If you’re looking for a way to get a sun-kissed glow without exposing your skin to harmful UV rays, spray tanning might be the perfect solution for you! ! A Spray Tan, Airbrush Tan, and Sunless Self Tanners all use a similar formula to give you a quick, just off the beach, sunless fake tan. The active ingredient in a spray tan is DHA (Dihydroxyacetone), a colorless compound that reacts with amino acids in the outermost layer of the skin to produce a durable tan that can last up to 10 days.

But how do you prepare for a spray tan and make it last longer? In this blog, we’re sharing some of our best tips on how to get the most out of your spray tan experience, from before, to after your appointment to achieve that flawless faux tan you desire!

How to prepare for your appointment:

• Exfoliate your skin 48 hours before your appointment. DO NOT exfoliate the night before.
• Avoid oil-based products, chemical exfoliants, Retin-A-based products, facial masks, and other exfoliating scrubs.
• Shave or wax at least 24 hours before.
• Shower 8 hours before appointment. Didn’t have time to shower the day of your appointment? Try Norvell Pre Sunless Body Buff EXmitts, they are a convenient, no water required, mitt that gently polishes and balances the skin’s pH, while working to boost amino acid levels and maximize sunless color results.
• Remove any makeup, deodorant, perfume, and body lotions before.
• Wear loose fitting clothing to wear after the solution is applied.

How to make your spray tan last longer:

• Wait the recommended development time listed on the bottle or instructed by your spray tan artist before rinsing.
• The first rinse after application is just that, a RINSE! Do not use any soaps and rinse off using lukewarm water. After rinsing the solution will continue to develop, final tan can be seen after 24 hours.
• While you have your spray tan use gentle body washes and avoid harsh exfoliants.
• Moisturize your skin daily with an alcohol free, spray tan safe body lotion. We recommend Norvell Skin Renewing Body Butter.
• Use an tan extender every other day in-between your spray tan appointments. Tan extenders contain a small amount DHA that add just enough color to boost your sunless tan and prevent fading.
• Avoid swimming, hot tubs, saunas and steam rooms.
• Avoid wearing tight fitting clothing that may cause friction.
• Wear SPF protection!

Sunless tanning provides a safe and effective way to achieve a bronzed tan without exposing your skin to damaging UV Rays! Proper preparation before your application, along with following these maintenance tips will ensure you have a smooth and even application, with long lasting, natural results so you can glow all year round!