Your Ultimate Spray Tan Survival Guide: What NOT to Do (and Secrets for Keeping Your Glow!)
Congratulations on your gorgeous spray tan! Whether this is your first time or you’re a glow-getting pro, caring for your tan the right way is everything if you want it to last. There are a few big no-nos and important tips to keep in mind to avoid patchiness, fading, or that dreaded splotchy look. Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with all the details.
Plus, stick around for a special insider secret that most people don’t even realize is fading their tan faster than it should!
The Big No-Nos: What to Avoid After a Spray Tan
If there’s one thing to remember, it’s this: anything that exfoliates or dries out your skin is the enemy of your spray tan. Your tan lives on the outer layer of your skin, so you want to protect it from anything that might cause it to slough off prematurely.
1. Exfoliation = Tan Destruction
This is a biggie. After your spray tan, say goodbye to:
Shaving and waxing: Both will scrape away your tan along with hair, so avoid these until you're ready for a fresh tan.
Loofahs and scrubs: It might feel nice to buff away dead skin, but exfoliating will take your tan with it.
Rough towel drying: Instead of rubbing, gently pat yourself dry with a towel after your shower or swim.
2. Stay Away From Certain Ingredients
Some products contain sneaky ingredients that strip away your tan faster than you can say "goodbye glow."
Alcohol: Found in many toners, perfumes, and skincare products. It dries out your skin and causes patchiness.
Retinol: Great for anti-aging but a total tan killer because it accelerates skin cell turnover.
Mineral oil: Found in many lotions and body oils—it can break down your tan.
When in doubt, check the ingredient labels, or ask your spray tan professional for product recommendations.
3. Water Woes
Long, hot showers: The heat and water soften your skin, which can cause your tan to fade unevenly. Stick to quick, lukewarm showers instead.
Soaking in the bath: As tempting as a relaxing bath might be, your tan will thank you for skipping it.
Pools and oceans: Chlorine and salt water are drying and can fade your tan fast. If you must take a dip, prep your skin with a barrier like a spray tan-safe sunscreen or moisturizer to protect your color.
Keeping Your Glow Alive: Special Considerations
1. Face Tans and Skincare
Your face tends to fade faster than the rest of your body, especially if you use active skincare products like retinol or exfoliants. The solution?
Use a gradual tanning lotion or face mist to touch up your face and keep it matching the rest of your body.
If you’re a die-hard skincare junkie, you can blend the edges of your tan with a touch of bronzer or self-tanner.
2. Keep Your Skin Hydrated
The secret to a longer-lasting tan? Hydration.
Use a spray tan-safe moisturizer daily to keep your skin soft and your tan intact. Dry skin leads to uneven fading, and no one wants that.
Focus on hydrating your entire body, especially areas like your elbows, knees, and hands, which tend to get dry first.
3. Rethink Your Deodorant: The Aluminum Factor
Here’s a little-known fact: the aluminum in many deodorants can interfere with your spray tan. It can react with the tanning solution, causing discoloration or uneven fading, especially during the crucial development phase.
To keep your tan looking flawless, swap your usual deodorant for a natural, aluminum-free alternative. Not only are these gentler on your skin, but they’re also far less likely to mess with your glow.
Pro tip: If you’re not sure where to start, look for a natural deodorant specifically designed to be tan-friendly. Your underarms will stay fresh, and your tan will stay perfect—win-win!
Big Reveal: The Insider Secret You Need to Know
Here’s the tea: spraying your favorite perfume directly on your skin could be sabotaging your tan. Most perfumes and colognes are packed with alcohol, which can dry out your skin and lead to uneven fading or splotches.
But don’t worry—you don’t have to sacrifice your signature scent! Here’s what to do instead:
Spritz your fragrance on your clothing or in your hair. This way, you smell amazing without putting your glow at risk.
Bonus: Your clothes and hair will hold the scent longer anyway, so it’s a win-win!
Extra Tips for a Long-Lasting Glow
Want to go the extra mile? Here are a few more tips to keep your tan looking flawless:
Wear loose clothing after your spray tan to avoid rubbing your fresh color off. Think flowy dresses or comfy PJs!
If you’re worried about sweating or chafing, dust on a little tan-safe body powder to keep skin dry and smooth.
Final Thoughts
A spray tan is one of the easiest ways to feel confident and radiant, but taking care of it is key to keeping that glow as long as possible. Avoid exfoliation, harmful ingredients, and drying elements like hot showers or pools. Hydrate your skin daily, keep an eye on your skincare routine, and follow my fragrance hack for a patch-free finish.
With a little TLC, your tan will stay golden and gorgeous for days to come. Got any spray tan tips or secrets of your own? Let’s chat in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!
