After Your Spray Tan
Congratulations on your beautiful new glow! Following these aftercare steps will maximize your tan’s longevity and keep you looking radiant for up to 2 weeks.
Quick aftercare summary: Wait for first rinse • Use lukewarm water • Moisturize daily • Avoid harsh products • Pat dry, don’t rub
Critical Development Period
Your tan is still developing during this time
Before Your First Rinse
✓ DO:
- Wear loose, dark clothing
- Sleep on dark sheets or use a dark towel (if sleeping in your tan)
- Keep skin dry and avoid sweating
- Avoid sitting on light furniture without protection
- Stay cool and comfortable
✗ AVOID:
- Getting wet (rain, swimming, excessive sweating)
- Tight clothing, bras with underwire, or restrictive garments
- Working out or strenuous activity
- Hot environments (saunas, hot cars)
- Touching or rubbing your skin unnecessarily
Your First Rinse Timing
We will provide your specific timing during your consultation.
How to Rinse Properly
- Use lukewarm water (not hot—this will strip your tan)
- Gently rinse with your hands
- Use a gentle, sulfate-free body wash only AFTER 24 HOURS. Soap will stop color development.
- Focus on removing the cosmetic bronzer (temporary color)
- Pat skin dry with a clean towel—never rub or scrub
What You’ll See
The bronze cosmetic layer will wash off, revealing your bare skin underneath. Don’t panic—this is normal! Your actual tan is still developing and will continue to darken for 24 hours.
After Your First Rinse
Your tan will continue to develop for 24 hours. During this time it is important that you do not wear tight clothing, sweat or apply any products on the skin.
✗ Hot water – Strips color and causes uneven fading
✗ Harsh soaps or sulfate-containing cleansers – Removes tan prematurely
✗ Exfoliating scrubs or loofahs – Scrubs away your color
✗ Retinol or AHA/BHA products – Chemical exfoliation removes tan
✗ Chlorine – Swimming pools will fade your tan quickly, especially if not using sunscreen! (ask for a tan extender to replenish your color!)
✗ Products with alcohol – Drying and color-stripping
✗ Strong fragrances or dyes – Can cause reactions or staining
Lifestyle Activities to Limit
✗ Hot showers or baths – Use lukewarm water only
✗ Saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs – Heat strips color
✗ Excessive sweating – Wait 24 hours before intense workouts
✗ Tight clothing immediately after – Can cause streaking
✗ Rough towels – Pat dry, never rub
✗ Immediate swimming – Wait 24-48 hours
Common Mistakes That Cause Fading
- Taking showers longer than 10 minutes
- Using hotel soaps and shampoos on your body
- Forgetting to moisturize daily
- Over-exfoliating during maintenance
- Using deodorants with alcohol immediately after tan
Daily Essentials
✓ Sulfate-free body wash – Gentle cleansing that preserves color
✓ Tan-extending moisturizer – Hydrates while maintaining color
✓ Fragrance-free products – Reduces risk of reactions and unnecessary drying alcohols
✓ Lukewarm water – Preserves tan longevity
Moisturizing Schedule
Morning: Light, fast-absorbing formula
Evening: Richer, more nourishing formula
After shower: Always moisturize damp skin immediately
Focus areas: Elbows, knees, ankles (prone to dryness)
Professional Aftercare Products
Available at Honey Hue Tans Studio
Tan-Extending Daily Moisturizer
Hydrates skin while subtly enhancing color for longer-lasting results
Gentle Sulfate-Free Body Wash
Cleanses without stripping color, pH-balanced for spray tans
Gradual Tanning Maintenance Lotion
Builds and maintains color between appointments
Exfoliating Mitt
Gentle preparation for your next spray tan appointment
When to Use Each Product
Week 1: Focus on tan-extending moisturizer and gentle cleansing
Week 2: Add gradual tanning lotion 2-3 times per week
Before next appointment: Use exfoliating mitt 24 hours prior
Why Approved Products Matter
Our aftercare products are specifically formulated for spray tans, pH-balanced, and tested for compatibility with our tanning solutions. Using the right products can extend your tan life by 3-5+ days compared to generic moisturizers.
Sun Protection
✓ Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen – Your spray tan provides minimal protection
✓ Reapply every 2 hours – Especially after swimming or sweating
✓ Seek shade during peak hours – 10am-4pm when UV is strongest