Spray tanning is an alternative to the sun or a tanning bed that is much less damaging to the skin. During the spray tanning process, your body is spritzed with a solution that creates a natural-looking tan. In order for the results of your spray tanning session to last as long as possible, special care must be taken with the skin; with proper aftercare, your spray tan can last up to 10 days.

Exfoliate your skin with an exfoliant that is specially designed for tanning. This should be done no more than 12 hours before your spray tanning appointment. Exfoliating will get rid of dead cells on the surface of your skin, helping the spray tanning solution to absorb properly.

Avoid wearing tight clothing, showering, swimming, exercising or applying moisturizer for at least six hours after your spray tan, and wait at least 48 hours before shaving or exfoliating. All of these activities can disrupt the chemical reaction that tans your skin.

Keep your skin moist by applying moisturizer twice a day after your tan has had a chance to set. You may want to consider using a bronzing moisturizer that applies a small amount of color to your skin with each use, to prolong the life of your tan.