Spray tanning is becoming more and more important because it allows you to obtain a beautiful golden complexion without having to expose yourself to the sun for prolonged periods. It is also a quick and easy method, as the duration of the treatment does not exceed 10-20 minutes. Since the skin's cell turnover occurs very quickly, the spray tan lasts only about 10 days, so you have to repeat the application more or less every two weeks in order to maintain it throughout the summer. Adopt the following habits before and after application to have a perfect tan for as long as possible.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Ensure a Lasting Tan
Step 1. Exfoliate your skin daily for the three days leading up to the spray tan session
Imagine your skin is a house wall and your spray tan is a can of paint. It is possible to spread the paint directly on the wall without preparing it in any way, but it will be difficult to get a good result. If, on the other hand, you take the time to prepare the wall for painting (for example, repairing holes, sanding rough areas, using a primer and so on), you will ensure that the new coat of paint is perfect. The skin must be prepared in the same way before the session with the spray so that the final result is flawless and lasts as long as possible.
- Exfoliate your skin in the shower daily for at least three days before applying using a scrub and sponge.
- Wax (if needed) at least 24 hours before applying the spray.
Step 2. Go to the appointment with clean skin
The ideal would be to take a shower and exfoliate your skin about eight hours before your solarium appointment. If necessary, you can apply a light moisturizer after the shower, but do not use heavy or dense products on the day of the session.
If you shower and exfoliate your skin eight hours before your appointment, your skin will be able to reach the perfect pH for treatment
Step 3. Choose carefully the clothes and shoes you will wear for your solarium appointment
The clothing and footwear that you will wear immediately after the treatment can cause numerous problems with tanning if you are not careful. You must avoid any garments with straps (including bras) to avoid leaving unsightly marks on the body.
- Soft-hold, strapless, lightweight cotton dresses are the best option for going home after your date.
- Sandals, on the other hand, are the perfect footwear, but be careful to prevent the strap or bands from leaving marks on the feet.
- If the strap or bands leave marks on your feet, you can exfoliate the skin until the color is homogeneous.
Step 4. Avoid using deodorants, foundation and lotions
On the day of your appointment, avoid products such as deodorants, foundations, and thick or heavy lotions. If you just can't help it, make sure the beautician gives you wipes to remove any residue from the product before the spray is applied.
- These products create a layer on the epidermis that will prevent the spray from penetrating. As a result, when they are removed, the areas on which they were applied will be lighter than the surrounding skin.
- You shouldn't have any problems with your eye makeup, so you don't need to remove it before applying the spray.
Step 5. After the session, wear the paper underwear given to you by the beauty center for a few hours
Sure, it's not the best, but wearing it is worth it to get the perfect tan. Using regular underwear may leave marks where the elastic comes into contact with the skin. Since the goal of spray tanning is to ensure a uniform and mark-free result, failure to do so would be counterproductive.
Step 6. Ask the beautician what to do immediately after application
Sprays don't all work the same way. Some take longer than others to fix. It is important to ask the beautician who applied the product what specific instructions must be followed for the type of treatment performed.
Once you have been given all the necessary directions, be sure to follow them to the letter. If you need to do something at a certain time, set an alarm on your mobile so you don't forget
Part 2 of 2: Maintaining a Perfect Tan
Step 1. Shower properly after application
In some cases it is necessary to wash within a few hours of treatment, while in others it is necessary to wait until the next day. It all depends on the type of product applied. However, for the first shower you will take after applying the spray, you will need to use lukewarm rather than hot water. It is also advisable to use light and natural products to try to make the tan last as long as possible.
- During your first shower, use a cleanser with a basic pH.
- Avoid cleansers filled with added ingredients (such as moisturizers), as they leave a residue on the skin.
- Hydrate after showering by applying a light water-based cream. As advised in the case of the cleanser, avoid creams with oils or other added ingredients.
Step 2. Apply baby powder to reduce sweating immediately after the session
You certainly don't want to spend money on a tan and then see it immediately go away from sweat! Baby powder is a good product to help you control sweating right after applying the spray. Not only will it allow you to reduce sweat, it will also help keep the applied product intact.
It is good to apply talcum powder to the neckline, underarms, knees and back of the legs to immediately reduce the risk of tan fading due to sweating
Step 3. Shower with lukewarm or cold water whenever you can
It is preferable that the water is as cold as possible. This not only helps to make the tan last longer, it also prevents it from becoming uneven.
- After applying the spray, it is also worth taking short showers rather than long baths.
- When you dry yourself out of the shower, pat your skin rather than scrubbing it.
Step 4. Exfoliate certain areas of the skin approximately every two days
Some parts of the body are characterized by a natural cell turnover faster than others, especially those that rub against each other or in contact with clothes. Since cell regeneration occurs faster, your tan will also fade earlier. Gently exfoliate them more or less every two days to re-uniform the color and make the tan more even.
Use only gentle products and tools to exfoliate the skin. An exfoliating sponge or gentle scrub will work fine
Step 5. Moisturize your skin with a product that won't fade your tan
Unfortunately, not all moisturizers help maintain a glowing tan. Make sure you use the right product to make it last as long as possible. Cocoa butter, aloe vera butter, and coconut oil are good options. Products that contain citrus extracts should be avoided.
- At a minimum, you should hydrate your entire body once a day after getting out of the shower or bath.
- You can also moisturize your skin before going to bed.
Step 6. Continue using sunscreen outdoors
Even though you have applied the spray, you still need to protect your skin from UV rays, which are harmful. This means that before going out, the protection must be applied to all exposed areas, including the face. Either way, use a water-based sunscreen rather than an oil-based tan to protect your tan.
Step 7. Shave or wax just before the next session
Rubbing the skin with the razor or plucking the hair out with wax will make the tan fade faster. Since most treatments only last 10 days maximum, try to shave or wax only once there are two or three days left until the next session. But make sure you shave at least 24 hours before your session.
Step 8. Take a break from spray tan at least once a month
Those who undergo this treatment should avoid creating too many layers of product. This not only makes the tan less even, it is not good for the skin either. Take a break at least once a month to remove as much of the previous layer of product as possible before applying another.
- Mix baby oil and a few drops of lemon juice, then apply the mixture all over your body.
- Leave the mixture on your skin for about 10 minutes and then shower.
- In the shower, remove the mixture and dead skin cells with a scrub.
- This blend helps to soften the skin, thus aiding in the removal of dead cells and old tan.
Step 9. Apply self-tanner between treatments
Since some areas will fade sooner than others, it is helpful to use a self-tanner at home between spray applications. The face is a particularly important area, as the tan tends to fade after about three days following the treatment. It is also worth applying the self-tanner on the legs.
- If you suffer from acne in the facial area, be sure to buy a non-comedogenic self-tanner. This type of product does not clog pores and does not worsen the ailment.
- It is advisable to use a lighter self-tanner between one treatment and the other, in order to avoid that the tan is uneven.
Step 10. Avoid water containing chlorine if possible
In the summer it is normal to swim and spend time in the water. Unfortunately, the chlorine in swimming pools tends to cause the tan to fade earlier. Try to avoid it as much as possible, especially during the first week after applying the product.
If the next treatment is shortly after (and you will be doing it in a matter of days), the chlorine from the pool can actually help you remove dead skin cells and old tan before the new application
Advice
- You can get a manicure before the treatment. The spray does not damage nails, not even acrylic ones.
- Pay attention to your hands after the treatment. Touching the skin excessively can cause the palms to darken due to the product. Make sure you wash them if you really have to touch your skin for one reason or another. However, wash only the palms and the inside of the hands, while avoiding the outside and the back.
