Dila Djokaj 12/24/19 Dila Djokaj 12/24/19

How Often Should You Spray Tan?

Blonde woman in Santa Monica Beach with an L.A. Sun Spray Tan

How long does a spray tan last? Can you spray tan too often? And how often should you really book a session?

These are some of the most common questions I get from my clients—and honestly, they’re great ones. In this post, I’ll walk you through the answers, plus share my best insider tips to help you get the most out of your L.A. Sun Spray Tan and keep your glow looking fresh.

How long do spray tans last?

Spray tans sit on the top layer of your skin and as your skin naturally exfoliates, your tan goes with it. The “life span” of a sunless tan depends on your skin’s natural exfoliation. On average, spray tans last about 7-10 days and can last longer when properly maintained. Pre and post care are extremely important to increase the longevity of your tan.

PRE CARE: For the best spray tan results, be sure to shave, shower and exfoliate your skin the night before your spray tan session. Avoid using any oils, Dove products and bar soap when exfoliating. The best way to exfoliate is to apply a shower gel to bath mitts and scrub. You can find bath mitts at most drug stores including Rite Aide, CVS and Target. After exfoliating be sure to moisturize with a lotion, no oils. This is very important because hydrated healthy skin will retain the tan longer! The day of your appointment, don’t do anything to your skin.

POST CARE: When showering regularly, use a mild body wash and apply with your hands. Do not use any scrubs, shower poufs or bar soaps, as these will strip away your sunless color. Avoid Dove products and choose a body wash that is as natural as possible. My studio carries a great body wash that is made for spray tanning and helps to maintain the spray tan longer.

It’s best to avoid long hot showers. Always pat dry your skin after showering and moisturize daily with a basic mineral oil free body lotion- cocoa butter and shea butter work great. Pure coconut oil is also a great moisturizer for your spray tans. Apply these products immediately post-shower, while your skin is still damp, to lock in moisture. Remember, hydrated healthy skin retains the tan longer!

So, how often should you spray tan?

It really depends on your lifestyle. Some of my clients tan weekly, others come in every 10–12 days to maintain a constant glow, and some save it for big events. If you're looking to stay consistently bronzed, scheduling your spray tan every 7 to 12 days is the sweet spot for keeping your color fresh while making the most of each session.

At your appointment, I’ll share even more personalized tips (the kind that don’t make it into blog posts 😉) to help your tan last beautifully between visits.

When to Reset: Why Detoxing Matters

There’s no harm in spray tanning often, but it’s important to detox and exfoliate your skin about once a month. This ensures you’re not layering new color over old and helps your next tan apply evenly. I recommend detoxing every 4–5 weeks to give your skin a clean slate and a hydration boost.

A few ways to detox:

Take a long soak in the bath or spend time in a steam room
Swim in a chlorinated pool or relax in a hot tub
Apply baby oil with a touch of lemon, let it sit for 10 minutes, and gently exfoliate with mitts in the shower

This helps loosen old color and preps your skin for the next flawless glow.

Why L.A. Sun Spray Tan?

I use only natural, skin-loving spray tan solutions that are packed with vitamins, paraben-free, cruelty-free, and made in the USA. Every tan is formulated with Eco-Cert organic DHA and designed to nourish while it bronzes—no unnecessary extras, just clean, quality ingredients.

Whether you tan weekly or just for special occasions, consistency and care are key to keeping that effortless, radiant glow. At L.A. Sun Spray Tan, I help you build a custom routine that fits your lifestyle—so you never have to wonder when it’s time to book. Consistency is key to keeping that flawless sunless glow. Whether you want a fresh tan every week or a subtle boost for special events, I’ll help you find the right rhythm. At L.A. Sun Spray Tan, I tailor your tanning plan to fit your lifestyle—so you never have to second-guess when to book.

Stay glowing. Reserve your next L.A. Sun Spray Tan now.

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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!)