Everything you need to know about applying spray tan!

These days, there are all kinds of self-tanners on the market: spray tan, cream or mousse. You name it, they’ve got it. We’ve noticed that spray tan is still the favorite self-tanner among our beauty customers. JAYJO The Original Professional Spray Tan is the best-selling self-tanner spray in our beauty shop. Mainly because it’s easy to use and gives beautiful results. We’re happy to share the steps for applying spray tan with you. This way, you’ll get the most out of your spray tan and you can enjoy a sunkissed glow too!

Step 1. Exfoliate before applying spray tan

A self-tanner works in part through a substance called DHA (dihydroxyacetone). DHA is derived from sugar beets or sugar cane and can cause the dead cells in the top layer of the epidermis (outer skin) to turn brown. The tanning effect is caused by what’s known as a Maillard reaction. During this process, DHA (a sugar) reacts with amino acids in the layer of dead skin cells. This reaction is non-toxic; in fact, you can see it when you cook a piece of meat: sugars react with amino acids and turn brown.

Dead skin cells build up in certain areas of your body, such as your elbows, knees and knuckles. It’s important to prepare your skin as well as possible before applying self-tanner. Prepping your skin by exfoliating it thoroughly is already a big step toward a beautiful result. Scrub your whole body, focusing especially on the drier areas. As the saying goes, good preparation is half the job. For example, try the exfoliating body scrub from ELEVEN Australia or the Body Scrub Oil from Treatments.

Exfoliate your skin with the finest scrubs

Step 2. Hydrate your skin

Be sure to dry yourself thoroughly after scrubbing. You’ll get the best tanning results on dry skin. Otherwise, the tan won’t develop properly. You’ll often find that some areas of your body are still a little dry after scrubbing. So hydrate your skin with a nourishing body cream. We recommend preparing the night before. Scrub your skin and apply a generous layer of nourishing cream. For example, choose a body cream with omega fatty acids. Sleep with it on and rinse it off the next day. Now your body is completely tan ready!

Have a busy life and no time to prepare your skin the night before? Then we recommend applying a lightweight body lotion after scrubbing. Pay special attention to your feet and ankles, knees, elbows, the insides of your elbows, wrists and hands, and armpits. Dead skin cells tend to build up in these areas, causing the spray tan to develop too darkly. The result is a shade that’s too dark compared to the rest of your body. Applying lotion to these areas helps prevent this, so the color is more even across your body. You can also hydrate your face with a nourishing face cream, such as the VVBETTER Teca Lifting Moisture Cream.

Step 3. Apply spray tan the right way

Always spray a generous amount of self-tanning spray onto the accompanying mitt. This saves product, as the mist settles on the mitt too. It’s best to start with your legs. Use circular motions, starting at your shins, moving to your calves and then working your way up. You should be able to see from the color where you’ve already used the mitt and where you haven’t. If you spot an area you’ve missed, apply a thin layer there. You don’t need to spray again.

Spray tan on your face

Most self-tanning sprays can also be used on your face. You can use a mitt or a Kabuki Brush. When tanning your face, you can spray the tan directly onto your face. Hold the spray at arm’s length from your skin. Then use the brush to blend the spray evenly. Don’t forget your ears and the area behind them. You don’t want to walk around with pale ears. You can remove any excess spray tan with a damp cotton swab. And voilà, your face is sunkissed too!

Step 4. Let the spray tan dry

Now you’ve applied the self-tanning spray, and you need to wait for it to dry. The spray needs 7 to 8 hours to develop fully. Only then will your skin be tanned. We also recommend not putting on your sunkissed-ready outfit for the first two hours; wear loose-fitting clothes instead. Anything that digs into your skin can leave streaks. And a zebra print on your skin is probably not the look you’re going for. Opt for a bathrobe or loose pajamas. Ideally, spend the first 2 hours without underwear or socks. If that’s not possible, make sure your underwear and socks are loose. After two hours, you can wear something a little tighter. Bear in mind that the guide color may transfer, though fortunately it often washes out. You can also sleep in your spray tan or wear it during the day. Make sure your skin stays dry for the first 7 to 8 hours. DHA colors your dead skin cells during those first few hours. So don’t wash your hands, exercise (and sweat) or swim. After 8 hours, you can shower and rinse it off. No worries, your tan will stay put because it has penetrated the top layer of your skin!

Step 5. Maintain your tan!

Yes! You’ve got the tan of your dreams, all without having to seek out the sun. If you don’t maintain your tan properly, it will gradually rub off. To enjoy your tan for longer, here are a few tips.

• Tip 1: Don’t shower too often. Showering softens the skin and loosens dead skin cells. Then drying your skin with a towel exfoliates it.
• Tip 2: When you shower, don’t use a foaming cleanser. Use shower oil or nothing at all. Shower gels dry out your skin. Dry skin cells come loose more easily, causing your tan to fade. Shower oil nourishes the layer of dead skin and is gentler on your tan. Pat your skin dry, or let it air-dry for a while.
• Tip 3: Apply body lotion every day before going to bed. This keeps the colored outer layer of your skin supple and soft and helps prevent skin cells from flaking off.
• Tip 4: Maintain your tan with Perle de Soleil tanning drops. Mix a few drops into your body lotion and/or day cream to refresh your tan. You can also use them instead of tanning spray on your face.
• Tip 5: Is your tan starting to fade and become patchy? Exfoliate your skin thoroughly with, for example, the exfoliating body scrub from Moroccanoil. The scrub’s exfoliating ingredient is ground argan nut. After using it, your skin will be as soft as a baby’s!
  Then you can start fresh again!

What are the benefits of a spray tan?

• Gives you a beautiful complexion in 10 minutes.
• Spray tan is the fastest way to get a sunkissed look.
• Results without spots or streaks.
• Easy to apply.
• A spray tan lasts an average of three days to a week.
• Gives your skin a naturally tanned look with a beautiful glow!

Shop your spray tan

Looking to buy tanning spray?

Ready to discover your perfect tan? Buy the tanning spray online from us and enjoy showing off your tan with a sunkissed glow. Need help choosing the right products? Contact our Beauty Care team or leave your question in the comments below. We’re happy to help! We’d love to know which self-tanner is your favorite, so let us know below!