How careful do you have to be with a spray tan?
To help your tan develop, you'll want to avoid all moisture for at least 4-5 hours after you get a spray tan. This includes showering, workouts, hot yoga, lotions, liquid foundation, etc. Staying dry will help the spray tan solution adhere to your skin.
You need to be a bit careful after your spray tan, as the tan can take up to twelve hours to develop, depending on what kind of solution was used. “While your tan is developing you should completely avoid getting wet. This includes perspiring, swimming, showering and/or getting caught in the rain!” Pradas said.
There are chemicals in the spray tans that can cause reactions in people. Additionally, the main chemical, DHA, has not been studied extensively. The studies that have been done on DHA show that it can damage cell DNA, which can lead to cancer.
But that doesn't mean that spray tanning is entirely without potential dangers. Inhalation risks, skin sensitivities and a lack of medical research all suggest you should proceed with caution.
We recommend waiting at least 4-8 hours after your spray tan before you shower for the first time, but don't wait more than 24 hours. When you shower for the first time after getting a spray tan, you'll probably see some golden glow wash down the drain, but don't worry!
It is important to use a soap or body wash to get any oils off of your body before being sprayed. While it is best to shower more than 3 hours before your appointment, if you must shower within 3 hours, take only a quick shower with soap and warm (not hot) water. Skin should be clean and dry before being sprayed.
Myth: Spray tans are orange and unnatural looking
Fact: This is a common misconception that stems from early formulations of spray tans. Modern spray tanning solutions have come a long way, and many (including ours) use natural ingredients such as DHA (dihydroxyacetone) to create a beautiful, natural-looking tan.
How Long Does It Last? Because your skin is constantly creating new skin cells on the epidermis level, any skin treatment will fade over time. Spray tans generally last for 7-10 days, depending on the coverage you requested; if you wanted a lighter color, your tan could fade more quickly.
The typical cycle for spray tanning will be something like 7 to 12 days, so you should plan your next session around that. If you're careful to maintain your current tan, you should have no problem keeping your appointments closer to 12 days apart every time.
Self-tanning mousses provide a much simpler and higher quality tanning experience than spray tans do. Let's break down why. Spray tanning is more time-consuming and expensive (lose-lose). It requires appointments with spray tan artists, which can get pricey since they're usually done by a professional.
Is spray tan safer than tanning beds?
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, indoor tanning is connected to approximately 419,000 cases of skin cancer in the U.S. each year. As a result, sunless tanning products have been developed as a safer alternative since they lack the dangers associated with indoor tanning beds.
There's no doubt that spray tans are much better for you than a tanning bed. They offer an instant glow without any dangerous UV light exposure that can cause premature aging, sunspots, and even skin cancer.
If you fake tan before bed and shower in the morning, you probably wake to orange-tinged sheets, unless you sleep on a large, dark coloured towel. Applying the tan earlier in the day will give the tan time to absorb and prevent it discolouring your linen.
Keep it loose
When deciding what to wear to a spray tan session, always choose loose clothing that won't rub on your skin. Flowy dresses and skirts, or loose-fitting jumpsuits without elastic are ideal. If you're comfortable, avoid wearing a bra or underwear, which tends to cling to skin and may cause discoloration.
Wearing dark, loose-fitting clothes to your spray tan is best. If possible, wear nail polish—even if your nail polish is a clear coat, it'll help protect your nails from discoloration. Avoid wearing perfumes, deodorant or makeup that can create a barrier for absorption.
Spray-tanning the face may not be for everyone, but it's a simple way to keep the bronze glow going all year long. And with these quick tips for how to tan your face, like choosing a self-tanner, prepping your skin, applying the product, and post-care, you're sure to feel confident every time you walk out the door.
You can wash your face as normal after a spray tan. It's always good to note that seeing as you wash and touch your face more frequently the tan will always fade faster on your face. To maintain the tan on your face you can use tanning drops, tanning mousse, or gradual tanning lotions/sprays.
WAIT IT OUT. As a rule of thumb, you should wait for at least four to eight hours before showering so your tan can develop to its true color. Beyond that, it's best to wait 24 hours before washing your hair. This will give your tan time to set fully.
If you are getting your nails done, it's always best to do so BEFORE your spray tan session. This is because when most nail techs do your nails, they soak your hand and feet in soapy water, sometimes even use wet, warm wash clothes to wipe your skin. These are all big no-no's when it comes to post-spray tan behavior!
After your shower, moisturize with an oil-free moisturizer. Hydrated skin maintains a tan longer than dry, thirsty skin. Remember the previous spray tan aftercare tip to stay dry and make sure that any moisturizing occurs at least 4 hours after the spray tan.
Can I wash my hair before a spray tan?
If Washing your hair before your spray tan, ensure you have rinsed cool water thoroughly down your back and body (including lower limbs) to ensure no residue shampoo lingers. All other beauty treatments should be enjoyed BEFORE your tan including Mani's & Pedi's, Massages and Waxing (24 hours prior for waxing!)
If you get a spray tan four or more days before your event, your tan will start to fade, the colour won't be as dark and won't pop against your outfit like a fresh tan would. Try to aim to book your spray tan two to three days before your event and your tan will be the perfect colour.
Booth Spray Tan. During the booth tan, you'll be alone inside and voice prompts will instruct you how to stand as automated jets mist you from head to toe. If you opt for an airbrush tan, a trained technician will be with you and spray you using a handheld device.
Unlike having flaky legs or uneven arms, you can't really hide an ugly spray tan on your face. This is often caused by having too much spray tan sprayed on your face, or by using a percentage solution that is way too strong for your skin type.
This varies from salon to salon, but a spray tan will usually be in the range of £25-35 for a good quality, full body spray. I use Unreal spray tanning solution and its £25 for a full body spray that lasts up to 10 days!
