Should You Airbrush Tan Before Vacation

Should You Airbrush Tan Before Vacation? Pros & Best Spray Tan Timing

Heading on a vacation soon? If you're planning to show off a sun-kissed glow, you might be wondering whether you should tan before your trip. One of the best ways to achieve a natural, bronzed look without exposing your skin to harmful UV rays is through spray tanning. This blog will cover the pros of getting a spray tan before your vacation, the best timing for your tan, and how to maintain it while traveling, including recommendations for your spray tanning travel kit.

Should You Airbrush Tan Before Vacation

Why You Should Airbrush Tan Before Vacation

Getting a spray tan before your vacation is the perfect way to start your trip with a radiant glow, especially if you're heading somewhere sunny and beachy. A pre-vacation tan offers several benefits:

1. Instant Confidence Boost: Spray tanning provides an immediate, flawless glow, so you’ll feel ready to flaunt your swimwear from the moment you arrive.

2. Sun Protection: While a spray tan won’t protect you from UV rays, it gives your skin a darker tone that can help make your natural complexion look healthier under the sun.

3. No UV Damage: Unlike natural sun exposure, spray tans allow you to achieve that golden glow without the risk of skin damage or premature aging.

4. Time-Saving: A spray tan is quick and efficient, saving you from hours of sunbathing. It gives you more time to relax and enjoy your vacation.

Best Timing for an Airbrush Tan Before Vacation

Timing your airbrush tan before vacation is crucial to ensure it lasts as long as possible. The best time to get a spray tan is 2–3 days before your trip. Here’s why:

• Optimal Development Time: It typically takes about 8–12 hours for the DHA (dihydroxyacetone) in the spray tan solution to fully develop. By waiting 2–3 days, you allow the tan to reach its full depth and avoid any streaks or unevenness.

• Long-Lasting Glow: A spray tan typically lasts 5-7 days, so if you time it 2–3 days before you leave, you’ll have a fresh tan that’ll last well through the start of your vacation.

• Exfoliation: You’ll have time to properly exfoliate your skin before the spray tan, which ensures a smoother and more even application.

How to Maintain Your Spray Tan During Vacation

Once you’re on vacation, maintaining your spray tan can be tricky, especially if you're spending time in the water or under the sun. Taking the right products with you can make all the difference. We recommend packing your Spray Tanning Travel Kit, which includes:

• Hydrating Products: Your skin is more likely to dry out while traveling, especially if you're swimming or in the sun. Keep your skin hydrated with moisturizing products to extend the life of your tan.

• Extend (Contains DHA): Using products with DHA (like your Extend product) helps to keep the tan looking fresh and long-lasting by gradually deepening the color and evening out the fade.

• Mousse: A tanning mousse is easy to apply while traveling, giving you the flexibility to touch up your tan whenever necessary. Mousse formulas are known for their quick-drying nature and smooth application.

What Happens if You Don’t Use These Products?

If you skip these essential products, your tan may fade unevenly and prematurely. Here’s what you might expect if you don’t properly hydrate or extend your tan:

• Fading: Without moisturizing and extending products, your tan will begin to fade faster, especially in areas like elbows, knees, and ankles where skin tends to be drier.

• Streaking: Water exposure can strip away the DHA in your tan, leading to uneven fading or streaks on your skin.

• Patchy Tan: Excessive washing, swimming, or exposure to saltwater and chlorine can also cause your spray tan to fade quickly, leaving you with uneven patches.

Water and Your Spray Tan: Why It’s Important to Protect Your Tan

Water can remove your spray tan, especially if you don’t take steps to protect it. Here's how to minimize the damage:

• Avoid Direct Contact with Water: In the first few hours after your tan, avoid getting wet, as water can wash off the DHA before it fully develops.

• Shower Carefully: When you do shower, use lukewarm water and avoid scrubbing your skin too aggressively. This will help preserve your tan for as long as possible.

• Limit Swimming: Chlorine and saltwater can accelerate tan fading. If you plan to swim, apply a layer of water-resistant sunscreen or use a protective barrier cream to prevent water from stripping your tan.

By following these tips, you can keep your glow looking fresh throughout your vacation and ensure you return home with that just-back-from-the-beach tan.

Why Choose 360 Tans for Your Pre-Vacation Tan?

At 360 Tans, we specialize in providing the best spray tanning experience to help you look and feel your best. Our spray tans are customizable, so you get the perfect shade for your skin tone, and our products are designed to deliver a flawless, streak-free tan every time. Whether you're preparing for vacation or just want to boost your everyday glow, we’ve got you covered.

Be sure to pack your spray tanning travel kit, and visit 360 Tans for the best tanning solutions available in Austin. We’re here to help you maintain that perfect vacation tan, even after you’ve returned home.