Spray Tanning 101
For some of us, spray tans are an essential part of our weekly self care schedule (Fake Tan Thursdays, am I right?!). For others, a spray tan is a staple in preparing for special events — there’s nothing like a fresh spray to elevate any occasion or mood!
If you are after a bronzed complexion, you’d be silly to consider anything else. With skin cancer becoming more prevalent, we all know how much damage sun tanning can do to our skin.
Our Absolute Beauty Mediterranean Spray Tans will leave you feeling like you have spent a week in Santorini and if you’re chasing that all year round Summer glow - we’ve got a few tips to help you get the best and most out of your fresh spray!
Preparing for your Spray Tan
Preparation is super important when it comes to tanning. It’s best to exfoliate and shave at least 12-24 hours prior to your appointment.
Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate! Exfoliation is vital as this will cleanse the skin and slough off dry and dead skin cells. After exfoliating, a smooth texture is exposed and the outer most cells of the skin will be prepared to receive the spray tan solution evenly.
Do NOT use an oil based exfoliator as the oil left on the skin may act as a barrier and hinder the results (we have excellent exfoliation mitts available for sale).
Do NOT use any products like deodorants, perfumes, lotions, moisturisers, or make up before the session. Applying these products to the skin can create unwanted results after you have been spray tanned.
What to wear
We recommend wearing dark coloured, loose fitting clothes to your appointment and on the way home, as well as open toed shoes. Come with a fresh face, without makeup or moisturisers and pop your hair into a bun. Remove all jewellery. Voila! You’re ready for your glow up.
During your appointment
We will ensure you are as comfortably as possible as you will need to get nudie!
A disposable g-string will be supplied for you, or if you prefer no tan lines then you are more than welcome to go naked. Hair nets are also available for use. Sticky feet will be supplied so that you don’t get any spray tan on your feet.
Barrier cream is supplied to apply on your elbows and knees and on any dry areas to avoid over development of tan.
After your appointment
Let the spray tan solution fully dry before putting clothes back on. It’s normal to be a lot darker than the tone your tan will eventually set on. This is just the bronzer in the tan solution working its magic!
Once it’s time to wash the spray tanning solution off, run a warm (not too hot) shower and use a gentle body wash to fully remove any residue. Pat yourself dry - trying not to rub your skin too much. It’s now normal to be a little lighter than the final tanning result, as your spray tan will need another 24 hours to fully develop.
How to get longevity out of your tan
Your tan should last around one week if you take good care of it. After drying off, moisturise! This is a vital step in your spray tan staying hydrated and in tact. When your skin is hydrated and smooth, the tanned cells wont flake off, leaving the dreaded patchy tiger bread effect. Remember to moisturise at least twice a day for optimum results! Make sure you’re washing with gentle cleansers and avoid exfoliants and AHA products.
If you want to extend the life of your tan even further, avoid pools, saunas, spas, excessive sweating or swimming and tight clothing.
