Spray Tan Aftercare & Self-Tan Products

A professional spray tan typically lasts 7–10 days depending on your skin type, DHA percentage, and aftercare routine. Sjolie's Original line is formulated to deliver up to 10 days of wear, while the Luxe line provides around 7 days of rich color. The single biggest factor in tan longevity is hydration — clients who moisturize daily with a quality after tan lotion and use a tan extender see noticeably longer wear.

Spray tans use DHA (dihydroxyacetone), a naturally derived sugar that reacts with amino acids in the outermost layer of your skin to produce a brown color called melanoidin. This reaction happens entirely on the skin's surface — no UV exposure required. Sjolie's DHA is sourced from sugar beets and sugar cane for a clean, natural result. The color develops over 8–24 hours depending on the formula and rinses to reveal your final shade.

Exfoliate 24 hours before your appointment using an oil-free spray tan scrub like the Sjolie Sugar Scrub. This removes dead skin cells and creates an even surface for DHA absorption. On the day of your tan, arrive with clean, dry skin — avoid moisturizers, deodorant, perfume, and makeup. Shave or wax at least 24 hours beforehand, as freshly opened pores can cause dark spots. Wear loose, dark clothing to your appointment.

If you're using a self-tanning mousse or spray at home, follow the same prep steps as a salon visit. Exfoliate with an oil-free body scrub for self tanning the day before. On application day, start with clean, completely dry skin. Apply self-tanner using a tanning mitt in long, even strokes — start with larger areas like thighs and work toward extremities. Use less product on hands, feet, elbows, and knees. Wait 5 minutes before dressing and allow 8 hours before showering.

For standard spray tan solutions (non-Rapid), wait a minimum of 8 hours before your first shower — overnight is ideal. For Sjolie Rapid express formulas, the rinse window is 2–5 hours depending on the depth of color you want: shorter for a lighter result, longer for deeper bronze. When you do shower, use lukewarm water and a gentle, pH-balanced body wash like the Sjolie Shower Gel. Pat dry with a towel — never rub. The bronzer will rinse off to reveal your developed color underneath.

The key to a long-lasting spray tan is consistent hydration and avoiding anything that accelerates exfoliation. Use a dedicated moisturizer for spray tan care every morning and a tan extending lotion with DHA every evening. Avoid long hot baths, chlorinated pools, and harsh soaps. When shaving, use a gentle touch and follow with moisturizer immediately. Our recommended spray tan aftercare routine — Shower Gel daily, Body Renew every morning, Tan Extend Lotion every evening — is designed to maximize wear to 10+ days.

The best exfoliator before spray tan is one that's completely oil-free and fragrance-free. Oil-based scrubs leave a residue that creates a barrier between DHA and your skin, causing uneven color and faster fading. The Sjolie Sugar Scrub contains only 4 ingredients — Sugar, PEG-8, Glycerin, and PEG-3350 — with zero oils, fragrances, or harsh abrasives. It's gentle enough for the face and effective enough to fully prep the body for an even, long-lasting spray tan.

You can, but regular lotions aren't optimized for spray tan care and some can actually shorten your tan's life. Lotions containing mineral oil, alcohol, or AHAs accelerate skin exfoliation and fade color faster. A dedicated after tan lotion or spray tan lotion like our Tan Extend is specifically formulated with DHA-friendly ingredients — niacinamide, jojoba oil, and rooibos tea extract — that hydrate without interfering with your tan. Our Body Renew Moisturizer is also specifically designed as a lotion for spray tan aftercare with peptides that nourish skin while preserving color.

Yes — a spray tan provides zero UV protection. DHA color is cosmetic only and does not shield your skin from sun damage. In fact, UV exposure accelerates tan fading. Use a mineral-based spray tan sunblock like Sjolie Mineral Defense (SPF 30+, zinc oxide 12%) that's designed to protect both your skin and your tan. Chemical sunscreens can sometimes interact with DHA and cause discoloration, which is why mineral spray tan sun protection is the safer choice.

Both use DHA to develop color, but the application method and concentration differ. A professional spray tan is applied by a technician using an HVLP gun with higher DHA concentrations (6–14%) for precise, full-body coverage in minutes. Self-tanners — like our Bronzing Mousse (10% DHA), Instant Airbrush (10% DHA), and Tan Water (5% DHA) — are designed for at-home use between professional sessions. A selfie tanning mousse or spray gives you control over specific areas and is perfect for maintaining or refreshing your salon tan.

Bronzing Mousse (10% DHA, 6.7 oz) — Best for full-body self-tanning at home. Includes a cosmetic bronzer color guide so you can see where you've applied. Apply with a tanning mitt for an even, streak-free result. Develops to a medium tan over 8 hours.

Instant Airbrush (10% DHA, 7 oz) — Best for targeted touch-ups on face, hands, feet, and hard-to-reach areas. The aerosol mist provides precise, quick-drying coverage with a washable bronzer guide.

Tan Water (5% DHA, 2.7 oz) — Best for a subtle, gradual glow on face and décolletage. Applies clear with no bronzer, so it's invisible and buildable. Use 2–3 times per week or daily to deepen color.

Yes. Every Sjolie product — from our spray tan solutions to our retail aftercare and self-tan line — is vegan-certified and PETA-approved cruelty-free. Our formulas contain no animal-derived ingredients and are never tested on animals. The entire retail line is also free of parabens and formulated with naturally derived, skin-loving ingredients.