10 Do's and Don'ts for Your Summer Spray Tan

Summer is made for fun in the sun, beach trips, boat days, pool parties, backyard bar-b-ques, vacations, and just some easy livin' and relaxin'. But let's be real, our schedules don't allow for time to build up a tan before we head to the island party. We want to be summertime fine and schedule an appointment for a spray tan. But some of our favorite summer activities can also mean death to our spray tan. Here are 10 do's and don'ts to keep you bronzed and blissful.

Do's

1. Exfoliate before your spray tan. Be sure shave and scrub 8-24 hours before your appointment. The active ingredient in sunless tanning, DHA, adheres to top layers on your skin. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells and leaves behind a fresh even layer of skin, allowing for a longer lasting tan. Exfoliate with an oil-free scrub or exfoliating gloves. Our favorite exfoliator to use is the Norvell eXmitt, is specifically designed to prep and balance the pH your skin for optimal tanning results. No rinsing required!

2. Moisturize daily the week leading up to your spray tan. Clean, dry skin is essential the day of your spray tan, but skin that is too dry will not properly absorb the sunless solution. Having a moisturizing routine prior to your appointment helps to avoid blotchiness and dry patches.

3. If choosing a traditional sunless formula, the longer you wait to shower, the more your tan will develop. The instant color you see is a cosmetic bronzer used to ensure the most even application possible. Your actual tan will continue to develop up to 24 hours after your appointment. Wait at least 8 hours before showering, and then rinse only to ensure a longer lasting tan.

4. Use a tan extender to prolong your golden glow. Moisturizing daily after your spray tan is essential to keeping your tan looking fabulous. Dry skin can cause cells to shed faster, therefore it's important to moisturize at least once a day after your first shower. Look for a natural, water based lotion without fragrance. Norvell Pro-Long is our favorite to use after a spray tan. Specially formulated to extend the life of your tan, Norvell's Pro-Long hydrates your skin with a touch of gradual tanner to keep your tan looking fresh.

5. Remember to use sunscreen when out in the sun. Your new bronze tan may fool you into thinking you won't burn. But a spray tan does not protect you from sunburn, so it's important to protect yourself with sunscreen. Avoid using sunscreen with mineral oil as it may damage your tan. We prefer to use a waterproof sunscreen spray which can help slow down the shedding of dead skin cells and prevents your tan from fading prematurely.

Don'ts

6. Avoid applying bar soaps, lotions, perfumes, and oils to your body the day of or night before your spray tan. Do not put on deodorant the day of your spray tan. These products leave a residue on your skin that prevents the proper absorption of the sunless solution.

7. Immediately following your spray tan, avoid any activities in which you may get wet. Exercises, washing dishes, or any other activity in which you may sweat or get wet should be avoided for at least 8 hours after your spray tan appointment or until you first shower.

8. Don't exfoliate 7-10 days after your spray tan. Exfoliating scrubs, daily shaving, rubbing, and lots of scrubbing in the shower make your tan fade faster and potentially fade unevenly.

9. Avoid hot tubbing like the plague. Between the high temperature of the water, and the high levels of chlorine, your spray tan won't stand a chance. Same rule applies to saunas.

10. Don't get a spa pedicure or manicure after your tan. Salons will often use sugar scrubs, fragranced lotions, or other treatments that may affect your new spray tan. Plan to schedule waxing or nail appointments prior to your spray tan appointment. If you must get a pedicure or manicure after your tan, ask that they skip the other treatments.

If you are looking for a custom airbrush spray tan in the Winter Park area, call us at 407-860-7101 to schedule your appointment. Visit us online at suncheaterswaxtan.com

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