The Ultimate Spray Tan Aftercare Guide: Why Moisture Is Everything

A flawless spray tan isn’t just about the application — it’s about how you care for it afterward. If you’ve ever wondered why your tan fades unevenly or loses that golden glow too soon, the secret might be simple: moisture.

Whether it’s your first tan or your fiftieth, proper hydration is what transforms a basic bronze into a luxurious glow that lasts.

Let’s dive into how to keep your spray tan looking rich, smooth, and effortlessly peachy, plus the 10 things you should never do after your spray tan.

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Why Moisture Matters for Your Spray Tan

When your skin is hydrated, your tan fades evenly and beautifully. Dry skin, on the other hand, can cause patchiness, streaking, and early fading.

Spray tans develop on the top layer of your skin, so as your skin naturally sheds, your tan goes with it. The more hydrated your skin is, the slower that process happens.

The golden rule: Hydrate every single day.

After your first rinse (usually 8–24 hours after your appointment depending on your solution), start moisturizing twice a day : morning and night.

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What Products to Use

1. Unscented Lotion

Fragrance may smell nice, but it’s often packed with alcohols, dyes, and oils that can break down your tan. An unscented, spray-tan-safe lotion keeps your skin soft without stripping color. Look for ingredients like shea butter, aloe, and hyaluronic acid for the ultimate hydration.

✨ Pro tip: Apply lotion right after you shower, when your skin is still slightly damp, to lock in moisture.

2. Luxury Oil (Spray Tan Safe)

Skip mineral oil and reach for a luxury dry oil designed for post-tan care. These oils nourish deeply while giving your skin that healthy, dewy finish without breaking down DHA (the ingredient that gives you color).

Think of it as skincare for your glow , not just maintenance.

A luxury body oil applied every night will make your tan look like it was airbrushed, even days later.

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10 Things to Avoid After a Spray Tan

To keep your glow flawless for 7–10 days, avoid these common mistakes:

1. Skipping your first rinse – Leaving solution on too long can lead to overly dark or uneven results.

2. Using bar soap or Dove – They contain ingredients that break down DHA and strip color.

3. Hot showers or long baths – Heat dries your skin and causes faster fading.

4. Exfoliating too soon – Wait until your tan starts fading naturally before using a scrub.

5. Applying perfume or scented lotion – Alcohol-based products can discolor your tan.

6. Wearing tight clothing right after – Friction can cause your tan to rub off prematurely.

7. Using retinol, AHA, or acne products – These exfoliate the skin and will strip color fast.

8. Sweating heavily in the first 24 hours – Let your tan fully develop before working out.

9. Swimming in chlorine or saltwater – Both are notorious for breaking down spray tans.

10. Neglecting daily moisture – The quickest way to dull, patchy skin is dehydration.

Keep the Glow Going

Your spray tan is an investment and with the right care, it should last beautifully all week (and beyond). Hydration is the key. Use an unscented lotion daily, layer on a luxury oil at night, and avoid the common mistakes that steal your glow.

Your skin deserves to look and feel as good as your tan — smooth, radiant, and confident.