Posted On: 08/18/2025
A spray tan is one of the quickest and safest ways to achieve a radiant sun-kissed look without exposing your skin to harmful UV rays. Whether you want a golden glow for a vacation, wedding, or just everyday confidence, the key to getting the most out of your investment is knowing how to extend your spray tan. With the right prep, care, and spray tan maintenance routine, your bronzed skin can last up to 10 days or longer.
If you’ve ever noticed your tan fading too quickly or becoming patchy, you’re not alone. The good news is that simple adjustments to your skincare routine can make all the difference. Below are practical sunless tan tips to help you keep your color looking smooth, even, and glowing for as long as possible.
Prep Your Skin Before the Spray Tan Session
The secret to a long-lasting tan starts before your spray tan appointment. Preparing your skin correctly allows the tanning solution to adhere evenly and last longer.
- Exfoliate thoroughly: Use a gentle exfoliating scrub or mitt the night before your appointment to remove dead skin cells. This creates a smooth canvas for the spray tan solution to bond to.
- Avoid oils and heavy lotions: Moisturizers, oils, and deodorants can leave a barrier on your skin, preventing the tanning formula from fully developing. Arrive at your appointment with clean, dry skin.
- Shave or wax in advance: Hair removal should be done at least 24 hours before your spray tan to prevent irritation and uneven color absorption.
The First 24 Hours Matter Most
What you do after your spray tan appointment can make or break the results. These first hours are crucial for spray tan maintenance.
- Skip the gym and showers: Avoid sweating or showering for at least 8 to 12 hours after your session to give the tan time to fully develop.
- Wear loose clothing: Tight clothes can rub off the spray tan solution before it sets. Choose dark, loose-fitting fabrics.
- Stay dry: Avoid activities that involve water, like swimming or washing dishes. Even splashes of water can cause streaks.
Keep Your Skin Hydrated
Hydration is one of the best ways to extend spray tan results. Dry skin sheds faster, which means your color fades more quickly.
- Moisturize daily: Choose a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer to keep your skin soft and supple. Apply it morning and night.
- Use a tan extender lotion: Specially formulated tan extenders not only hydrate but also contain a touch of DHA, the active ingredient in spray tans. This helps maintain and gradually deepen your color.
- Drink plenty of water: Hydration from within supports your skin’s natural glow. Aim for 8 glasses of water daily to keep your tan looking fresh.
Gentle Shower Habits
When it’s finally time to rinse off after your spray tan, the way you shower can impact how long your glow lasts.
- Take lukewarm showers: Hot water dries out the skin and causes faster fading. Stick to lukewarm water.
- Use sulfate-free body washes: Harsh soaps strip the skin, leading to patchiness. Opt for gentle, hydrating cleansers.
- Pat dry instead of rubbing: After showering, lightly pat your skin with a towel rather than rubbing, which can remove color unevenly.
Protect Your Spray Tan During Exercise
If you’re someone who loves to hit the gym, you’ll need a few extra sunless tan tips to keep your glow intact.
- Avoid heavy sweating for the first 24 hours. Once your tan is set, light exercise is fine, but always wear breathable fabrics.
- Wipe gently: If you sweat, gently blot your skin instead of wiping to prevent streaks.
- Shower quickly afterward: After workouts, rinse off sweat with cool or lukewarm water to prevent build-up that may fade your tan.
Be Mindful of Skincare and Beauty Products
Certain products can shorten the lifespan of your spray tan without you realizing it.
- Skip retinol and acne treatments on the body: These products increase cell turnover, which makes your tan fade faster.
- Avoid oil-based products: Body oils and oil-based scrubs strip away your tan.
- Choose spray tan–friendly sunscreen: Always protect your skin with SPF, but opt for oil-free formulas that won’t break down your color.
Pro Tip: Boost Skin Health With Red Light Therapy
Looking for an extra edge in spray tan maintenance? Red light therapy can help. This non-invasive treatment uses low-level wavelengths of light to rejuvenate the skin by stimulating collagen production, improving circulation, and supporting overall hydration. Healthier skin means your sunless tan lasts longer and fades more evenly. Many tanning salons now offer red light therapy as a complement to spray tanning, giving you a perfect way to enhance and extend your glow.
Extend Spray Tan Results With Touch-Ups
Even with the best care, your spray tan will eventually fade. The good news is you can prolong the glow with small touch-ups.
- Use a self-tanning mousse or gradual lotion: These are great for refreshing your tan between professional sessions. Apply evenly and blend carefully, especially around hands, elbows, and knees.
- Schedule regular spray tans: Many people maintain a consistent glow by booking sessions every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on their lifestyle and skin type. If you’re looking for professional results, try the advanced Versa Spa Sunless Tan for flawless, natural-looking results. You can visit our Coral Springs Tanning Salon or East Boca Tanning Salon.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To make sure your tan stays flawless, steer clear of these common mistakes:
- Exfoliating too soon: Scrubbing right after your tan will strip it away. Wait until you’re ready to remove the color completely.
- Going swimming too often: Chlorine in pools and saltwater at the beach both accelerate fading. Limit exposure or rinse off immediately after swimming.
- Wearing tight clothing: Skinny jeans, bras, and sports leggings can rub against your skin and cause uneven fading.
Keep That Flawless Tan Longer
Your spray tan doesn’t have to be a short-lived glow. With the right preparation, daily care, and smart spray tan maintenance, you can keep your skin bronzed and beautiful for much longer. Whether it’s remembering to moisturize, using gentle products, trying red light therapy, or following sunless tan tips like avoiding hot showers, small changes can make a big difference.
Keep that flawless tan longer and contact us today to book your next spray tan session. Our experts are here to guide you with the best products, treatments, and expert advice to ensure your glow stays radiant, healthy, and streak-free.