Living in a coastal climate seems like a dream for many people. Places such as Isla Vista or Santa Barbara are located near beaches, making them instant attractions for visitors and residents alike. That said, if you get spray tans frequently, you may have noticed they fade faster than the average 7-10 days.
A spray tan Goleta doesn’t last forever, but a good formula can stay on your skin despite the humidity and water exposure. That said, some good practices can help your spray tan last much longer, maintaining your unique shade. This article will offer a couple of tips to make that happen.
Why Does Your Spray Tan Fades Faster in a Coastal Climate?
Areas such as Goleta and Santa Barbara have an average humidity of 61%. While this helps keep your skin moisturized on one hand, it makes your spray tan fade faster on the other. Plus, the salt and chlorine-rich waters, along with walking barefoot in the sand, can act as natural exfoliants. This can make your spray tan fade much faster.
Sunscreen is also important, but some heavier formulas, such as the oil-based ones, can break down the pigment in your spray tan. Add the sweat that can happen by hiking up the Gaviota Wind Cove trails or Goleta Point, and the salt in your skin can break down color faster than you want.
Top Tips to Extend Your Spray Tan
Spray tans are meant to eventually go away, but you can prevent them from fading prematurely. Here are a few tips to care for your spray tanning results.
Use an Oil-Free Moisturizer
Hydration keeps the skin looking glowing and prevents the top layer from flaking off due to dryness. However, not every spray tan is made the same. If you use an oil-based moisturizer, it can break down the DHA that gives your tan its color. Consider switching to a lightweight, water-based formula instead. Keep in mind to apply this for all of your makeup and skincare, including the sunblock.
Avoid Exfoliating
After you get the spray tan, you may want to skip the exfoliating products in the treated area. This can include anything from an exfoliating facial to a body scrub. Even rough towels can cause the skin to exfoliate, so be careful how you dry yourself. Rather than rubbing, it’s best to pat the skin dry.
Get a Tan Extender
Consider using a tan extender rather than the average lotion. The former has small amounts of DHA in its formula, which maintains and gradually deepens the color. You can apply it by hand as you would any other skincare product, and since the pigment amount is very small, the chances of uneven coloring are low. Providers at SweetCheeks can recommend a few good options.
Wear Loose Clothes
Tight clothing acts like an exfoliator, especially after just getting a tan. It rubs off the color and can cause streaks. You should stick to airy clothing, such as a flowy cotton dress, oversized T-shirts, or joggers during the first 24 hours. You can start wearing tight clothes after, but keeping things loose, when possible, can prolong the results.
Prep the Skin Correctly Before the Tan
You can try to protect the skin all you want after getting a fake tan, but longevity starts before the treatment. For the spray tan to stick to the healthy cells, it needs to have no barriers. For this reason, in the 24 hours before the tan, take the time to gently exfoliate the skin. Before going in, make sure to avoid deodorants, lotions, and perfumes. These can affect the results because the DHA can’t penetrate the skin properly.
Shower Carefully
The spray tanning solution needs time to settle before you take a shower. You should wait about 8-12 hours before your first shower. The color tends to be richer if you wait longer, so if you care for longevity, don’t rush into the shower. When you shower, avoid hot water and scrubbing.
Take Short Pool Swims
Salt water and chlorine can dry out the skin and make the tan fade faster. Now, we’re not saying you should avoid it altogether; it’s probably why you got the spray tan, to make the skin look glowing at the beach. However, keep the swims at about 10 minutes and rinse off with regular water immediately after. Follow up with an oil-free moisturizer or a tan extender. You can repeat the process each time you take a dip.
If You Remember One Thing Remember This
Spray tans can bring more confidence in the way you show off your skin. Since this kind of tan is meant to be temporary, you have to care for it properly. Hopefully, this article proved helpful.