Make Your Spray Tan Last Longer

A spray or airbrush tan is the best way to maintain a glow without feeling guilty but how can you make it last? Spray tanning any more frequently than once every two weeks is time consuming and expensive, so knowing the best preservation methods is in your best interest. Without proper aftercare your tan could fade quickly and even become patchy.

Following these important aftercare instructions will keep your tan looking tremendous.

• Wear loose dark colored clothes to your appointment
• Bring flip flops to your tanning appointment and wear them on your way out. 
• Avoid wearing socks until after you've showered. 
• No bra or belt immediately after your tan
• Avoid the shower for 8-10 hours following your appointment. The longer you wait, the better
• If you went in to the tan snowman-white, rinse the tan off 8 hours after the appointment
• After the first day, use a moisturizing body wash to cleanse and hydrate the skin
• Do not wax any sooner than 3-5 days after your treatment
• Do NOT use wash cloths, scrubs or exfoliants after tanning
• Keep your tan well hydrated (this is especially important for Denver spray tans because of the lack of humidity)- moisturize twice daily
• Avoid mineral oils and baby oil products
• Don't use scented body lotions or washes- they'll fade the tan faster. 
• No long hot showers or baths
• Skip the gym! You have my permission. Don't exercise for 10 hours or until after you've showered. 
• Absolutely NO hot tubs or steam rooms!
• If you swim in a chlorinated pool, apply sun block before getting into the water. 
• Don't go into the sun unprotected! Your spray tan will not protect you from the sun's rays

These instructions may seem like a lot, but if you've invested in a quality tan you should protect it so you can see the results for weeks at a time. Use common sense: avoid water, keep your skin hydrated, and don't scrub after the airbrush tan has been applied.

Saving Your Neglected Tan

If you have neglected your tan to the point of disrepair, don't give up all hope. First thing to do is exfoliate. Lightly exfoliate your skin to remove the dead skin cells on the surface. For the best results, use an exfoliating mitt; however, if you don't own a mitt (go out and buy one right now) you can use a washcloth. Next you'll need to add more color. Using a bronzing spray coat the skin paying close attention to the areas with the worst fading. Once the first pass has had time to dry, go over all the skin again to blend all the areas evenly. Speaking of blending, you'll need to do more of that. Use a potters sponge to blend the newest layer of tanner with the old and remove excess tanner. No one will ever know you didn't follow the all important aftercare instructions and you're new tan will look fabulous.