth.
If you are looking at a lighter shade, you can expect it to start fading after five days. But with a darker shade, you can carry on the look for seven to eight days.
Post-Tan care
I have already written an in-depth article on what to do after spray tan.
Much of how your tan turns out depends on how well you maintain it. The sad part of getting a spray tan is that it can fade as fast as it’s done. But worry not! If you know how to care for it the right way, you can actually make it last as long as a natural tan!
There are some amazing tips in the article I have provided above. Read it; it’s going to be very beneficial.
Cost
Huh? Believe it or not, the amount you are spending on the spray tan also makes a difference.
While a spray tan done from a machine is cheaper, it is not always foolproof. However, if you want a better and even one, it is always best to go with the airbrush tan done by a professional.
The airbrush spray tan cost may be more expensive, but what can be better than a more realistic and eventually a longer-lasting tan!
Tips to make Spray Tan last longer
A little bit of care does go a long way. Be patient, and if you follow these set of tips you won’t be disappointed!
Everything Starts with a Proper Preparation
Don’t go dressed up in anything tight, including socks or boots. It is best to avoid cosmetics or makeup unless you want to ruin the tan even before you get it. That’s because any kind of makeup, including your deodorant, acts as a barrier and breaks down the tanning solution.
Makeup usually contains castor oil or any derivatives of oil. So it’s best to avoid them.
Although shaving or waxing after spray tanning is not allowed, it’s always good to do it before the appointment.
It’s best to do all these a day prior or at least four hours before. The same goes for exfoliating your skin.
Showering or hair removal causes your pores to open up, causing tanning solution to sit on your pores. As the pores seal, they get trapped within, causing visible scars.
Note: It would be best to exfoliate twice before your session, to avoid getting a scaly or patchy tan
Follow instructions carefully
Getting an uneven tan also amounts to having it fade away quickly. If you don’t want to be caught with an odd-looking tan, it’s best to follow the instructions carefully. These are a few tips you will need to do while the session
- Keep your eyes closed while tanning your face.
- Position your fingers like a claw so that the spray tan can reach everywhere in between
- Spread out your legs and other parts if you need to
- Make sure that you don’t inhale it if you want your face to be covered
Note: It wouldn’t hurt to apply a little bit of nail polish on your finger and toenails. If not, wear mitts or apply petroleum jelly. You don’t want the fake tan to get in there!
Let it dry
Do not leave the salon as soon as you are done with the spray tanning session. You don’t want to risk it trickling down your feet while you rush home. Relax for a while as it dries
Don’t Sweat it!
Never rush for the gym soon after you are done with the procedure. It requires a day or two for the spray tan to completely settle down in your skin. Sprinkling some baby powder over places where you have sweat helps minimize the effect.
Who said baby powder is only for babies?
Don’t Shower or Swim Immediately
You should keep a distance with water to avoid washing off spray tan too early.
If you are new to spray tanning, then probably your first thought might be to have a shower right after your appointment. You could literally spell an end to your tanning dreams this way.
It is advisable to take your first shower seven to eight hours after the session. Once the tanning solution has settled on to your skin, you can shower without fear. It is best to keep it gentle with water just running down your body.
For more info on this, you should check out this article: https://tanninggirl.com/showering-after-tanning/
However, it is best to avoid swimming in a pool, as chlorinated water is neither good for your skin nor your tan.
Similarly, shaving after a spray tan is also not a good idea
Note: The cooler the water is, the more the chance for the tan to stay even and last longer. Use the most basic oil-free soap for your shower.
Light Exfoliation
It is always best to exfoliate only a few hours prior to every tanning session. The harder you scrub, the faster your tan can fade away.
However, it would be better to do a very light exfoliating session if you are someone who has drier skin around the elbows, fingers or joints.
Keep Away from Oils
You probably already know that any form of oil can mess up your tan, so be sure that your moisturizer or sunscreen doesn’t have any. Next time you go to a store, ask for an oil-free moisturizing lotion and an oil-free sunscreen
Make your own tan
You can make the tan last longer by either using a moisturizer with DHA or adding another water-based self-tanning lotion on to it. While this will make sure the tan will last longer, it will also keep your skin hydrated.
Drink plenty of water
This is one of the things that is overlooked most of the times. Just moisturizing is not enough. The more you drink water and keep your skin hydrated, the more perfect your tan will look, feel and last.
The more water you drink, the more you have chances of an even, long-lasting tan.
Additional tip
If you are getting tanned for a special occasion, it is always better to get it done two days before.
Most people love to get golden skin for their wedding. Spray tan before wedding should be done with at most care. You should plan it accordingly and you should not give much gap so that the tan fades away.
That’s because a tan looks darker the first day before getting lighter and fading away after many days.
I forgot to mention about spray tan extenders. These are lotions to use after spray tan to increase the life of the tan. If used properly, they will definitely make your life easier.
Summing it Up!
Now you know that getting a spray tan is much easier and better than lying under the sun or on the bed for days together. So what are you waiting for?
If you are someone who loves the bronze look, go get it right away! But don’t forget to follow the rules!
