On average, your spray tan will last 7–10 days. Proper preparation and consistent aftercare play an important role in achieving an even, long-lasting glow.

For the best results, carefully follow all prep and aftercare instructions provided by your spray tan artist.

You can also help extend the life of your tan with Bluewater Bronzing HydraGlow lotion, a specially formulated moisturizer that hydrates your skin while gradually refreshing your color.

Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is considered safe when used as directed. It is FDA-approved for external application to the skin and creates a temporary tan by reacting with proteins in the skin’s outermost layer. During your spray tan, protective measures are taken to prevent inhalation and contact with the eyes, lips, and other mucous membranes.

Preparing for a spray tanning session can make a huge difference in achieving that perfect, even bronze glow.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get ready:

• Exfoliate – Begin exfoliating 48 hours before your appointment to remove dead skin cells and any remaining tan residue. Use a gentle, oil-free scrub or exfoliating mitt, paying special attention to your hands, elbows, knees, ankles, and feet. Complete your final gentle exfoliation at least 24 hours before your session.
• Shower and Shave – Complete your final shower and shave at least 24 hours before your appointment. This allows your skin time to calm and helps prevent the tanning solution from settling into freshly shaved pores.
• Waxing – Complete all waxing services at least 48 hours before your appointment to allow irritation to subside and any product residue to be thoroughly removed.
• Soaps and Body Washes – Use a gentle, oil-free body wash that does not contain SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or Sodium Laureth Sulfate). Avoid harsh soaps, moisturizing bars, oils, and heavy product residue that may interfere with your tan or cause it to fade prematurely.
• Avoid Lotions, Oils, and Makeup – On the day of your appointment, arrive with clean, dry skin free of lotions, oils, deodorant, perfume, and makeup. These products can create a barrier and affect how evenly the tanning solution develops.
• Wear Loose Clothing – Choose dark, loose-fitting clothing to wear after your appointment, such as an oversized T-shirt or loose long-sleeved top with relaxed pants. Wear loose slides or flip-flops, weather permitting. Avoid bras, leggings, jeans, tight waistbands, socks, sneakers, and strappy shoes, as friction and pressure can create lines or affect your tan while it develops.
• Remove Jewelry – Remove rings, necklaces, bracelets, watches, and other jewelry before your appointment to prevent unwanted tan lines.
• Schedule Your Spray Tan Last – Complete hair, nail, facial, massage, and other spa or beauty services at least 24–48 hours before your spray tan. These services may involve water, oils, exfoliation, or other products that can interfere with your results.

Yes, pregnant women can get spray tanned, but it's important to take certain precautions to ensure safety.

Please consult your healthcare provider and receive approval before scheduling a spray tan. Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), the active tanning ingredient, is permitted for external application to the skin.

Bluewater Bronzing provides protective measures for the eyes, nose, lips, and other mucous membranes to help minimize exposure.

• Moisturize Daily – Begin moisturizing after your first rinse and apply a spray-tan-safe moisturizer up to three times daily—like the life of your tan depends on it, because it does! Keeping your skin consistently hydrated is key to helping your color last longer and fade gradually and evenly. Avoid products containing drying alcohols, heavy fragrances, or exfoliating ingredients.
• Keep Showers Short and Lukewarm – Hot water and prolonged soaking can dry your skin and accelerate fading. Take short, lukewarm showers and use your hands to gently wash your body. Avoid washcloths, loofahs, exfoliating mitts, and body brushes, as the friction removes surface skin cells and causes your tan to fade more quickly. Limit baths, hot tubs, saunas, and extended time in chlorinated or salt water.
• Pat Dry—Do Not Rub – After showering or swimming, gently pat your skin dry with a towel and apply moisturizer. Rubbing creates friction and exfoliates the skin, which can accelerate fading and lead to uneven color.
• Use Gentle Products – Avoid harsh soaps, scrubs, or exfoliants that can strip your tan. Look for products specifically designed for sensitive or tanned skin. Choose a body wash that does not contain SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or Sodium Laureth Sulfate).
• Stay Hydrated – Drinking plenty of water helps keep your skin hydrated from the inside out, contributing to a longer-lasting tan. Hydrated skin makes for amazing, long-lasting color.
• Avoid Chlorine – Chlorine in swimming pools can fade your tan. If you go swimming, rinse off and moisturize your skin afterward. Remember, sitting on the side of a swimming pool with your legs dangling in the water can cause your tan to fade unevenly.
• Top-Up Tans – Consider using a gradual tanning product, such as our Bluewater Bronzing HydraGlow Lotion or Foam Mousse, to refresh your color and keep your tan looking fresh.
• Protect Your Tan During the First 24 Hours – Your tan continues developing for up to 24 hours, even after completing your instructed first rinse. Avoid workouts, heavy sweating, swimming, saunas, hot tubs, and activities that expose your skin to excessive water or moisture during this time. Light activity is fine as long as it does not cause sweating. After the first 24 hours, you may resume exercising, but shower promptly, gently pat your skin dry, and moisturize to help prevent premature fading.

Choose dark, loose-fitting clothing to wear after your appointment, such as an oversized T-shirt or loose long-sleeved top with relaxed pants. Wear loose slides or flip-flops, weather permitting. Avoid bras, leggings, jeans, tight waistbands, socks, sneakers, and strappy shoes, as friction and pressure can create lines or affect your tan while it develops.

Always follow the personalized rinse time provided by your spray tan artist. Rapid solutions require rinsing within 2–8 hours, depending on the desired depth of color and your customized formula. Classic solutions generally require 8–12 hours of development before rinsing.

During your first rinse, use lukewarm water only—no soap, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, shaving, or other shower products. Gently use your hands to rinse away the cosmetic bronzer until the water runs clear. Do not use a washcloth, loofah, or exfoliating mitt. Gently pat your skin dry; do not rub. Once your skin is completely dry, apply a gentle, spray-tan-safe moisturizer.

Your first rinse removes only the cosmetic bronzer. Your true tan will continue developing and deepening for up to 24 hours after application. Wait until the 24-hour development period is complete before taking your first full shower or using soap and other shower products.

Your tan continues developing for up to 24 hours, even after completing your instructed first rinse. Avoid workouts, heavy sweating, swimming, saunas, hot tubs, and activities that expose your skin to excessive water or moisture during this time. Light activity is fine as long as it does not cause sweating. You may apply a spray-tan-safe finishing powder to areas where clothing touches the skin to help absorb light moisture and reduce friction.

After the first 24 hours, you may resume exercising. Shower promptly afterward, gently pat your skin dry, and apply moisturizer to help prevent premature fading.

Your spray tan is carefully customized to complement your natural skin tone and undertone, creating a natural-looking bronze rather than an unnatural orange result. Immediately after your session, the cosmetic bronzer may appear darker or warmer than your final color. It will rinse away at your instructed time, while your true tan continues developing for up to 24 hours.