The summer heat is no joke, and when it comes to your spray tan, it can be an element that can impact your result!
We all know that spray tanning + any kind of precipitation is kryptonite to your tan, but did you know that spray tanning in excessively hot weather can be equally as damaging? You can end up with a patchy or uneven spray tan due to sweating before the solution has had a chance to be absorbed by the skin.
With the summer heat we about to kick in, I thought it might be useful to share my top 3 tips to prepare for your home + skin for your at-home summer spray tan!
1. Beat the Heat: Keeping Your Home and Yourself Cool
Staying cool is essential, especially when you’re getting an at-home spray tan or applying self-tanner! Whether you’re tanning at home or visiting a professional studio, controlling the temperature is key.
It doesn’t take long for the body to start sweating in hot weather, and that perspiration can quickly ruin your flawless tan. When the skin is hot or we’re perspiring, it becomes resistant to absorption, making it challenging for tanning solutions to penetrate evenly. The result? An uneven, patchy tan that falls short of the flawless, sun-kissed glow we desire.
Remember, taking the time to control the temperature, in your home before + after your tan is a small but vital step.
2. Don’t Shower Right Before Your Tan!
Listen up, folks – this is a message that needs to be heard loud and clear! If you’re planning on getting a spray tan or any kind of tanning treatment, do NOT, I repeat, DO NOT shower right before your session. This is a cardinal sin that so many people commit, and it needs to stop now!
You see, allowing at least a couple of hours after showering before a spray tan is applied is crucial. Not only can water + soap change the pH level of your skin, but it can also strip away any natural oils that help the tanning solution adhere properly. If your skin is too hot or damp, your spray tan or self-tanner simply won’t be able to penetrate evenly, leading to a patchy, uneven tan that won’t last nearly as long as it should.
Here are a few TIPS to cool down your skin before your spray tan or applying any self-tanner:
Using a COOL damp cloth to refresh your skin
Spending at least 20-30 minutes in a cool air conditioned room
Applying self-tanner in front of a fan/AC
By creating the optimal conditions for product absorption, you’ll be able to achieve a flawless bronze result.
3. Giving Yourself Time Before Going Back Into the Heat
When it comes to maintaining a flawless spray tan, the second most important step after the initial application is the development period. This crucial phase occurs after your first rinse and before your first full-body wash shower. It’s during this time that your tan truly develops and sets in, revealing its full, natural-looking glory.
However, many people make the mistake of exposing themselves to excessive heat too soon after their spray tan session. Whether it’s an intense workout, a steamy sauna, or simply being out in hot, humid weather, this premature heat exposure can wreak havoc on your carefully applied tan. The heat can cause the tan to develop unevenly, leading to unsightly patches, streaks, or an overall unnatural appearance.
Conclusion
Remember, taking the time to control the temperature, both in your home and on your skin, is a small but vital step in maintaining your comfort and well-being during the sweltering summer months. So, let’s beat the heat together and stay cool, calm, and BRONZED!
Aim to shower at least 6-8 hours before your spray tan appointment.
Make sure your home is nice and cool before and after your spray tan
Don’t ruin it all by jumping back into the heat too soon!
