After a spray tan, stay dry for the first few hours and take your first cool shower at the time recommended by your salon. After that, moisturize daily and avoid anything that exfoliates or dries out your skin.
Key Takeaways
- Take your first shower with lukewarm water only, skip soap, pat your skin dry, and apply a fragrance-free moisturizer afterward.
- Moisturize every day to keep your skin hydrated and help your spray tan fade more evenly and last longer.
- Avoid exfoliation, long hot showers, chlorine, and saltwater.
- You can refresh fading color with gradual tanning products.
- If your spray tan develops streaks, patches, or uneven areas, most problems can be corrected without removing your entire tan.
Your Spray Tan Aftercare Timeline
A spray tan looks its best when you take care of it from the moment you leave the salon. The first few hours are the most important, but the following days also play a big role in how long your tan lasts. Follow this spray tan aftercare timeline to keep your color even for as long as possible.
The First Few Hours
The first few hours after getting your spray tan are crucial. This is when you can prevent a patchy or streaky spray tan. Make sure to follow these steps:
Right after your spray tan session.
Once you step out of the spray tanning booth, your tan is fresh. Wear loose, dark clothing. Loose clothing reduces friction, while dark clothing hides any spray tan residue and helps prevent visible stains. Here is our complete guide on what to wear to a spray tan.
During the trip home.
If possible, drive home to reduce the chance of sweating. Public transportation also works, but try to stay cool and avoid getting too warm. A short walk is fine, just make sure it is not too hot outside. Sweating can leave you with a streaky spray tan.
You should also avoid activities such as working out or swimming during this period. Learn more about when you can work out after a spray tan.
During the spray tan development phase
Depending on whether you chose a standard or rapid spray tan solution, you will need to wait a certain amount of time before your first shower.
- Standard spray tan: 8 to 12 hours
- Rapid spray tan: 1 to 6 hours
During this time, continue wearing loose, dark clothing. You can sit or lie down, but choose breathable fabrics such as cotton, bamboo, or moisture-wicking athletic fabrics. The goal is to wait for the development time recommended by your salon.
If you need to sleep before your first shower, wear loose pajamas, keep your bedroom cool, and use dark sheets to reduce the visibility of any transfer.
The first day, especially before your first rinse, requires the most attention. Try to avoid:
- Tight clothing, socks, bras, leggings, or shoes that can rub against your skin or leave pressure marks.
- Crossing your legs for long periods or sitting on rough surfaces whenever possible.
- Applying moisturizers, oils, or exfoliating products before your first rinse.
- Hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, and hot showers.
Your First Shower
When it is time for your first shower, rinse with lukewarm water only, unless your salon gives you different instructions.
Keep your shower short. Avoid soap and do not rub your skin.
You will probably notice brown water running off your body. This is completely normal. It is only the cosmetic bronzer washing away. Your spray tan is still developing underneath.
When drying off, pat your skin with a towel instead of rubbing it. Afterward, apply a fragrance-free, alcohol-free moisturizer.
Keep in mind that you should avoid anything that exfoliates your skin. Save exfoliation for the day you want to remove your spray tan.
Here you can learn how long after a spray tan you can shower.
Days 1 to 3
During the first three days, your spray tan usually looks its best. With proper care, you can help it last up to seven days.
On day 1, your spray tan may still be sensitive. Avoid:
- Long or hot showers and baths.
- Swimming, especially in chlorinated pools or the ocean whenever possible.
- Scrubbing your skin or using exfoliating gloves.
- Products containing retinol, AHAs, BHAs, benzoyl peroxide, or alcohol on tanned areas, since they can cause the tan to fade faster.
Continue moisturizing your skin every day, and pat your skin dry instead of rubbing it with a towel. You can now sleep normally and wear tighter clothing.
On day 2, you can generally return to your normal routine. You can work out and swim, but continue moisturizing every morning and evening.
If you need to shave, you can do so on or after day 2. Learn more in our guide on shaving after a spray tan.
By day 3, there are no additional precautions. Continue moisturizing daily, and avoid exfoliating any areas where you want your spray tan to remain.
Days 4 to 7 and Fading
A professional spray tan usually lasts 4 to 7 days. If you did a good spray tan preparation and followed the aftercare instructions, it may last even longer.
Here you can learn more about how long a professional spray tan lasts.
Continue moisturizing your skin every day.
You may notice fading on your hands, feet, elbows, knees, and underarms. This is completely normal. If any areas look dry or patchy, apply extra moisturizer to those spots.
Between days 5 and 7, your tan may start to look less even as your skin naturally sheds. By day 7, most spray tans have faded significantly.
You can begin gently exfoliating to help the remaining color fade evenly. A soft exfoliating mitt, gentle body scrub, or products designed to remove self-tanner can help prevent patchy fading.
