Get the Best Spray Tan of Your Life and Make it Last!

(Left) Before the spray tan. (Right) After the spray tan.

When I think of summer, one of the first things that comes to mind is having a tan. I remember spending most of my summer vacations swimming in my grandma's pool. My biggest concern at the time was getting rid of annoying tan lines and trying to avoid my nose from getting sunburned. Now as a licensed esthetician, I shake my head in disbelief when I think of all the countless years I spent exposing my unprotected skin to the sun's deadly rays. I didn't realize until I was an adult that having a tan doesn't mean that the skin is healthy. It's actually the exact opposite. Tanned skin equals damaged, premature aging skin and can lead to cancer.

For those of us who love the look of having a tan, but don't want to damage our skin, thankfully there's spray tanning. Spray tanning is makeup for the body. It lightly coats the skin's surface using a fine mist of air and concentrated self tanner solution. Spray tans are a great solution for people who want to look like they're tan without damaging their skin. Spray tans are quick, painless and won't cause cancer, fine lines or wrinkles. They can last anywhere from five to seven days, depending on how the skin is cared for after the tan. A spray tan will fade a lot faster if the skin is constantly submerged in water or if its been exfoliated on a regular basis.

Before a client comes in for a spray tan service, I always advise them of five ways they can ensure that they will receive the best spray tan of their life and how they can help make it last as long as possible.

1. On the night before or the day of receiving a spray tan, exfoliate the skin with an oil-free body exfoliant or exfoliating mitts or gloves. Don't use anything oil-based. Sugar exfolaints are great because they tend to be natural, gentle and moisturizing but they are terrible for spray tans. The extra moisture will cause the tanning solution to run on the skin, leading to a streaky and splotchy spray tan. No bueno.

2. On the day of receiving a spray tan, avoid heavy body lotions or oil. The extra moisturizer ion from a heavy lotion or oil will not allow the tanning solution to stick to the skin's surface evenly. You can use these products, 24 hours after the service.

3. Avoid perfume and deodorant on the day of the service. These products will interfere with the tan just like a heavy body lotion, body oil or oil-based exfoliant.

4. After receiving a spray tan, it's important to allow the solution to dry thoroughly on the skin as it develops. After the tan, wear dark, loose fitting clothing and flip flops. Black yoga pants, roomy t-shirts and tracksuits are the best way to go. Don't wear tight jeans, leggings, tight tops, socks or lace-up shoes after a tan. The friction of the clothing can rub on the skin, preventing the tan from not drying all the way and creating a splotchy and streaky tan.

5. Spray tanner needs anywhere from eight to ten hours to fully develop. Avoid any excessive sweating after a tan so hit up the gym before the service. The best time of the day to get a spray tan is after work, before bed. Sleep overnight with the tanner on the skin and then shower in the morning.

Are you in the San Francisco area and looking to get an amazing spray tan? Call or book an appointment online at e Salon Tanning + Waxing Studio. We feature Couture Glow and use Beautisol products. We also offer full body waxing. Currently, I'm only available to take clients on Sundays, but the salon is open seven days a week.