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Spray Tan Aftercare: 24 Hours After Your Tan

The first 24 hours after your spray tan are crucial to how it looks, so it’s important to know what to do. With proper care, your spray tan will keep that golden glow for 5-10 days.

1. WEAR LOOSE-FITTING CLOTHING 
Immediately following your tan, you should wear loose-fitting clothing so your tan doesn’t rub off or look uneven. Before the first rinse, you’ll want to avoid wearing anything too tight, like jeans, leggings, yoga pants, socks, or sneakers.  After your first shower, be aware that anything that rubs on the skin will wear away that top layer of skin, therefore rubbing away your tan as well.

2. GO COMMANDO
No one has to know! Try to avoid wearing a bra or undies directly after your spray tan. If you do want to wear underwear, choose a loose, dark pair as the spray tan solution could stain nylon or Lycra (it washes out of most fabrics, though). If you want to wear a bra, choose a strapless or bandeau style. 

3. STAY DRY 
To help your tan develop, you’ll want to avoid all moisture for at least 4-5 hours after you get a spray tan. This includes showering, workouts, hot yoga, lotions, liquid foundation, etc. Staying dry will help the spray tan solution adhere to your skin. After that first rinse, all of these things are okay, but again, be aware that sweating and moisture + friction/rubbing can wear away that top layer of skin more quickly.

4. WAIT TO SHOWER 
At Golden Hour, a rapid release formula is used. This means that you can wash off your tan anywhere from 1-4 hours after application, depending on how dark you want your tan to process. If you have a late appointment and choose to sleep in your tan, that’s okay too! Solution just needs to be removed no more than 8 hours after application. Any longer amount of time can cause the skin to dry out. For the very first shower, be gentle and only use oil-free cleansers. Avoid any exfoliants and just use the palm of your hand to gently rinse off the surface bronzer. Avoid harsh scrubbing, hot water, drying soaps, and other chemicals. Pat yourself dry instead of rubbing.  

5. MOISTURIZE AFTER THE SHOWER
After your shower, moisturize! Hydrated skin maintains a tan longer than dry, thirsty skin. Remember the previous spray tan aftercare tip to stay dry and make sure that any moisturizing occurs at least 4 hours after the spray tan.

6. AVOID MAKEUP
Many people wonder “can you put makeup over a fresh spray tan?”. However, like any moisture, you want to try and avoid applying any makeup for at least 6 to 8 hours after a spray tan. Applying makeup or any other types of moisturizer can alter the color of a fresh spray tan or cause blotches.

Spray Tan Aftercare: 1 Week After Your Tan

Your spray tan will last anywhere between 5-10 days, depending on your skin complexion and how you care for your tan. Taking good care of your skin following a spray tan is super important, so try these tips:

1. MOISTURIZE DAILY
Make sure to moisturize in the morning and evening to keep your skin looking healthy. After 4 days, you can use a gradual tan lotion for one of these moisturizing applications if you’d like to extend your tan even further, but that is optional.

2. AVOID SWIMMING
Avoiding swimming if possible. Also try to avoid long showers, baths, steam rooms, saunas, or any other activity that exposes your skin to being wet for long periods of time.

3. AVOID CHEMICALS AND ADHESIVES
Avoid harsh chemicals such as chlorine, products containing acids, massages, fashion tape, bandages, and anything else that may strip your tan.

4. TRY NOT TO TOUCH YOUR SKIN
Keep your hands off your skin as much as possible to avoid discoloration. This includes crossing your legs and arms for long periods of time.

Essentially, the main “rule” is to avoid any friction or chemicals that can exfoliate that top layer of skin more quickly than usual. Hydrated skin will hold onto the color longer, and using a gradual tan extender can work wonders to keep skin looking glowy and fresh.