If you’re headed out on a tropical vacation but have spent the last part of the year cooped up inside, you’re probably looking for some options to get a tan quickly. Luckily, spray tans are the perfect way to prepare for vacation. Let’s look at some benefits of getting a spray tan before vacation, as well as some tips on how to maintain that tan throughout your whole trip.
The Benefits of Getting a Spray Tan Before Vacation
No one wants to be “that person” on the beach with uncomfortably pale skin, so a spray tan before a beach vacation is the perfect fix. Spray tans help you feel more confident without the harmful UV rays of natural tans.
Here are some benefits of getting a spray tan before your next vacation:
Saves time - A spray tan appointment can take as little as 15 minutes, meaning that you have a perfectly golden glow before you even hop on the plane. This is great for saving time when you have a million other things to do before your trip, such as pack, make sure all your itineraries are planned, and pick out a good book for the flight.
Healthier for your skin - The most important benefit of getting a spray tan before vacation is that you can then save your skin from the harmful rays of the sun when sitting out. Because you already have a beautiful glow, you can lather on that SPF and protect your skin from sunspots, premature signs of aging, and the risk of skin cancer. Some people think that a base tan helps protect your skin, but this definitely isn’t the case. Dermatologists everywhere promote the importance of skin protection in the sun (even on vacation).
Increased confidence - Everyone wants to feel great on vacation and getting a spray tan will help with that. When you look good, you feel good. Plus, you’re likely not going to hit the gym as much on vacay and you know the old saying: “if you can’t tone it, tan it!”
Tips for Getting Your Pre-Vacay Spray Tan
Now that you know some of the benefits of getting a spray tan before vacation, let’s talk about some tips for when you get your tan. These spray tan tips will help ensure that you get a nice, even glow before you hit the jetway:
Prepare your skin at least a week before your trip by exfoliating and using an oil-free moisturizer every day. This will help your tan adhere evenly and give you the longest-lasting glow.
Make sure to get your tan at least 1-2 days before your trip. Spray tans always look best at least a day after the initial appointment.
Maintain your tan with self-tanners to not only make it last longer but help it fade more evenly.
Don’t skimp on SPF even if you have a spray tan. Sun protection is always important whether or not you spray tan before vacation. There are many sunscreens that are spray tan-approved, including Sonrei and Coola.
Do a trial run if you’re new to spray tanning or aren’t sure what color to get. Most people do spray tan trial runs before big events like weddings, but a vacation also qualifies as a big event (especially with the number of selfies there will be)!
Work with a qualified spray tan artist to get your perfect shade. You definitely want to avoid the infamous orange spray tan and have a nice, even tan that’s not too dark and not too light.
How to Maintain Your Spray Tan on Vacation
If you’re going on vacation, you definitely want your tan to last your entire trip. The good news is that when properly applied, spray tans can last up to two weeks. To maintain your even glow, here are some spray tan care tips:
Avoid hot water, including hot tubs. Hot tubs are a no-no and will strip your skin of its tan in no time.
Try to avoid chlorinated water. We know, you’re on vacation, and you can swim with a spray tan but try not to spend too long in these harsh conditions. Chlorine is super drying and can negatively impact your skin and your tan.
Moisturizing is the secret to making any tan last longer. Make sure you use an oil-free moisturizer that is spray tan-friendly and moisturize twice a day to keep your healthy glow.
Don’t be afraid to “top off” your tan with a self-tanner. Gradual tanners develop over time, which extends the life of your spray tan.
Conclusion
Not only are spray tans the perfect enhancement for everyday life, but they can make you feel like a million bucks while on vacation. Many people get spray tans before vacation because they save you time while you’re preparing for your big trip and enjoying every moment while you’re on it, make you feel more confident, and, most importantly, save you the dangers of sitting out in the sun to get a natural tan.
With a spray tan, you can enjoy the many benefits that a bronzed glow brings without exposing your skin to the harmful rays from the sun. To help maintain your spray tan on vacation, make sure to moisturize, avoid hot water or overly chlorinated pools, and top off your tan with a gradual self-tanner.