Getting a spray tan can be a great way to boost your confidence and give your skin a sun-kissed glow, especially during the middle of summer. But after that bronze layer is applied, keeping it looking smooth and even takes a little care, especially when it’s time to go to bed. Many people wake up the next day with streaks, smudges, and patchy spots because of how they slept the night before.
One of the best ways to protect your bronze is to work with custom spray tan solutions that match your skin tone, dry evenly, and last longer. Still, the way you treat your tan before bedtime plays a big role in how it sets overnight. The good news is that with the right nighttime habits, you can wake up with your tan fully intact and looking as good as it did when you left the spa.
Preparing For Bed
Your bedtime routine doesn’t have to be complicated, but a few swaps can make a big difference in whether your tan holds up while you sleep. Clothing and bedding choices matter more than most people think. You don’t want to undo your fresh tan just because your pajamas pulled too tightly or your sheets caused friction.
Here’s how to set yourself up for a more tan-friendly rest:
– Choose loose-fitting, dark cotton clothes. The looser, the better. Anything that sticks to your skin or has seams that might press into fresh tanner can leave lines or cause patchiness.
– Avoid satin or silky materials, even though they feel soft. These can still transfer product or cause slippery movement during sleep.
– Make sure your bedsheets are dark-colored and breathable. Tan can sometimes transfer during the first few hours, even if it feels dry. A dark pillowcase can help if you apply tanner to your face too.
– Skip long or fuzzy socks. Your feet generate heat while you sleep, and socks can mess with how the tan settles around the ankles.
Taking a few minutes to prep your sleep space and your outfit can mean the difference between a flawless tan and one you’ll need to fix in the morning. It may feel overly cautious the first time around, but these tweaks quickly become second nature.
Bedtime Skin Care
Taking care of your skin doesn’t end after your spray tan session. What you do just before climbing into bed can either lock in that glow or cause it to fade quicker than you’d like. After the tan has dried, it’s tempting to go straight to rest, but your skin might still be getting used to the product, especially if it’s your first time or you’re trying out a new formula.
First things first, resist the urge to apply heavy lotions or oils before bed. While hydrating your skin is usually a good idea, the first eight to ten hours after a spray tan are when absorption and color development are still happening, especially with custom spray tan solutions. Some products can change the way the tan develops, even if they seem mild.
Here are a few bedtime skin care tips to follow:
– Wait until your technician says it’s okay before showering or rinsing your skin. This is usually based on the tan formula used.
– Stick to a light, unscented moisturizer the evening after your first rinse. This helps with hydration without interfering with the color.
– Don’t exfoliate or shave your skin at night after tanning. Gentle exfoliation comes later in the week, when you’re maintaining the glow.
– Keep hands clean, but don’t overwash. Overwashing, especially with soap, can fade tan on knuckles or wrists.
One common mistake people make is thinking the tan is locked in once it feels dry. A client once told us she grabbed her usual body butter, not realizing the oils inside would soften her skin too much overnight and create patchy spots around her knees by morning. Sometimes, using less is better, especially right after tanning. Give your skin the space to settle, and the results are worth it.
Positional Tips For Sleeping
The way you sleep after getting a spray tan can make a bigger difference than you’d expect. How your body presses against your sheets and how much of your skin is in contact with different surfaces can change the way your color develops overnight.
Some sleep positions are more tan-friendly than others. If you’re a stomach sleeper, for example, your face, chest, and arms might end up flattened against the bed for hours. That can lead to uneven patches or smudges by morning. Sleeping on your back is usually the safest choice. It keeps your limbs from rubbing against your sides and limits face-to-pillow contact.
Here’s how to sleep more tan-safe:
– Try lying flat on your back with arms by your sides to reduce skin-on-skin contact.
– Add a pillow behind your knees to keep you more stable through the night.
– If you’re a side-sleeper, place a small pillow between your knees and keep your top arm elevated or rested on another pillow.
– Avoid tucking your legs too tightly or curling into a ball. This position can cause friction near the thighs and calves.
Even if these positions don’t feel natural at first, they’re worth experimenting with. Just a few nights of altered sleeping habits can help keep a more even, longer-lasting tan. Think of it like protecting fresh paint. You’re giving it the chance to dry smooth without smudges.
Risk-Free Movement
Even when you start the night in a good position, how you move while you sleep plays a role in how your tan lasts. Tossing and turning can cause skin-to-skin rubbing or repeated pressure on certain areas, leading to patchy spots or color shifts.
One easy way to limit movement is to add extra support around you. Using your current pillows more intentionally or adding one or two where needed can create a buffer zone to stop your body from flopping around.
Here’s how to move less in your sleep:
– Place pillows at your sides to keep you from rolling over.
– Use a lighter blanket to reduce overheating, which can cause you to shift more.
– If you’ve noticed one part of your body tends to get overexposed while you sleep, like your arms or thighs, add a light sheet in between to absorb any friction.
An example we’ve heard more than once is someone waking up with tiger stripes across their upper legs where one knee kept rubbing the other side of the thigh all night. That kind of contact isn’t noticeable when you’re deep in sleep, but it can cause streaking after you’ve been lying the same way for hours.
The right pillow setup can make a huge difference over time. Even if you only reduce your movement a little, it helps lock in your tan from the start.
Wake Up Routine
After a good night’s sleep, the way you treat your skin the next morning matters just as much as how you cared for it the night before. The first few hours after waking up are when you’ll notice if your tan stayed even or if adjustments are needed.
When you wake up, resist the urge to rinse off right away unless your technician gave those instructions. Most custom spray tan solutions continue to develop overnight, and washing too early can interrupt the process.
Here’s a solid wake-up routine to follow:
– Check your joints and pressure points. These areas, like elbows, knees, and wrists, are more likely to show uneven color or smudging.
– Gently pat dry any moisture from sweat, especially during hotter months, instead of wiping it off.
– Give your body a quick scan in the mirror to catch any touch-up zones.
– If you spot streaks, don’t scrub. Instead, schedule a short visit with a professional who can help even things out.
Avoid exfoliating or using strong soap in your first post-tan shower. If the solution is still setting, that kind of contact can lift the tan before it’s settled in fully.
Let That Bronze Shine
Getting a spray tan is the start of something great, but proper care overnight is what really helps it shine. From what you wear to how you position your body, smart choices right before and during sleep can make the difference between a glowing finish and a frustrating fix. A custom spray tan solution isn’t just about color. It’s about how it wears on your unique skin. That’s why small adjustments in your nightly routine matter.
You don’t need an elaborate routine or strict rules. Just a few swaps and some new habits can go a long way. Whether you’re sleeping on satin-free sheets, adjusting your go-to side-sleeping pose, or using one extra pillow to stay put, every little change can help. That way, when you wake up and look in the mirror, the bronze you see is exactly what you wanted.
Ready to transform your tan game? Explore how our custom spray tan solutions can tailor the perfect bronze for your skin. At Sugar Sugar Boerne, we’re here to help you achieve that flawless glow you deserve. Check out our services to see how we can make your tanning experience as amazing as possible. Sweeten your glow and enjoy summer with total confidence!