How Long Does A Spray Tan Last?
A spray tan will last 5-10 days. There are several factors that will determine the exact duration such as skin type, your skin’s health and care routine, the quality of the spray tan, and your pre-tan and post-tan care.
You might wonder what's the point of getting a spray tan when you can have the daily dose of Vitamin D when you step out in the sun. While it's true that you will have to shell out some money for the process, it will protect you from potential sun damage which includes sun spots, signs of premature aging, and skin cancer.
Spray tanning gives the perfect glow to your skin minus the harmful effects of UV rays. But the real concern is how long your spray tan will last. The answer to this question depends on numerous aspects such as your complexion, skin health, how dark you are willing to get, and your post-tan care.
Other factors can include the quality of the person doing your spray and the products they use on you.
How long can you expect your spray tan to hang around?
A spray tan can last for up to ten days, but it is dependent on unique skin conditions.
For instance, if you have a lighter complexion, the spray tan would be there for around five days, and for a medium complexion, people can have the tan hang around for seven days.
Individuals with a darker complexion are best served because a spray tan can last up to 10 days on them. The safest answer in this regard is that you can expect your spray tan to linger on your skin anywhere between five to ten days based on your spray tan care regime.
The variability of the duration of your spray tan is linked to the active ingredient present in the tanning solution. This active ingredient is called DHA or dihydroxyacetone and darker solutions tend to have higher levels of DHA. Needless to say, the higher the concentration of DHA, the longer your tan will stay.
Your skin and how you prepare and take care of it affect the DHA as well. You also want an experienced spray tan artist to apply the DHA as there is such a thing as too much DHA. Click here to read about how not to be orange.
Here are 10 things that affect how long a spray tan will last:
Skin Type: Your innate skin type is very important. While people with medium or deeper skin tones should anticipate the tan to remain longer (up to 10 days), those with lighter skin tones may keep it for a shorter amount of time (about 5 days).
Spray-tan solution quality: The composition and quality of the employed spray-tan solution might affect its longevity. Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) solutions of suitable purity usually have a longer shelf life.
DHA Concentration: DHA is the substance that gives spray tans their color. A longer-lasting tan is typically the result of higher DHA content.
Exfoliating: Moisturizing your skin before having a spray tan can help to provide the greatest surface for the tan to adhere to and last longer.
Application Methodology: The evenness and durability of the tan may be greatly impacted by the skill and expertise of the spray tan artist applying it.
Hydration: Maintaining your skin's health by keeping it hydrated both before and after the spray tan will help you get a tan that lasts longer.
Avoiding Friction: Wearing tight clothing can produce rubbing or friction on the skin, which can hasten the fading of the tan.
Swimming with chlorine: It's advisable to avoid prolonged contact to chlorinated water since the chlorine in hot tubs and pools can hasten the fading of tans.
Skincare Products: Skincare products that speed the exfoliation process, such as those containing retinoids or alpha hydroxy acids, shorten the duration of a tan. Also, stay away from Dove soaps. They are the worst soap you can use on your skin.
Sweating: If you don't take a shower and thoroughly dry off after engaging in vigorous exercise, the tan may disappear more rapidly.
NOTE: Sunscreen can help a spray tan gradually fade, but it should also be used to protect your skin from damaging UV radiation.
Following your spray tan artist's post-tan maintenance guidelines, which include staying away from water, soap, and exfoliants for the first 24 hours, will help the tan last longer.
What affects the tanning capacity of the skin?
The topmost layer of the skin, called the epidermis is impacted by UV rays as well as spray tanning. The ultraviolet rays are capable of penetrating through the epidermis while the spray tan remains on the uppermost layer only. This is where the skin cells are consistently undergoing regeneration and a new layer is formed after every 27-40 days.
Today's spray tans can give top-notch tanning because they contain high-quality, skin-friendly ingredients.
To make the most of your spray tanning sessions, you should exfoliate your skin well to ward off dead skin cells. This is an important step in ensuring the maximum durability of your spray tan.
It's best to exfoliate under a shower but make sure that the water isn't too hot since it will keep your skin pores open and it might result in uneven tanning. Don't forget to moisturize your skin so that it remains healthy and hydrated before and after the process.
You know, our skin is quite the storyteller when it comes to tanning. It's like a canvas that paints a picture of our sun-soaked adventures. So, here's the scoop on what makes our skin do its tanning dance.
First off, our natural skin type plays a leading role in this sunlit drama. Some of us have lighter skin that tends to take its sweet time to tan, while others with medium or darker skin tones are like sun-worshippers, soaking up that golden hue more easily.
Now, the sun itself is a key character in our skin's tanning tale. How long we bask in its rays matters. Spending too much time in the sun without protection can lead to a dramatic twist - sunburn and skin damage.
Speaking of protection, sunscreen is the unsung hero in our story. It shields us from the sun's UV rays, which is fantastic, but it can also be a bit of a spoiler, slowing down the tanning process.
Genetics also have a say in our skin's script. Some folks have genes that make them naturals at tanning, while others might be more prone to burning.
Surprisingly, even the time of day plays a part. The sun struts its stuff between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so catching those rays during these hours can make for a more dramatic tan.
Our skincare products, hydration levels, age - they're all supporting characters influencing our skin's performance. It's like an intricate play where every element has a role.
In the end, the tanning capacity of our skin is a complex story, a unique journey for each of us. Remember, while we're chasing that beautiful tan, we should also prioritize sun protection and skin care to keep our skin's tale healthy and glowing.
Use a quality spray tan artist.
Using a professional spray tanner with lots of good experience will definitely help you keep your tan longer. They will know how to tell you, on an individual basis, how to prep and care for your skin for your spray tan. A good spray artist will be able to spray you just right in accordance with your skin type and your skin’s current disposition. (Dry skin, oily, PH balance, etc)
Post tan care is the key.
Always follow the post-tan care instructions given by your qualified spray tan artist. Follow these points for a longer-lasting spray tan:
Don't shower for at least 8 hours and preferably wait 24 hours. No lotion till after your warm water rinse.
When you do take that first post-tan shower, DO NOT use soaps or loofahs. Obviously don't exfoliate. Just do a warm water rinse, washing off the bronzers.
Be cognizant during the first 24 hours, before that first warm water rinse, to stay out of any kind of water. (Rain, garden hose, doing dishes, etc.)
To keep your spray tan vibrant and healthy and long-lasting, moisturize your skin well. Lots of lotion!
Conclusion
Now that you are aware of the factors that affect how long your spray tan is going to last, you can customize it to ensure maximum duration. Some key points to remember though is to use an experienced and high-quality salon or spray tan artist to do your spray tan. They can guide you and answer any of your questions or concerns. Also, be diligent in your post-tan lifestyle. Do this and you are well on your way to a long-lasting natural looking glow!
My name is Heidi and if you are in the St. Louis area including St. Charles, St. Peters, Ofallon, Wentzville, Weldon Springs, Chesterfield, Maryland Heights, Clayton, Des Peres, and West County, call me or visit the booking page to make an appointment for your very own long-lasting spray tan.
