Now that you finally got the airbrush tan you’ve been dreaming of, the next thing is to enjoy your improved appearance. But how do you ensure your tan lasts longer and looks more natural without fading or looking patchy?
In this article, we’ll discuss the 8 best care tips for after airbrush tanning that you must follow for a glowy tan.
Let’s get started!
1. Avoid water for the first few hours after your tan
Avoiding water after airbrush tanning may seem like a no-brainer, but most people often overlook it. It’s important to remember that water will cause your spray tan to fade more quickly. So, if you can, avoid getting your skin wet for at least four hours after your airbrush tan. This means no showers, no swimming, and no sweating!
Doing so gives your skin ample time to absorb dihydroxyacetone (DHA), the primary active ingredient in most sunless tanning products such as the Norvell sunless spray tan.
2. Avoid tight-fitting clothes and shoes
Like with spray tanning, it’s also important to avoid tight-fitting clothes, including inner garments and shoes, after airbrush tanning. This is because the tan can rub off on your clothes and shoes, and you don’t want to end up with streaks or patches. Instead, wear loose, comfortable clothing that won’t stick to your skin.
Once your tan has had a chance to set, you can put on tighter clothes. Just be sure to wait for at least an hour after your tanning session before getting dressed.
3. Moisturize
Another pro care tip after airbrush tanning is to moisturize. Moisturizing helps extend the life of your tan and keeps your skin looking healthy and hydrated. Be sure to use a non-oil-based moisturizer that won’t clog your pores or cause your tan to fade; you can ask for recommendations from the staff at the airbrush tanning salon.
Apply the moisturizer all over your body, especially in areas that are prone to dryness, such as your elbows, knees, and ankles. However, have it in mind that all moisturizing should be done at least 4 hours after airbrush tanning. After this, you should moisturize daily.
4. Always wear SPF
After sunless tanning, you should avoid exposure to the sun for long hours, and if you go outdoors, you should always wear sunscreen. This is because the DHA in your tan can make your skin more sensitive to the sun’s harmful UV rays, which can cause skin damage such as wrinkles and age spots or increase the risk of skin cancer.
So, always apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, even if you don’t plan on spending a lot of time outdoors.
5. Be gentle on your skin
After subjecting your skin to airbrush spray tanning, it’s important to be gentle on it when it comes to aftercare maintenance. This means avoiding harsh cleansing products and exfoliants, as well as hot showers and baths. Hot water can strip away your tan, so it’s best to stick to lukewarm water when showering or bathing. After showering, avoid rubbing yourself with a towel; instead, pat yourself dry.
When it comes to cleansing your skin, opt for a mild soap or body wash that won’t dry out your skin or cause your tan to fade. If you want to extend the life of your tan, you can also use a self-tanner-specific body wash or bar soap.
It’s also important to avoid using harsh shaving creams or waxing products. And don’t forget to moisturize daily.
6. Eat fruits and veggies
One way to make sure your skin stays healthy and glowing is to eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Fruits and veggies are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help keep your skin looking its best. So, be sure to include plenty of them in your diet.
7. Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of water helps to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. When your skin is properly hydrated, it’s better able to protect itself from damage, retain its elasticity, and fight off fine lines and wrinkles. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water per day. You can also up your water intake by eating foods that contain high levels of water, such as cucumbers, watermelons,
8. Exfoliate before your next airbrush tan
To prevent your airbrush tan from looking patchy or faded, it’s also important to exfoliate your skin before each new application. Exfoliating helps to remove dead skin cells and gives your skin a smooth canvas for the new tan.
Bottom Line
Overall, airbrush tanning is the safest and most effective sunless tanning solution to get a sun-kissed look without the harmful effects of UV rays. However, it’s important to take proper care of your skin both before and after your tanning session. By following the tips above, you can help ensure that your airbrush tan lasts for as long as possible.