Oct 12, 20253 min read

The Aftercare Glow Guide: How to Make Your Tan Last Longer and Fade Flawlessly

You’ve perfected your prep, applied your tan, and now your skin is glowing — but what you do after your tan is just as important as the application itself.

Proper aftercare is the key to maintaining a radiant, even, and hydrated glow that looks flawless from the moment it develops to the final golden hour. Whether you’re glowing at home with our self-tanning mousse or freshly bronzed from a professional spray tan, here’s how to make your results last beautifully.

Step 1: Let It Develop — and Be Patient

After applying your tan, avoid contact with water, tight clothing, or sweating during the development time. This ensures the formula develops evenly.

Timing Tip:

Light to medium glow: rinse after 1–3 hours.
Medium to dark glow: rinse after 3-5 hours.
For Pro Solutions, follow your artist’s specific development instructions.

When rinsing, use lukewarm water only — no soap or scrubbing — and gently pat dry with a towel instead of rubbing.

Step 2: Moisture Is Everything

Hydrated skin equals a longer-lasting tan. Dry skin causes patchy fading, while moisture locks in color and softness.

Glow-Saving Routine:

Start moisturizing daily after your second rinse.
Choose non-petroleum based hydrating formulas that won’t break down your tan.
Apply extra moisture to high-friction areas like hands, elbows, and knees

Pro Tip: Add hydration from the inside out — drink water throughout the day to keep your skin healthy and supple.

Step 3: Avoid Products That Strip Your Tan

Certain ingredients and habits can shorten your tan’s lifespan. Be gentle with your skin to keep your glow intact.

Skip or minimize:

Long, hot showers and baths
Exfoliating products, AHA's, BHA's or retinols
Body washes or lotions with fragrance
Loofahs or rough washcloths

Use sulfate-free, pH-balanced cleansers that preserve your tan while keeping your skin clean and calm.

Step 4: The Continuous Glow Routine

If you’re someone who loves maintaining a continuous glow and your color needs a little pick-me-up, do a light exfoliation and touch up your tan using one layer of our Pradas Glow Self-Tanning Mousse and Flawless Finish Mitt for a seamless, streak-free finish.

But when it’s time for more than a touch up, scrub off that old glow, make sure to exfoliate your prior tan completely off before applying a fresh one. Refer back to our Skin Prep Routine Guide to ensure an even, flawless canvas for your next tanning application.

Step 5: The Graceful Fade

When your tan begins to fade, gentle exfoliation is your best friend. Use a non-oil-based scrub or mitt to lift away leftover color and encourage even renewal. Regular exfoliation keeps your skin smooth and ready for your next glow session.

Pro Prep Tip: A full exfoliation 1–2 days in a row before your next session ensures your skin is perfectly primed for a new tan — smooth and ready to absorb your next tan evenly.

Why Aftercare Matters

Your tan is an investment — and with the right aftercare, it’s one that pays off for days. Hydration, gentle cleansing, and mindful maintenance make all the difference between a glow that fades fast and patchy, and one that stays smooth, even, and radiant.

With Pradas Glow, you’re not just maintaining color — you’re nourishing your skin with every step.

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