Maximizing the Life of Your Spray Tan
How long does a spray tan last? This question can vary depending on how well you take care of your skin. EXFOLIATION is key in preparing for your spray tan as well as having bare skin. Bare skin means no lotion, no oils, no make-up, no perfume or deodorant. No deodorant? I know it sounds strange huh? Believe it or not, if you wear deodorant during your spray tan, your arm pits will temporarily turn green! Not my favorite color for deodorant! Once you get beautifully bronzed at your appointment it is important to dry the set time which can vary from 5-10 minutes and then wear loose dark cloths preferably without a bra. The reason we recommend loose dark cloths is because half of the spray tan solution is a cosmetic bronzer that is similar to make-up and can smear from tight cloths or rub on white clothing. Oil-free spray tan solutions should not stain cloths from the bronzer if washed within 24 hours.
After you have waited your allotted time for processing the tan, you then do a quick rinse in the shower to get the bronzer off your skin. It is important not to scrub your skin with a rag or loofah. Gently pat dry with a towel and then apply an oil free lotion with minimum alcohol or preferably a tan extending lotion such as Luna Bronze or Skin Glow. This should be done twice per day to maintain and extend the tan for up to 3 more days! If you are planning on swimming in chlorine, you can expect this will fade you tan faster. To make up for the loss, use a gradual tan extender lotion. Tan extending lotions have a small amount of the DHA (dihydroxyacetone) which is the main ingredient that turns you tan in the lotion. This gives your tan a boost daily and will help maintain the glow for the week and maybe longer!
