How to Achieve a Year-Round Natural Tan

Spray tanning is an easy and safe solution to maintaining a natural golden tan throughout the year. Unlike the toxic UV rays that cause significant damage to the skin’s health, getting a spray tan is considered to be completely safe as long as you are careful not to breathe in the airbrush mist during application. In fact, DHA, the main tanning agent in self-tanning solutions, has been approved for cosmetic use by the TGA, Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration. While it is always smart to do a skin test if you are a first-time user, the wide majority of people can spray tan on a regular basis with no adverse side effects. With the right care and maintenance routine, you can get a good spray tan that lasts and looks natural in any season.

Getting a Good Spray Tan

The key to getting a natural-looking spray tan throughout the year is adjusting the intensity of your colour as the seasons change. Winter is all about subtle golden hues that are a shade or two darker than your natural skin tone. Summer, on the other hand, is the perfect time to go daringly dark with rich brown shades and deep bronze undertones.

You do need to go spray tanning regularly if you want to keep your colour consistent. Spray tans typically last somewhere between five and 10 days. The exact timeline can vary quite a bit depending on the quality of the tanning solution and your maintenance routine.

While spray tanning can give you a gorgeous sun-kissed glow, keep in mind that most self-tanning solutions do not contain SPF. You still need to wear sunblock on a daily basis to keep your skin smooth and healthy as you age.

Making a Good Spray Tan Last Longer

There is nothing more disappointing after getting a good spray tan than watching it wash right off your skin just a few days after the tanning session. Try the following tips to improve your skin’s health and instantly double the lifespan of every spray tan.

• Exfoliate your skin before your tanning session. Exfoliating creates a perfectly polished surface for spray tans by eliminating dead skin cells that form patches and block colour development.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing to your tanning appointment to avoid accidentally rubbing off parts of your tan after application. Make sure that you wait until your skin is completely dry to the touch before dressing.
• Wait a day before showering or exercising to let your colour fully develop.
• Keep your skin healthy and make your tan last longer with daily moisturisers. Body lotions hydrate the skin and protect spray tans from fading.