How to Make Your Spray Tan Last Longer

A spray tan lives in the outermost layer of your skin, and it leaves when that layer does. Everything about making it last is therefore about slowing down how fast you shed skin cells, and avoiding the things that accelerate it. Done well, 7–10 days is realistic. Done carelessly, four.

Moisturise daily, without exception

This is the whole game. Hydrated skin cells stay put; dry ones flake away and take colour with them. Moisturise every morning, and again at night if your skin runs dry. Choose something without alcohol or added exfoliants, a plain, thick, fragrance-free body lotion beats an expensive one with actives in it.

Rinse properly the first time

When your rinse time is up, rinse in lukewarm water, not hot, with no soap and no scrubbing, until the water runs clear. What washes off is the cosmetic bronzer, not your tan, so do not panic at the colour going down the drain. Pat dry with a towel rather than rubbing.

Shorten and cool your showers

Long hot showers are the fastest way to lose a tan. Heat opens the skin and softens the outer layer, and time in water accelerates shedding. Keep showers brief and lukewarm for the life of the tan. Baths, spas and saunas are worse again.

Watch the chlorine and the salt

Chlorine bleaches, and repeated pool sessions will visibly lighten a tan within days. Salt water is gentler but still dehydrating. If you are swimming, moisturise heavily beforehand to slow absorption, and rinse and re-moisturise straight after.

Rethink the products you already use

A lot of tans are removed accidentally. Exfoliating body washes, retinol body creams, AHA or BHA lotions, acne treatments, teeth whitening strips that drip, and even some deodorants will lift colour. Check what is already in your bathroom and set the exfoliants aside until you are ready for the next tan.

Be sensible about exercise in the first 24 hours

Sweat in the development window and in the first day afterwards can cause streaking, particularly in the creases of elbows and knees. After 24 hours, train normally, just shower promptly afterwards and moisturise once you are dry.

Plan the fade rather than fighting it

Around day seven, most tans start to go. The trick is to top up before it becomes uneven rather than after. If you tan regularly, exfoliate thoroughly at day eight or nine and rebook, you will get a far better result on a properly cleared canvas than by layering fresh solution over an old tan.

Book your next tan

Naked Tan from a private studio in Secret Harbour. A full body tan is $40. Book an appointment or call 0419 153 609.