Receiving a sunless tan is an excellent way to get a golden glow without using UV rays or the sun to darken your skin. The process involves using an airbrushing technique to spray a pigment-enhancing solution over your body for custom, glowing, natural color that enhances your skin tone.
A sunless tan typically lasts anywhere from four to seven days, making it an ideal option in beauty for an upcoming vacation, wedding, or other special event where you want to look your very best. To get the most out of your experience, use this guide to help your sunless tan last as long as possible between appointments at your local tanning salon.

Stay Moisturized
Moisturized skin is able to absorb the ingredients in a spray tan and hold them in longer, which can result in smooth, healthier looking skin. Look for moisturizers that have skin-enriching oils and vitamins in them, such as coconut oil, vitamins E and C, or almond oil. You can buy specialty lotions at your local tanning salon that are designed to enhance your sunless tan and help it last longer.

E xfoliate Prior to Your Appointment
Rough areas of your skin, such as knees, heels, elbows, and ankles, can absorb much of the sunless tanning solution. This can result in darker spotting over your body, which can make your sunless tan appear uneven. Exfoliate with a scrub brush in the shower before your appointment to remove the dry and dead skin from prone areas and create a smooth, absorbing surface all around for your tan to set in.
Don't forget to shave before your tanning appointments as well. Shaving all areas of your body helps ensure an even tan that looks more natural.

Use Precaution the First Few Hours
It can take up to four hours for your spray tan to "set," so follow the guidelines given to you by your tanning technician to help your new glow last. Avoid showering in the few hours after your tanning session, showering in lukewarm water only to avoid disturbing your beautiful skin tone. Wear the panties provided by the tanning salon for several hours after your session to keep unwanted underwear tan lines at bay.  

Invest in a Quality Self-Tanning Lotion
Your face and hands will lose their luscious summer color more quickly than the rest of your body due to face washing and regular hygiene practices. To upkeep your tan in between sessions, invest in a quality self-tanning lotion with DHA in it. Talk to your tanning salon technician about the best brands for your skin tone and how to apply self-tanner to keep your glow pretty until you visit the salon again.

Keep Attending Your Sessions
The best way to ensure a long-lasting, beautiful sunless tan is to continue visits with your technician. Depending on your natural skin tone, how deep you want your tan to be, and how dark your sunless tan makes your skin, this may mean a visit to the salon every week or so. The investment in professional care pays off in an even glow that looks natural without getting too deep for your skin tone as your technician can adjust the color of your tan every time you attend your appointment.
A sunless tan is a way to achieve beautiful, color-enriched skin without ever going inside a tanning bed. It's an excellent option for you if you have light skin, burn easily, or if you have sensitivities to the sun. At Golden State Tanning Studio, our goal is to make each of our clients feel beautiful and energized in their own skin. Our custom care and variety of tanning solutions allow you to feel and look amazing.