First Spray Tan? Here’s What You Can Expect

Along with warm weather and vacation plans, summer brings the search for the perfect tan. And if you’re trying to avoid UV overexposure and all of the skin conditions it can lead to, or you just don’t have time to make it to the beach, there are other ways to get a tan.

In fact, the Skin Cancer Foundation advocates for the use of spray tans and other alternatives like creams and lotions to either outdoor or indoor tanning. If you’re interested in getting a spray tan for that bronze tone, you should know what to expect from a professional treatment.

At any of our three New York City locations, Dr. Javier Zelaya and the team here at Skinworks Dermatology offer a safe, high-quality spray tan to give you the summer look you want.

How do you prepare for a spray tan?

To prepare for a spray tan, it’s good to follow these tips:

• Exfoliate every day a few days before treatment
• Avoid chemical exfoliants and oil products
• Don’t wax a day before treatment
• Wear loose-fitting clothing, to avoid tan lines after
• Remove makeup and deodorant after you arrive

While exfoliating is important for removing dead skin, some of the chemicals in exfoliants can also remove the spray tan, so avoid using them before you go in. It’s also a good idea to let us know how deep a shade you want. Deeper shades tend to last longer.

What is the experience like?

To start, you need to undress. You can wear undergarments if you prefer, but any clothing leaves tan lines. You also need to remove any jewelry.

You’re then placed in a tanning tent, which is a one-person pod with an open front where the formula is applied using a spray gun. We use Bronze Biologic Spray Tan, an all-natural solution with no additives, dyes, or artificial colors.

Take a deep breath and close your eyes as you’re being sprayed. The process usually starts at the top and works down and gets as many places as possible to avoid the tan looking uneven. You may be asked to move your arms and legs to get to harder-to-reach places. 

What do you do after it’s done?

Once the tanning is done and you’re dry, you can get dressed. This is where having loose clothing is helpful to keep the tan from rubbing off. It’s best to not make any plans for the day to let the tan set properly, so just go home and relax.

In the case of the Bronze Biologic Spray Tan, avoid bathing for a day. Also, you should limit intense physical activity while the tan sets. Once it’s set, moisturize frequently for best results.

If you’re looking for a safe way to get that perfect skin tone without a tanning bed or UV exposure, call one of our Skinworks Dermatology locations in Maspeth, Chelsea, or Park Slope today, or book your appointment online.