The Ultimate Aftercare Checklist: Make Your Glow Last 10+ Days

Written By Quinn Heselton

The Ultimate Aftercare Checklist: Make Your Glow Last 10+ Days

You just stepped out of the tent looking like an absolute goddess, bronzed to perfection, and ready to Glow Like a Problem. But let’s keep it real: a show-stopping spray tan is 50% application and 50% aftercare!

If you want your Sol Glo sunless tan to stay rich, smooth, and flawless for up to 10 days (or more), you’ve got to give it the love it deserves. Follow this ultimate step-by-step aftercare checklist to protect your investment and keep that post-tan confidence on high.

Phase 1: The First 24 Hours (Protect the Tan)

The first few hours after your appointment are critical while your color develops. Treat your skin like a freshly painted masterpiece!

  • Dress Loose & Dark: Leave the tight leggings, sports bras, and denim behind. Slide into loose-fitting, dark clothing and open-toed shoes immediately after your session.

  • Avoid Water & Friction: No sweating, liquid contact, dishes, or wet dog kisses until your first scheduled shower.

  • Mind Your First Rinse:

    • Rapid Tan: Rinse off at the exact hour mark recommended during your appointment (1–4 hours).

    • Classic Tan: Wait 8 to 12 hours before rinsing.

  • The Rinse Rules: Use lukewarm water only—no soap, body washes, shampoos, or loofahs. Water running off you will look brown (that’s just the cosmetic guide bronzer rinsing away!). Once the water runs clear, gently pat dry with a soft towel. Never rub!

Phase 2: Daily Hydration (Keep It Fresh)

DHA (the active tanning ingredient) colors the top layer of your skin. As your skin naturally sheds, your tan fades. The secret to a 10+ day tan? Maximum hydration.

  • Moisturize Twice a Day: Apply a body lotion daily (morning and night). Moisturized skin holds onto color significantly longer.

  • Check Your Lotion Ingredients: Avoid products containing mineral oils, high alcohol content, petroleum, or heavy exfoliants (like AHAs or salicylic acid), which strip tan color fast.

  • Ditch the Heavy Scrubbing: Save your loofahs, washcloths, and body scrubs for when you're ready to remove the tan entirely. Use your hands and a gentle body wash during daily showers.

  • Keep Showers Warm & Short: Long, piping-hot showers dry out your skin and speed up peeling. Keep it warm and quick!

Phase 3: Swimming, Fitness & Lifestyle Hacks

Living your best life shouldn't mean sacrificing your glow! Just take a few simple precautions:

  • Pools & Oceans: Chlorine and saltwater strip sunless tans quickly. If you’re swimming, apply a layer of water-resistant sunscreen first to act as a barrier, and rinse off with fresh water immediately after exiting.

  • Workout Prep: High-friction workout gear combined with heavy sweat can cause premature fading in areas like elbow creases, sports bra bands, and knees. Stick to loose workout tops or hold off on intense gym sessions for the first 24–48 hours.

  • Hydrate from Within: Drink plenty of water! Healthy, hydrated skin shines brighter and wears off far more evenly.

Phase 4: The Graceful Exit

Pro Tip: When day 8 or 10 rolls around and your tan begins to naturally fade, don't fight it with patchy spot touching—prep for your next appointment instead!

  • Exfoliate Cleanly: Use an exfoliating mitt with a gentle body scrub to buff away remaining color evenly.

  • Reset Your Skin: Getting all the old tan off leaves you with a fresh canvas so your next Sol Glo mobile spray tan goes on as seamless, dark, and radiant as ever.

Quinn Heselton