Need a sun-kissed glow to make that white skirt look fabulous? Read on to find out everything you need to know about getting the perfect sunless tan.
Exfoliate, Exfoliate, Exfoliate!
This point is key and we simply can’t stress it enough. Before heading off to your spray tan, make sure you shower and exfoliate evenly all over your body. If you skip this important step, you’ll be stuck with an uneven, patchy tan. It’s important to get rid of all the dead skin cells evenly. The spray tan will adhere better to fresh skin and will last a little longer, too. So in order to prevent a hideously uneven tan, exfoliate your skin well from head to toe.
Don’t Apply Lotion Right Before a Spray Tan
Do not apply body cream or lotion just before getting a spray tan. The product will not adhere to damp skin very well, and you’re likely to end up with a very unattractive result. To give the product the best chance at adhering to your skin, do not apply any creams or lotions in the six hours before your appointment. If you have dry skin, take care to apply a lotion the evening before to make sure the skin isn’t dry or flaky. As long as you give it a minimum of six hours to properly penetrate the skin, the spray tan product will adhere well.
Wear Loose Clothing Afterwards
It is recommended to wear loose fitting clothing, preferably something dark, directly after your spray tan. Tight clothing may leave marks behind, something like a tan-line effect. If possible, stay in your loose clothing for a minimum of 12 hours. The best thing to do is get your spray tan in the evening, throw on some loose pyjamas, hit the hay, and wake up looking sun-kissed and fresh the next morning.
Don’t Shower for At Least 12 Hours
The longer you allow the tan to sit, the darker it will become. Showering too early can rinse off more of the product than you’d like, so wait 12 hours, or keep your tan overnight, before hitting the shower.
Always Start Slowly
If you’re unsure of the colour that is best for you, consult with a spray tan technician, and start with a lighter shade. Wait and see what the results are like the following day and slowly increase your shade selection next time. Starting off too dark can, more often than not, lead to a tan that is far too dark. Prevent any spray tan disasters by starting slowly and increasing gradually. If you have a big event coming up, it’s best to try out the spray tan before to see how you like it and make the right shade choice.
Exfoliate After, Too
You shouldn’t exfoliate within the first two days of getting your tan because it will cause it to rub off quicker. However, it will start to disappear on its own a few days later. Once that starts happening, it’s best to gently exfoliate to make sure the tan comes off evenly and you aren’t left with unsightly patches all over your body.
Ask About the Spray’s Ingredients
The best spray tan products are all-natural, and are usually sugar-based. This kind of spray tan (like Infinity Sun, for example) is safe on the skin, non-toxic if accidentally ingested or inhaled, and is even safe for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. If the spray tan product has a strong, unpleasant odour that burns your nostrils, it’s not the product you want to be using.
