How to Make Fake Tan Last Longer | Tips & Tricks for a Long-Lasting Glow

Those who use fake tan will have often wondered, how can I make my self-tanner last longer?

The first 1 – 2 days after getting a spray tan or applying it at home is usually when it will be at its deepest and most vibrant shade. However, any longer and you will start to notice the tanner becoming patchy and fading as the tan wears on.

Thankfully, there are a few this you can do prior to, on the day and after application or at your tanning appointment that will help you maintain fake tan for longer.

How long does a fake tan last?

Fake tan or a spray tan typically will last anywhere between 3 – 5 days. It can really depend on whether you are doing certain things to make the tan fade quicker, or extend it for longer. If you are the latter, read on to find out some practical ways to increase the longevity of your spray or self tan.

How Can I Make My Self Tanner Last Longer?

Prepare the skin

This is one of the most important steps in helping you keep your fake tan for longer. Having a good base to start with will ensure the tanner can be spread evenly and hold to the skin well.

3 – 4 days before

• Wax
  I would seriously recommend getting waxing done a no later than 3 – 4 days prior to your appointment. This is because your skin can become inflamed and sensitive in the areas post-waxing. The last thing you would want to do is put a tanning product onto that. Plus, it could result in the tan being patchy in the areas in the waxing was done.
• Gently Exfoliate
  A few days prior to your appointment, make sure you have exfoliated your skin with tanning removal mitt or body scrubber. Removing dead skin is a really important step in ensuring your tan last longer. This can be helpful in removing the dull and dry top layer of the skin.
• Keep Skin Moisturised
  Does Moisturising help fake tan last longer?
  Yes! This is really the key to prolonging a fake tan. If your skin is dry and starts cracking, it’s going to have a really hard job to try and retain the colour and vibrancy of the tan. It can literally start to flake off. The answer is to ensure the skin is well-hydrated. Invest in a good body moisturiser and apply regularly leading up to your tan application or appointment.

24 hours before

• Shave
  Shaving post-tan has the possibility to strip some of the colour with it. If you need to shave, I suggest doing that prior to application.
• Apply your active skincare products
  Shaving post-tan has the possibility to strip some of the colour with it. If you need to shave, I suggest doing that prior to application.

Immediately Before

Spray face with cold water
Fake tan applied to the face can sometimes lead to breakouts. One way to minimise this is to spray your face with cold water right before getting a spray tan applying at home. This will work to shrink your pores and reduce the chance that they get blocked with tanning product.

On the Day

• Avoid oil-based products
  Like moisturisers or creams before your spray tan appointment.
  
  
• No perfume or deodorant
  This can impact the tanner not being able to hold to the skin properly.
  
  
• Let it dry for the recommended time
  As the colour develops and darker, you might be tempted to wash it off. Don’t worry — this is not the final colour!
  
  Once you have a shower it will lighten by several shades. That said, you don’t want to wash it off prematurely before the tanner has had time to dry off properly.
  
  Wait a minimum of 1 – 2 hours before showering unless otherwise advised from the instructions.
  
  
• Wear dark clothing
  It should go without saying to not wear your favourite shape-hugging, white silk dress post spray tan. Opt for loose-fitting dark clothing to avoid running the tan off.
  
  
• Avoid getting sweaty or wet
  Sweat is the enemy of a great spray tan. Try and avoid the gym and stay in well air-conditioned space if you are fake tanning on a hot day.

How to Maintain the Tan

• Moisturise Daily
  As mentioned above, this is really a critical step in making your tanning product last longer. For the days following, make sure you are moisturising consistently in order to keep the skin from drying and cracking.
  
  
• Use a Moisturising Body Wash
  Use a moisturising body wash to double up on skin hydration. Anything you can do to retain moisture in the skin will help prolong the colour fading.
  
  
• Top up With a Gradual Tanner
  A gradual tanning lotion can a great way to maintain the colour. You can check out some of my favourite gradual tanning lotions here.
  
  
• Use Face Water or Tan Mist for Face
  Your skincare products are likely to be the first thing to strip the fake/spray tan off. A tanning water or mist can be perfect for helping to maintain some colour in your face — all while keeping it hydrated.
  
  
  

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• Avoid Too Much Moisture
  One surefire way to make your tan fade quickly is exposure to chlorine. You might have to miss out on the pool for the few days you want a keep a deep colour.
  
  Also, try avoiding the sauna or any other activity that is going to cause you to sweat excessively or strip some layers of the tan.

Conclusion

Hopefully, these tips and tricks will help you maintain self-tan or a spray tan. The key here is moisturising. If you do nothing else, make sure you skin stays well hydrated to prevent from flaking or cracking post-application.

Tara Lusk is a Sydney-based beauty enthusiast and the founder of Beauty Space. She launched the blog in 2018 to showcase the best beauty and skincare brands emerging from Australia, while also providing insider tips and tricks for hair and skincare. With a focus on tried-and-true products, Tara puts the latest cult products to the test to separate hype from substance.