Craving that golden glow even when the weather isn’t so great? A spray tan is an easy, popular way to achieve sun kissed skin without the harmful effects of UV rays. And to get the best results from your spray tan, it is important to follow some basic tips and guidelines.
At Gaia Day Spa, we use Moroccan Tan products, which uses ethically sourced key ingredients like organic argan oil to nourish and moisturise, organic rosehip oil to help correct dark spots and hydrate, and organic aloe vera, which is packed with nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Moroccan Tan is not a “spray on tan” in the sense that it isn’t “painting” your skin. Instead, it uses DHA (Dihydroxyacetone), a colourless sugar used in self-tanning products. When applied to the skin, it reacts with the amino acids in the skin’s surface to produce a golden brown colour that resembles a natural tan. The colour change is temporary, and will gradually fade as the skin naturally exfoliates.
DHA is considered safe for topical (on the skin) use, but it should not be used near the eyes, nose, mouth, and other sensitive areas. Some people may experience skin irritation from DHA, so it is important to patch test the product before using it all over the body.
Prepare your skin: Wax or shave 24 hours before your spray tan, and if you’re having laser hair removal, that should be performed at least 24 hours prior. Make sure to shower and exfoliate your skin to remove any dead skin cells or other product residue, and prevent streaks. Don’t apply any moisturisers, body butters, or lotions. It’s also a good idea to avoid using products that contain oil, as they can interfere with the tanning solution. Don’t wear any deodorant, perfumes, lotions, or essential oils before or after the spray tan, either.
Wear appropriate clothing: Choose loose-fitting, dark-coloured clothing that will not rub or stick to your skin after your spray tan. Tight or synthetic clothing can cause friction and affect the evenness of the tan. Additionally, avoid wearing any jewellery or accessories that could rub against the skin and affect the final result. Wear jandals or slides on your feet.
Choose the right product, and patch test: Talk to your beauty therapist, as different spray tan solutions can offer different results. Your beauty therapist can talk you through the products and the result you desire, in order to recommend what’s most suitable for your skin tone and type, and to patch test the product on your skin.
Communicate with your beauty therapist: Be clear about your desired outcome and any areas you would like to avoid or emphasise. This will help ensure that your beauty therapist applies the spray tan in a way that will give you the results you’re after. If you’re getting a spray tan for an event such as a wedding, you might want to bring in your gown or outfit so the beauty therapist can see where the skin will be exposed and what areas to concentrate on.
The first rule of thumb is: Look, don’t touch! Avoid touching your body while your spray tan is drying. It’s also important to avoid activities that could cause your skin to rub or slough off, such as sweating, swimming, or showering, for at least 24 hours. It will take some time for the colour of your tan to fully develop, so what you leave the spa with will not necessarily be the tan you see later in the day.
After the 24-hour waiting period has passed, you can shower with warm water only, and don’t wash your hair. Pat your skin dry, don’t rub. After the tan is fully developed, then you can shower as normal, and use perfumes, deodorants, and makeup.
It’s important to moisturise your skin daily, preferably with a specialised after-tan product like MoroccanGlow, Luminous, or Butter, in order to help extend the life of your tan. (Also, dry and flaky skin can mean your tan fades unevenly.) The longevity of a spray tan can vary, but most will start to fade within about five to seven days. So if you want to maintain a consistent tan, it’s recommended to schedule touch-up appointments every seven to 10 days.
Avoid using products that contain alcohol or exfoliating agents, as they can strip the tan from your skin. Additionally, avoid using hot tubs, saunas, or steam rooms, as the heat and humidity can cause the tan to fade more quickly.
