Master the Art of Flawless Spray Tans
**Spray Tans: A Safe and Easy Way to Get That Sun-Kissed Glow**
When you’re getting ready for a vacation or a day at the beach, feeling like your skin is too light can sometimes make you self-conscious. While some people opt for a tanning booth to achieve a “base tan,” this exposes your skin to harmful UV radiation, which can have long-term health risks. A safer and popular alternative is a spray tan. Before jumping in, though, it helps to understand the process and how to prepare for the best results.
—
### **Getting Ready for Your Spray Tan**
Preparation is key to making your spray tan look better and last longer. The day before your appointment, exfoliate your skin to remove as many dead skin cells as possible. This creates a smooth surface for the tan to adhere to and can make it more even and longer-lasting. If you plan to shave or wax, do it the day before as well—this prevents irritation and helps the tan settle better into your skin.
On the day of your appointment, steer clear of lotions, deodorants, or any other skincare products because they can act as a barrier and interfere with the tanning solution. Clean, product-free skin is essential for the spray tan to work its magic.
—
### **How Spray Tans Work**
So, how does a spray tan actually give you that golden glow? During the session, your body is misted with a solution that contains DHA (short for dihydroxyacetone). This is a colorless sugar that reacts with the amino acids in your skin’s outermost layer—basically, the layer of dead skin cells. A few hours after the spray is applied, your skin will develop a lovely shade of brown.
Most salons let you choose the color intensity you want, so you can customize your look. The mist can be oil-based or water-based depending on the salon, and the results can vary slightly based on your skin type and the product used.
—
### **Caring for Your Spray Tan**
Once you’ve got your tan, proper aftercare will help you keep it looking fresh for as long as possible. Avoid showering, sweating heavily, or swimming for the first eight hours after your session—this gives the tan the time it needs to fully develop. Wear loose clothing to minimize friction and let the tan set evenly.
Don’t be alarmed if you notice some brown color washing off during your first shower. That’s just the marker dye rinsing away to reveal your actual tan underneath.
—
### **How Long Does a Spray Tan Last?**
Spray tans aren’t permanent because your body naturally sheds dead skin cells every day—which is good to know because this process also causes the tan to fade. On average, a spray tan lasts about 5 to 10 days, depending on your skin type and how well you care for it. Keeping your skin moisturized daily is a great way to extend the life of your tan. However, be careful with activities like swimming in chlorine pools or soaking in bathtubs, as these can cause your tan to fade more quickly.
—
### **The Bottom Line**
If you want to enjoy the look of sun-kissed skin without exposing yourself to harmful UV rays, spray tanning is an excellent option. By learning how the process works, preparing properly, and taking care of your tan afterward, you can achieve a natural, healthy glow that will have you feeling beach-ready in no time.
