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Whether you are having a spray tan session at your local salon or spa, or are using a home spray tan kit yourself, you would of course want to make the most of your spray tan session by making it last as long as possible.
The average spray tan lasts between 5-10 days, after which you would usually need to have another spray tanning session. However, if you are not careful, the tan can fade or become discolored within just a couple of days, so maintenance is also important.
The fact is that the successful and long-lasting spray tan starts with a proper preparation. Regardless of whether you are at a tanning booth or at home, the spray tan product would be most effective if the person’s skin has already been adequately prepared to absorb the ingredients and produce that youthful, glowing, bronzed skin tone that you really want to achieve.
Exfoliate Beforehand
The outer layer of the skin has many dead cells which can result in streaks or uneven marks when the spray tan is applied and begins its work. It is recommended by tanning experts to exfoliate your skin thoroughly before the session.
Kristyn Pradas of Senses Salon and Spa in New York City says, “Lightly exfoliate to remove the superficial layers of dead skin cells right on the surface, and remove some of the previous tan’s speckling.”
Shave or Wax Before Your Session
If you wax or shave regularly, do so at least 24 hours before the spray tan is applied. This is because waxing or shaving leaves the skin’s pores open. If you wax or shave off body hair too soon before a spray tan session, you might be left with black, uneven or freckled spots or blemishes once the tanning sets in.
Wait 8 Hours Before Showering
After your spray tan session, wait a good eight hours before jumping in the shower; the water can cause streaks or spots if the spray tan has not completely set in yet. Before showering, you may also want to apply body oil all over. It can act as a protection or barrier so your spray tan will last a bit longer.
Moisturize Daily
Moisturizing and keeping the skin hydrated will prolong the life of your spray tan. DailyMakeover.com recommends the Tan Optimiser Shower crème for hydrating the body; it contains organic aloe vera and hydrating Mediterranean oils, as well as Origins Faux Glow Radiant Self-Tanner For Face.
Facial skin is more sensitive and different from the rest of the body, so moisturizers used for the face should also be appropriate for this area. When showering or taking a bath, avoid soaps that have harsh ingredients like AHAs or BHAs.
Use Tanning Products to Maintain Color
Gradual tanning moisturizers are also recommended to prolong the spray tan and keep it even. This is also recommended if you plan to make spray tanning a regular habit. A spray tan that is lackadaisically applied over the old one can have very disastrous results.
Instead, make the color transition smooth and even by regularly using bronzers and tanning moisturizers to even out the spots.
