5 Tips to Make Your Airbrush Tan Last Longer

Airbrush tanning is a popular method of achieving a natural-looking, sun-kissed glow without the harmful effects of UV radiation. However, as much as you may love the results of your airbrush tan, it can be frustrating when it starts to fade after just a few days and simply hoping it’ll last won’t keep it from going away. Fortunately, you can take steps to make your airbrush tan last longer. In this article, we will provide you with 5 tips to help you extend the life of your airbrush tan and get the most out of that gorgeous glow.

Prepare Your Skin Properly Before Your Airbrush Tan

Preparing your skin before your airbrush tan is key to making it last longer. Start by exfoliating your skin the night before your appointment to remove any dead skin cells that could interfere with the absorption of the tanning solution. You can use a gentle scrub or a loofah for this purpose. Make sure to shave or wax the day before as well to avoid any irritation or sensitivity. When you get out of the shower, don’t apply any moisturizers, oil-based products, or lotions as these can create a barrier between your skin and the tanning solution. You want your skin to be dehydrated the next day at your appointment so it can drink up all of the solution evenly and so you can get the best possible color.

Forgot to shower and shave the day before? Don't worry. Come to us as you are and we’ll give you tips for how to shave after the tan has developed - don’t hop in the shower before your appointment and try to prep your skin at the last minute. Skin that has been too freshly shaven and/or exfoliated won’t hold the tan evenly or at all and you’ll find yourself disappointed with the results.

Choose the Right Clothing and Avoid Water

After your airbrush tan, it is important to wear loose-fitting clothing and avoid tight-fitting clothes or bras for at least 8-12 hours. Tight-fitting clothes can rub against your skin and cause your tan to streak or fade faster. Also, avoid sweating or getting wet until AFTER your first shower as this can also cause streaking and uneven fading. Try to schedule your appointment at a time when you can avoid water activities and exercise for at least a day or two. Our advice? Get your tan and head straight home to veg out on the couch for the rest of the night to let your tan develop evenly.

Moisturize Regularly

Keeping your skin hydrated is key to making your airbrush tan last longer. Moisturize your skin at least twice a day with a water-based lotion or oil-free moisturizer. Avoid using products that contain alcohol, fragrance, or essential oils as they can dry out your skin and cause your tan to fade faster.

Only Shower When You Have To and Avoid Harsh Soaps, Chemicals, and Hot Water

Avoid using harsh soaps or hot water on your skin to make your airbrush tan last longer. Harsh bar soaps (we’re looking at you, Dove.) can strip your skin of its natural oils, causing it to dry out and the tan to fade faster. Instead choose a gentle, moisturizing body wash or soap-free cleanser (we sell them if you don’t have one). Also, avoid taking hot showers or baths as hot water can open up your pores and cause your tan to fade faster. Instead, take showers in lukewarm water and pat your skin dry with a towel. The best way to keep that tan? Avoid full showers and opt for ‘birdbaths’ to stay clean on the days you don’t need a full scrub down. The other thing that could seriously mess up a tan? Chlorine and salt water.

For our vacation bunnies, rest assured that you will maintain SOME color after partaking in swimming activities but your tan won’t last as long as if you avoided them altogether. Enjoy your trip and don’t let your tan limit you though - just keep your skin hydrated and have realistic expectations for how long your color will last.

Touch Up Your Tan

Over time, your airbrush tan will naturally fade as your skin exfoliates. To maintain your spray tan, we recommend that you touch it up with our Touch-Up Spray or schedule a follow-up appointment with your airbrush artist. If you choose to try a different at-home self-tanning product, keep in mind that we can not promise that it will jive nicely with our spray tanning solution. You MIGHT be ok but you also risk the color/formulas not blending or even counteracting each other so proceed with caution.

About The Tanning Salon

Experience the best of spray tanning in Chicago at Glamour Girl Airbrush Tan. We promise a perfect, sun-kissed glow. Don’t hesitate – book your appointment today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I avoid hot showers after an airbrush tan?

Hot showers can open up your pores, which in turn, could cause your tan to fade faster. Consider lukewarm showers instead and be sure to gently pat yourself dry.

What products should I avoid applying to my skin after my airbrush tan?

Products that contain alcohol, fragrance, essential oils, or any harsh soaps should be avoided as they can dry the skin and fade the tan more quickly.

How can I touch up my tan?

Apply a touch-up spray or schedule an appointment with your airbrush tan artist to maintain your tan.

Can I swim after getting a tan?

Swimming in chlorinated or salt water can fade your tan, so it’s recommended to avoid such activities if you want to maintain your tan for a longer period of time.

What should I wear after getting a tan?

You should wear loose-fitting clothing after your airbrush tan session to prevent any rubbing off and possible streaking of the tan.