Spray tanning is not only time-consuming but can also be expensive, which is why it is important to care for our newly tanned skin to make it look fresh and last as long as possible. The darker the spray tan you choose, the longer it should stay on your body due to higher levels of DHA (short for dihydroxyacetone, the active ingredient in sunless tanners) but if you opted for a fairer tan, it can last as little as 4 days. Here are a few tips on how to stretch out your beautiful bronzed skin for as long as possible.

Exfoliate

Exfoliating before your spray-tan is key to getting an even and long-lasting finish. Dry and flaky skin absorbs more of the DHA and can result in a blotchy and uneven tan. However, if you use exfoliators that contain any glycolic, lactic, and citric acids, avoid using them for at least 24 hours before your tan as they penetrate your skin to a different level and can cause the colouring pigment in the spray tan to fade faster. <a href=”https://www.mytanlondon.co.uk/blog/how-to-properly-prep-before-spray-tanning”>Click here </a> for more tips on how to prepare for your spray tan.

Top it up

Throughout time, your spray tan is going to fade, but you can minimize its disappearance through using a tint such as a gradual tan moisturizer or through mixing in a couple of drops of tan oil into your normal moisturizer.

Use an oil-free moisturizer

Putting products that contain oil on your tan will cause it to fade faster due to it breaking down the pigments of the tan solution. There are many moisturizers out on the market that don’t contain any oil and are perfect for keeping soft and supple skin after your tan.

Cooler showers

It sounds silly, but hot showers can dehydrate your skin and cause peeling. Turn down the temperature a tad when you are showering or in the bath and use an oil-free shower or bath cream to really help lock in your tan. <a href=”https://www.mytanlondon.co.uk/blog/advice-on-showering-after-applying-spray-tan”>Click here </a> for more tips on showering after your tan.

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