Dila Djokaj 4/20/25 Dila Djokaj 4/20/25

Summer Spray Tan Tips for L.A. Beach Days and Pool Parties

Woman with glowing spray tan posing in an orange swimsuit at a lifeguard tower in Los Angeles, showcasing sun-kissed skin from a custom airbrush tan.

Summer in Los Angeles means beach days, rooftop parties, and plenty of time spent outdoors — and there’s no better accessory than a gorgeous, natural-looking glow. If you're thinking about getting a spray tan to kick off your summer plans, a few small tweaks in how you prep and care for your skin can make a big difference in how your tan looks (and lasts).

Here are a few tips I always share with my clients to keep their glow fresh through every pool party, beach trip, and sunny weekend:

1. Exfoliate Before Your Appointment

A good exfoliation helps your tan go on smoothly and evenly. Use a mitt or a soft scrub 24 hours before your appointment — and avoid heavy oils or super moisturizing products right before you tan. You want clean, fresh skin for the solution to bond properly. Prepping your skin the right way makes all the difference — here’s my tan prep and aftercare guide.

2. Protect Your Glow Around Water

Chlorine, saltwater, and long baths can all break down your tan faster. If you're heading to the pool or beach, rinse off after swimming and pat your skin dry instead of rubbing. A lightweight, oil-free moisturizer will help lock in your tan and keep your skin hydrated.

3. Sunscreen Is Still a Must

A spray tan doesn’t protect your skin from the sun. Always layer a good SPF (lotion versions work great) over your tan to stay protected without disrupting your color.

4. Book Your Tan at the Right Time

Planning ahead helps. Try to schedule your tan 1–2 days before your big event or beach day. This gives your color time to develop fully — and it’ll look the most natural when you're out in the sun.

If you're ready to kick off summer with an effortless glow, I'd love to help you find your perfect shade. You can book your custom airbrush spray tan here.

See you soon — poolside or beachside!

Dila Djokaj 4/14/25 Dila Djokaj 4/14/25

The Truth About Express Spray Tans: Are They Really Better?

Curious about express spray tans? Learn whether they’re worth the hype, how long to leave them on, and how they compare to standard spray tans.

If you’ve ever searched for the best spray tan or wondered how to get glowing skin fast before a big event, chances are you’ve come across express spray tans. They promise a beautiful bronzed look in just a few hours—but are they really better than traditional tans?

For those who crave a flawless sun-kissed look without the wait, the latest express spray tan craze offers a quick airbrush tanning fix that promises a long-lasting glow. But is this glamorous shortcut truly the secret to achieving the best spray tan, or just another beauty fad?

As L.A.’s go-to spray tan destination for over 12 years, I’ve seen the buzz around express tans skyrocket—especially with last-minute events, weddings, or weekend getaways. But with faster rinse times come questions. So let’s break it down.

What Is an Express Spray Tan?

An express tan uses a rapid-developing formula that allows you to rinse off in as little as 2 to 4 hours, depending on how deep you want your color. Unlike a traditional (or “standard”) spray tan—which typically needs to stay on 8 to 12 hours—express formulas give you more flexibility without sacrificing your glow.

How It Works

Express tans don’t develop faster—they just allow for an earlier rinse. After rinsing, your tan continues to develop over the next 24 hours just like any other spray tan. Here’s a general guide:

2 hours = Light glow
3 hours = Medium tan
4+ hours = Deep bronze

You control the depth of your tan based on when you rinse.

Is an Express Spray Tan Better?

It really depends on your lifestyle and schedule. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Feature	Express Tan	Standard Tan
Rinse Time	2–4 hours	8–12 hours
Best For	Busy schedules, last-minute plans	Overnight color development
Color Development	Customizable by rinse time	Fixed level (based on formula)
Sleep-Friendly?	Yes	No (may transfer onto sheets)
Cost	Often slightly higher	Usually included in base pricing

My Professional Opinion

Express tans are a great option for anyone, no matter your skin type. The biggest difference is convenience—you can rinse in just a few hours and still enjoy a long-lasting, flawless glow. It’s perfect if you have plans later that day or prefer not to sleep in bronzer.

You can absolutely achieve a rich, deep tan with express by simply leaving it on a little longer. Standard formulas are still a great choice too—especially if you’re used to the overnight routine or prefer the traditional rinse schedule. Both deliver beautiful results; it really comes down to your timeline and personal preference.

Pro Tips for the Best Express Tan Results

Time your rinse intentionally – The longer you leave it on (up to 4+ hours), the deeper your tan will be.
Use lukewarm water only – No soap during your first rinse, and avoid hot water.
Skip moisturizer after your first rinse – Less is more while your tan is still developing. Hold off on lotions until the next day to ensure an even, flawless finish.

Final Glow Verdict

Express spray tans offer flexibility, customization, and glow-on-the-go convenience. Whether you’re a bride, prepping for vacation, or squeezing in a last-minute appointment, they’re absolutely worth the hype—as long as they’re done by a pro who understands rinse timing, skin undertones, and formula customization.

If you're in L.A. and still not sure which option is right for you, reach out! At L.A. Sun Spray Tan, we specialize in both express and traditional airbrush tans and can help you choose the perfect fit for your event, timeline, and skin goals.

Ready to glow? Book your custom tan here.

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Dila Djokaj 8/15/19 Dila Djokaj 8/15/19

Timeless Glow | Becca Lane | L.A. Sun Spray Tan

Another stunning set with Becca Lane, featuring her signature custom glow by L.A. Sun Spray Tan, captured in a timeless Joshua Tree photoshoot.

SPRAY TAN : L.A. SUN SPRAY TAN - EXPRESSAGENCY : VISION LAINSTAGRAM : @BECCLANE — **Spray Tan —** L.A. Sun Spray Tan – Express
**Agency —** Vision LA
**Instagram —** @becclane

Dila Djokaj 8/30/18 Dila Djokaj 8/30/18

Get Your Skin Ready: Essential Tips for the Perfect Spray Tan

If you want your spray tan to look amazing and last as long as possible, it all starts with one thing: hydration.

Spray tans develop on the top layer of your skin — and when your skin is healthy and hydrated, the color grabs better, fades more evenly, and looks more natural. Dry skin? It can cause patchiness, uneven fading, and a shorter lifespan for your glow.

Here’s what I recommend to get the most out of your tan:

The Night Before Your Spray Tan

Exfoliate Well
Use a simple pair of bath gloves or an exfoliating mitt (you can find them at Target, CVS, or right at my studio). Apply a mild, non-oily shower gel — I personally like Suave — and give your skin a good scrub.

(Pro Tip: Avoid Dove soaps, bar soaps, or anything moisturizing — they can leave a film that interferes with your tan.)

Shave or Wax If Needed
If you’re planning to shave or wax, do it after exfoliating — and at least a few hours before your appointment, so your skin has time to calm down.

Moisturize Lightly Before Bed
After exfoliating, apply a basic, oil-free lotion to hydrate your skin overnight. No heavy oils — just a clean, simple lotion to seal in the moisture and let your natural oils do their thing by the next day.

Extra Prep for Even Better Results

Want to boost your glow even more? Start hydrating from the inside out.

Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your appointment.

Take Omega-3 supplements if it’s right for you — they help keep your skin soft, smooth, and ready to glow. (I personally love fish oil, but there are great vegan options too!)