Ever wondered why your bestie's spray tan seems to last 10 days, while yours starts fading after five?

You're not imagining it. ✨

While a spray tan typically lasts around 5–10 days, there are a LOT of factors that determine how long your glow actually sticks around.

The good news? A lot of it comes down to how you prep your skin and how you care for your tan afterwards. So let's break it down.

1. Your Skin Prep Makes a HUGE Difference

A spray tan is essentially colour sitting on the outermost layers of your skin. If those skin cells are dry, flaky or uneven, your tan won't have the smoothest canvas to develop on. Proper exfoliation before your appointment is key.

We recommend exfoliating your entire body 24–48 hours before your spray tan, paying extra attention to areas that tend to get dry:

• Elbows
• Knees
• Ankles
• Hands
• Feet

BUT there's a catch... don't exfoliate immediately before your appointment (24-48 hours prior), and avoid heavily oil-based scrubs. Oils can leave a residue on the skin that may interfere with your tan. We always reco our Exfoliating Mitt.

2. How Hydrated Is Your Skin?

Dry skin and spray tans are NOT best friends. When your skin becomes dry and starts shedding, your tan goes with it. Keeping your skin moisturized throughout the life of your tan can help maintain an even, healthy-looking glow.

The key is to start before your appointment. Moisturize regularly in the days leading up to your spray tan, then arrive with clean, product-free skin on the day of your appointment. After your first rinse, make moisturizing and drinking water part of your daily routine.

3. Your Shower Routine Matters

This one is a biggie. Long, hot showers can dry out your skin and contribute to your tan fading faster. Instead, opt for shorter, lukewarm showers whenever possible. And when you dry off, don't aggressively rub your skin with your towel, pat dry (your tan will thank you).

4. What You're Putting on Your Skin

Certain products can speed up the fading process. Exfoliating products, retinol, AHAs, BHAs and other active skincare ingredients can increase cell turnover, which means your tan may disappear faster. Body oils and heavily exfoliating products can also affect how evenly your tan fades.

If you're trying to make your tan last as long as possible, keep your body-care routine minimal, gentle and hydrating.

5. How Much You Sweat

Love a good workout? Same. But unfortunately, lots of sweating can cause your tan to fade faster — especially if you're sweating heavily every day.

Swimming can also shorten the life of your tan. Chlorine and prolonged exposure to water can contribute to faster fading.

That doesn't mean you need to stop living your life for your tan! Just know that frequent workouts, swimming, hot tubs and saunas can all affect longevity.

6. Your Clothes Can Play a Role

Friction = fading.

Areas that experience lots of rubbing can fade faster than other parts of your body. Think: Bra straps. Waistbands. Tight jeans. Socks. Shoes. You may notice your tan disappearing first around these areas. Loose clothing during the first few hours after your spray tan is especially important while your tan is developing.

7. Your Natural Skin Cell Turnover

Everyone's skin is different.

Your natural rate of skin cell turnover, skin type and daily routine can all affect how long your spray tan lasts. This is why your friend might get 10 days out of her tan while yours lasts closer to five. There's no one-size-fits-all answer.

So... How Can You Make Your Spray Tan Last Longer?

Want to get as close to that 10-day glow as possible?

Here's your spraii cheat sheet:

✨ Exfoliate 24–48 hours before your appointment
✨ Complete all shaving/waxing beforehand
✨ Arrive with clean, product-free skin
✨ Avoid oils before your appointment
✨ Wear loose clothing after your tan
✨ Follow your recommended rinse time
✨ Moisturize daily after your first rinse
✨ Keep showers shorter and lukewarm
✨ Avoid excessive exfoliation
✨ Limit chlorine, hot tubs and saunas
✨ Pat your skin dry instead of rubbing
✨ Keep your skin hydrated

A spray tan doesn't magically disappear after a certain number of days. Your skin, your routine and your aftercare all play a role. If you prep properly and take care of your glow, you can help your spray tan fade more evenly and last as long as possible.