Post-Tan Skincare: How to Keep Your Skin Glowing Longer

At BlushTan San Diego, we understand that maintaining your airbrush tan is just as important as getting the perfect application. After you’ve left our salon with a gorgeous tan, the real work begins at home to keep your skin glowing for as long as possible. The key to extending the life of your tan lies in a consistent post-tan skincare routine that focuses on hydration, gentle care, and sun protection.

How to Extend the Life of Your BlushTan Airbrush Tan in San Diego

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the best post-tan skincare practices, recommend some of our favorite products, and share tips to ensure your tan stays flawless. By following these steps, you'll help preserve your glow while keeping your skin healthy and radiant.

Hydration: The Cornerstone of Long-Lasting Tans

One of the most important aspects of post-tan skincare is keeping your skin hydrated. After your spray tan, your skin will need extra moisture to prevent dryness, which can lead to your tan fading unevenly or prematurely.

The Impact of Hydration on Your Spray Tan: Why Drinking Water Matters

The BlushTan® Hydrating Moisturizer is specially formulated to complement your tan, featuring a blend of vitamin C, hemp seed oil, jojoba oil, and vitamin E. This lightweight, anti-aging moisturizer helps lock in hydration without stripping your tan. Not only does it keep your skin soft and dewy, but it also works to counteract the drying effects often caused by sunless tanning solutions.

We recommend applying a generous layer of moisturizer twice a day to maintain optimal hydration. Make sure to focus on drier areas like elbows, knees, and ankles, which tend to fade faster.

Choosing the Right Moisturizer for Your Tan

Not all moisturizers are created equal when it comes to preserving a sunless tan. It’s essential to use a product that won’t interfere with your tan. Avoid any moisturizers that contain mineral oil or alcohol, as these ingredients can strip your tan prematurely.

Our BlushTan® Gradual Tanning Moisturizer not only provides deep hydration, but it also includes plant-derived DHA, a tanning agent that helps build color gradually. This product is a great option for those who want to extend the life of their tan while adding a subtle glow. Plus, it’s safe for sensitive skin, including those with acne, eczema, or psoriasis.

Gentle Cleansing: Protecting Your Glow

After your tan, you’ll want to make sure you're washing your skin with a gentle, tan-safe cleanser. Harsh soaps or body washes can strip your tan and leave you with patchy, uneven fading.

We recommend using the BlushTan® Body Wash, which is formulated with gentle oil cleansers that hydrate the skin while lifting away dirt and impurities. Its blend of hemp seed oil and jojoba oil nourishes your skin without disrupting your tan. This cleanser is perfect for all skin types and contains our signature anti-aging blend to diminish signs of aging, making it a staple in your post-tan skincare routine.

When showering, try to avoid long, hot showers as these can dry out your skin and cause your tan to fade more quickly. Instead, opt for lukewarm water and keep your showers brief.

Exfoliating the Right Way

Exfoliation is key to maintaining a flawless tan, but it must be done carefully. While exfoliating too soon or too vigorously after a tan can cause uneven fading, gentle exfoliation a few days after your tan can help it fade evenly and prevent buildup.

The BlushTan® Body Polish is an excellent choice for gentle exfoliation. This hydrating scrub, made with pecan shells and vitamin E, is designed to buff away dead skin cells while soothing your skin with its eucalyptus scent. It’s free of oils, so it won’t interfere with your sunless tan, making it the perfect companion for maintaining a smooth and even tan.

We also recommend using our Exfoliating Mitt to gently remove any old sunless tan residue. This mitt is great for creating a smooth base for your next tan and keeping your skin soft in between appointments.

Sun Protection: Preserving Your Skin and Your Tan

While your sunless tan may give you a sun-kissed glow, it doesn't protect you from the sun's harmful UV rays. It’s essential to use sun protection to preserve your tan and protect your skin from damage.

Make sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day, especially if you’re spending time outdoors. Opt for a spray or lotion that won’t disrupt your tan—products that are oil-free and non-greasy are your best bet.

Avoid spending too much time in direct sunlight, as excessive sun exposure can lead to dry, flaky skin and cause your tan to fade unevenly. The sun can also prematurely age your skin, so wearing sunscreen will help you maintain both your tan and your skin’s overall health.

Reapplying Tanning Products for a Lasting Glow

For those looking to maintain their tan for an extended period, incorporating gradual self-tanning products into your routine can help prolong your glow. Our BlushTan® Gradual Tanning Moisturizer is a great option for building a natural-looking tan over time, and it can be used as a touch-up between spray tan appointments.

You can also try our Bronzing Mousse for a flawless, at-home touch-up. It contains plant-derived DHA, which develops into a natural-looking tan while also moisturizing your skin. The mousse is designed to work on all skin tones and is packed with anti-aging ingredients, making it a versatile option for maintaining your glow.

BlushTan San Diego: Your Partner in Tan Care

At BlushTan San Diego, we care about more than just giving you a beautiful tan—we’re here to ensure your tan lasts as long as possible with healthy, glowing skin. From our range of specially formulated products to our expert tips, we’re committed to helping you keep your skin looking its best.

Whether you’re new to spray tanning or a regular visitor, the right post-tan skincare routine can make all the difference. Hydration, gentle cleansing, and sun protection are the pillars of a lasting tan, and with our BlushTan® products, you can maintain your glow for days to come.

Don’t forget that all of our products, including our Hydrating Moisturizer, Gradual Tanning Moisturizer, Body Wash, and Body Polish, are available for purchase at all three of our San Diego locations or online for your convenience. Each product is vegan, cruelty-free, and paraben-free, so you can feel good about what you're putting on your skin.

A gorgeous tan starts with a great application, but the key to keeping it glowing lies in how you care for your skin afterward. By staying hydrated, cleansing gently, protecting your skin from the sun, and using the right products, you can enjoy a long-lasting, even tan.

We’re always here to help you make the most of your tan, so if you have any questions or need product recommendations, feel free to reach out to us at BlushTan San Diego. We look forward to helping you maintain that perfect glow!

Book your appointment today:

bankers hill
239 laurel st #102, san diego, ca 92101
phone: (619) 944-6472

encinitas
317 n el camino real #101, encinitas, ca 92024
phone: (760) 704-8422

la jolla
7863 girard ave #305, la jolla, ca 92037
phone: (858) 412-4029

We look forward to helping you achieve your bronzed best!