Spray Tan Aftercare: Why Rinsing at the Right Time Is Everything

You just got a spray tan, and you’re already glowing – but don’t hop in the shower just yet. One of the biggest mistakes I see is rinsing at the wrong time. Whether too soon or too late, incorrect rinse timing can completely change your final result.

As your artist, I choose your rinse time based on your skin tone, how the solution develops, and the depth of color you want. Here’s how to rinse right – plus everything you need to know to keep your tan smooth, bronzed, and beautiful.

⏰ Why Rinse Timing Is Everything

Spray tans continue developing after your appointment. Most modern solutions are rapid-developing, meaning they need to be rinsed within a specific window – usually between 2 to 6 hours.

Rinsing too early? You risk washing off the solution before it’s fully developed. The result: a lighter, uneven, or short-lived tan.

Rinsing too late? You could over-develop, turning the color too deep, warm, or even orange. Overdevelopment can also cause blotchiness as it fades.

🛑 Always follow the rinse time I give you – down to the hour. Set a time on your phone and avoid guessing.

💦 First Rinse Instructions

Your first shower matters. Here’s how to rinse like a pro:

• 🚿 Use lukewarm water only
• 🧼 No soap, no scrubbing, no shampoo
• 💧 Rinse until the bronzer runs clear – this is not your final color yet!
• 🧻 Pay dry gently with a towel – don’t rub

👉🏼 DO NOT use Dove, Bath & Body Works, or bar soap during your day – it can break down your color and cause patchiness.

💛 Aftercare for the First 24 Hours

• Wear loose, dark clothing
• Avoid sweating, working out, or anything that causes friction
• Don’t apply lotion, oils, perfume or deodorant until after your first rinse
• Sleep in long sleeves + pants if you’re rinsing in the morning (helps prevent skin-to-skin transfer overnight)<p>Need a reminder of what to do once you’ve passed that 24-hour mark? <a href=”https://sunnydazesunless.com/FAQ” target=”_blank”>Our FAQ page has you covered</a> with a quick overview of prep/aftercare.</p>

🧴 Long-Term Tan Care

To extend the life of your glow for 7-10 days:

Hydrate daily: Use a tan-safe, fragrance-free lotion (CeraVe, Hempz Sensitive, Or Aveeno Oatmeal are my go-to faves)

Avoid exfoliants: Skip retinol, AHAs, loofahs, or shaving too frequently

Shower gently: Lukewarm water, gentle body wash (nothing stripping or sudsy)

Touch-ups + Extenders: Use a graduate tan extender or bronzing lotion around 4-5 days if needed. I carry a go-on-the-glow travel kit with all the essentials to extend the life of your tan – just ask!

🚫 What NOT to Do After a Spray Tan

• no hot tubs, chlorine pools or saunas
• no body oils or oil based scrubs
• don’t wear tight bras, leggings or anything that rubs against your skin for 12-24 hours

📍 Book with Sunny Daze

Post-tan glow is a science – and we’ve got it down. Book your mobile or in-studio tan in Lawrence, KS, Johnson County area, or KC and get a personalized prep+aftercare guide sent directly to you every time.

➡️Ready to glow? Let’s go! Book your spray tan today!

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