A flawless spray tan can give you a beautiful, sun-kissed glow, but maintaining that glow can be challenging if you don't know the best practices. Whether you're in Minneapolis or elsewhere in Minnesota, here are my top tips to help you extend the life of your spray tan and keep your skin looking radiant.

1. Pre-Tan Prep: Exfoliate and Moisturize

Preparing your skin before your spray tan is crucial. Exfoliate your skin thoroughly to remove dead skin cells, ensuring an even application. Pay special attention to rough areas like elbows, knees, and ankles. Moisturize your skin well the day before your appointment to create a smooth canvas for your tan.

• Explore my exfoliating products to prep your skin perfectly.

2. Timing Your Tan

Schedule your spray tan at least 24-48 hours before a big event. This allows the tan to fully develop and ensures any initial residue is washed off. Plan your tan around your schedule to avoid any activities that might cause excessive sweating or water exposure immediately after the application.

3. Wear Loose, Dark Clothing

After your spray tan, wear loose-fitting, dark clothing to avoid any rubbing or staining. Tight clothing can cause your tan to wear off unevenly, especially in areas where fabric might rub against your skin.

• Browse my recommended post-tan apparel to keep your tan intact.

4. Avoid Water and Sweating

For the first 6-8 hours after your spray tan, avoid any water exposure, including showers, baths, doing the dishes taking wet clothing out of the washing machine and swimming. Sweating can also cause streaking, so try to stay cool and dry during this initial period.

• Check out my post-tan maintenance products for the best results.

5. Moisturize Daily

Keeping your skin hydrated is essential to extending the life of your spray tan. Use a moisturizer that is free of oils and fragrances to avoid breaking down the tan. Moisturize your skin at least twice a day to keep it smooth and hydrated.

• Shop my moisturizing products designed to extend your spray tan.

6. Gentle Cleansing

When showering, use a gentle, sulfate-free body wash to cleanse your skin without stripping away the tan. Avoid using loofahs or harsh scrubs that can cause the tan to fade unevenly. Pat your skin dry with a towel instead of rubbing.

• Discover my gentle body wash perfect for maintaining your tan.

7. Avoid Prolonged Water Exposure

Long baths, swimming pools, and hot tubs can cause your spray tan to fade faster. If you plan to swim, apply a waterproof sunscreen or barrier cream to protect your tan. Limit your time in water to keep your glow intact.

8. Touch-Up as Needed

To maintain your tan, use a gradual self-tanning lotion or spray to touch up any areas that start to fade. This can help prolong your tan and keep it looking fresh between spray tan appointments.

• Explore my touch-up products for a longer-lasting tan.

9. Avoid Products That Can Break Down Your Tan

Be mindful of products that contain alcohol, AHAs, BHAs, or retinoids, as these can accelerate the fading of your tan. Check the ingredients in your skincare and beauty products to ensure they are tan-friendly.

• Check out my tan-friendly skincare products.

By following these tips, you can make your spray tan last longer and maintain that beautiful, sun-kissed glow. Remember, preparation and maintenance are key to extending the life of your tan. Enjoy your radiant skin and feel confident with a long-lasting spray tan.

For those in Minneapolis and throughout Minnesota looking for professional spray tanning services, I offer expert spray tans that give you a gorgeous, natural-looking glow. My at-home maintenance products are perfect for keeping your tan looking fresh and your skin feeling smooth.