You just stepped out of the Versa Spa booth at Midnite Sun with the most gorgeous, even bronze glow — and the last thing you want is for it to fade in two days. The good news? With the right prep and aftercare routine, your spray tan can last a full 5 to 7 days, looking natural and flawless the whole time.
Here are our top 10 expert tips to extend your glow and get the most out of every session.
Dead skin cells are your tan’s worst enemy. Before your appointment, exfoliate your entire body with an approved sunless exfoliant — paying extra attention to rough, dry areas like knees, elbows, ankles, and wrists. These areas tend to absorb more solution and can look darker or fade unevenly if not properly prepped.
Tip: Avoid oil-based scrubs or Dove products, as they can leave a residue that blocks even absorption. Skip loofahs too — they can create uneven patches.
Shaving opens up your pores and can remove the top layer of solution. Always shave at least 24 hours before your spray tan appointment, never the day of or after. If you shave after your tan, you’ll strip away the color and be left with patchy results.
Come to your appointment clean and product-free. Deodorant, perfume, makeup, and especially antiperspirants can create a barrier that prevents the solution from adhering properly to your skin. Our Exfoliating Primer is perfect for removing any residue right before your session.
At Midnite Sun, our Versa Spa booth uses California Tan’s professional sunless solution — available in Clear or Bronzer options, and in Light, Medium, or Dark shades. The clear solution develops over 4–6 hours without immediate color, while the bronzer gives you an instant glow that also deepens over time.
Not sure which to choose? Our associates are always happy to help you pick the perfect combination for your skin tone and desired results.
Our Versa Spa booth automatically dries you after your spray — but it’s important to stand still until the full drying cycle is complete. Exiting too early can cause streaks or uneven spots. Follow the voice-guided instructions and let the process do its job.
This is the most important aftercare step. After your spray tan, wait:
When you do shower, rinse with warm (not hot) water only — no soap on your first rinse. The bronzer will wash away, revealing your fully developed tan underneath.
Hydrated skin holds color longer — it’s that simple. After every shower, apply a generous amount of Spray Tan approved moisturizer or our California Tan Color Rich Sunless Glow Hydrating Extender. It’s formulated with DHA and Erythrulose to actually extend your color, not just hydrate your skin.
When drying off after a shower, gently pat your skin with a towel instead of rubbing. Rubbing exfoliates the top layer of skin and will strip your tan significantly faster. Soft pats lock in moisture and keep your color intact.
Immediately after your session, wear loose-fitting, dark-colored clothing. Tight clothing can rub against your skin and cause streaks or transfer of solution before it’s fully set. Flowy fabrics give the solution room to develop without interference.
Chlorine is a tan’s biggest enemy. Avoid swimming, hot tubs, and activities that cause heavy sweating for at least 24 hours after your session, and ideally 48 hours for the best longevity. When you do swim, rinse off immediately afterward and reapply moisturizer.
Walk-ins are always welcome at all 9 Midnite Sun locations across Western Michigan — Holland, Grand Haven, Walker, Kentwood, Knapps Corner, Cascade, and both Wyoming studios. Our associates are here to help you achieve the perfect glow every time.
Visit us at thebettertan.com to find a location near you.
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