Here you can learn how to remove a spray tan.
Why Spray Tan Aftercare Matters
Spray tan aftercare matters because the tanning ingredient, DHA (dihydroxyacetone), needs time to fully develop and your skin needs the right conditions to hold the color. During the first few hours, DHA reacts with the amino acids in the outer layer of your skin. Water, sweat, friction, or skincare products can interfere with this process and leave your tan uneven. Once your tan has developed, it fades as your skin naturally sheds dead skin cells.
What Makes a Spray Tan Fade Faster (Ranked)
Even with good aftercare, your spray tan will gradually fade as your skin naturally sheds. However, some habits can shorten its lifespan and cause uneven fading.
- Exfoliating Your Skin: Exfoliation is the fastest way to remove a spray tan. Body scrubs, exfoliating gloves, loofahs, dry brushing, and exfoliating cleansers all remove the outer layer of skin where the tan sits.
- Long or Hot Showers and Baths: Hot water softens your skin and speeds up the shedding of dead skin cells. Short, lukewarm showers help your color last longer than long, hot showers or soaking in a bath.
- Swimming in Chlorine or Salt Water: Chlorinated pools and salt water can dry out your skin and make your spray tan fade more quickly. Rinse off after swimming and apply moisturizer as soon as your skin is dry.
- Skipping Daily Moisturizer: Dry skin sheds faster than hydrated skin. Applying a fragrance-free moisturizer every day helps your tan fade more evenly and can extend its appearance by several days.
- Sweating and Friction: Heavy sweating, tight clothing, sports bras, leggings, backpacks, and repeated rubbing can wear away your spray tan, especially on areas like the inner thighs, underarms, waistband, and shoulders.
- Harsh Skincare Products: Products containing retinol, AHAs, BHAs, benzoyl peroxide, alcohol, or strong acne treatments can cause your spray tan to fade faster. If possible, avoid applying these products to tanned areas.
- Shaving Too Soon or Too Often: Shaving gently is fine after your spray tan has developed, but frequent shaving removes small amounts of dead skin each time. Using a sharp razor and a moisturizing shaving gel helps reduce fading.
- Waxing or Hair Removal Creams: Waxing and depilatory creams remove the outer layer of skin along with your spray tan. Save these treatments for before your spray tan appointment or after your tan has completely faded.
How to Make Your Spray Tan Last Longer
A professional spray tan usually lasts 4 to 7 days, but good aftercare can help it stay smooth and even for longer. Daily moisturizing is one of the easiest ways to extend your spray tan. Hydrated skin sheds more slowly than dry skin, which helps your color fade evenly.
If you’re looking for a moisturizer designed to support spray tan results, TriLuxe Lotion by RedLight is our recommendation.
When you notice that your spray tan is becoming patchy, you can refresh it with a gradual tanning product. We recommend:
Once your tan has faded, exfoliating helps remove any remaining color evenly before your next appointment. Bamboo Exfoliant by RedLight is a gentle option for preparing your skin before a new spray tan or removing the last traces of an old one.
How to Fix Common Spray Tan Problems
Some of the most common spray tan issues include:
- Streaks caused by sweat, water, or friction before your first rinse.
- Patchy fading from dry skin or uneven exfoliation.
- Dark spots on your hands, elbows, knees, ankles, or feet.
- Orange tones or uneven color.
The good news is that you usually do not need to remove your entire spray tan. Many of these issues can be corrected with the right approach. Read our complete guide on how to fix a bad spray tan.
FAQ
Can I wear makeup after a spray tan?
Yes, but wait until after your first rinse. If you put makeup on too soon, it can interfere with the developing spray tan and leave blotchy or uneven areas.
Can I put deodorant on after a spray tan?
It is best to wait until after your first shower before applying deodorant. Some deodorants contain ingredients that can lighten or streak a fresh spray tan. Once you have completed your first rinse, you can use deodorant as usual.
Can I sleep in my spray tan?
Yes. In fact, many standard spray tans develop overnight. Wear loose, dark pajamas to reduce friction and minimize visible transfer. Using dark or older bed sheets for the first night is also a good idea, since some cosmetic bronzer may transfer before your first shower.
Can I swim after a spray tan?
Wait at least 24 hours before swimming. Chlorine and salt water can dry out your skin and cause your spray tan to fade more quickly. After swimming, rinse off with fresh water and apply moisturizer to help keep your tan looking even.
Ready for a Longer-Lasting Glow?
If you’re looking for a professional organic spray tan in the Portland & Vancouver metro area, SunsUp Tan & Wellness Spa is here to help. Our experienced spray tan technicians will help you choose the right shade and provide personalized aftercare tips so your tan looks its best for as long as possible. Find your nearest location and book your appointment today.
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