How to Get a Winter Spray Tan That Lasts

As winter sets in, many of us long for the golden tans we enjoyed flaunting on beaches during the summer months. The good news is that a winter spray tan at the Tanning Shop can give you the head-to-toe glow you’re craving, even when the weather outside is far from glorious.

The catch? Cold air and central heating leave skin drier, so your tan needs a little more attention before and after your session. Here are our winter tanning tips to keep your skin soft and your colour even.

Colder weather isn’t a friend to hydrated skin. Combine that with blustery winds and central heating, and your skin barrier can take a real knock. Cold air carries far less moisture than warmer air, but the ways we warm ourselves up – radiators and hot showers – dry skin out even more.

As you’ll know, dry skin and spray tans don’t mix well, so looking after your skin to avoid dryness, irritation, and flaking is a must during colder months. This applies for prep as much as aftercare, so follow our steps below for an even spray tan this winter.

Prepping for a winter spray tan is all about creating a soft, hydrated foundation by gently exfoliating and using a rich moisturiser in the days leading up to your session.

Add a full-body skin treatment

If your skin is still feeling dry when you arrive for your appointment, ask your tanning specialist about adding WellFit Hydrate to your session. Formulated with hyaluronic acid – a hero ingredient for skin hydration – the ultra-fine mist sprays in the same session as your tan solution to deliver lasting skin nourishment that helps your tan develop more evenly.

Regular spray tan prep still stands: shave at least 24 hours before, don’t wear makeup, lotion, perfume, or deodorant to your appointment, and apply barrier cream liberally to dry areas before the spray starts. These are just the added steps you can take to get the most out of your spray tan in winter.

We get it. No one wants to show up to an appointment in the snow wearing flip flops and a maxi dress. But what you wear immediately after your spray impacts the way it develops. Here’s what we recommend for those winter appointments:

• Loose-fitting joggers and roomy jumpers, so you stay warm without anything tight against your skin.
• Slip-on, open-toed shoes if possible. We don’t want you freezing your toes off, so if this isn’t an option, choose trainers over ankle boots to minimise rubbing.
• Avoid anything likely to dig in, such as bras and strappy tops.
• Cover up when you leave the salon if it’s raining or snowing so the weather doesn’t cause your tan to streak.

Your immediate spray tan aftercare stays more or less the same, no matter what season you visit: don’t shower until your tan has developed, avoid sweating and long soaks, and don’t exfoliate your skin in the days afterwards. Here are a few extra ways to help your winter spray tan last:

Increase the humidity

There’s nothing you can do about the low humidity outside, but if you’re one to always have the heating blasting, consider running a humidifier to add a little moisture back into the atmosphere.

Protect your skin

Keep using your winter body lotion twice a day, ensuring it’s free from mineral oils that can break down your tan. You can switch to a hydrating tan extender lotion – just ask our team after your appointment – and our in-salon treatments can help boost your skin’s hydration. Pop back in for a WellFit top-up or speak to us about using red light therapy to support your winter skin.

Winter shouldn’t have to mean losing that bronzed summer confidence. If you’d rather glow this season, then book a spray tan at The Tanning Shop. Our salons use advanced automated booths and premium, fast-drying solutions, so you get a beautifully even tan in complete privacy, with no technician required.

Planning your Christmas glow? Keep an eye on our Christmas offers page where we’ll be sharing limited time festive deals throughout the whole of December.