Worried a spray tan will dry out your skin?
Without proper care, dryness and patchiness can happen.
Luckily, with the right prep and aftercare, you can stay hydrated and keep your glow looking fresh.
Does Spray Tanning Actually Dry Your Skin?
The short answer: not really — but it can make your skin feel dry afterward.
Spray tans work by using an ingredient called DHA (dihydroxyacetone), which reacts with the outer layer of your skin to create a tanned appearance.
While DHA itself doesn’t strip your skin of moisture, it can temporarily disrupt the skin’s natural hydration balance. This can leave your skin feeling a little tighter or drier than usual, especially if your skin is already prone to dryness.
It’s important to understand that a spray tan isn’t like sun damage — there’s no UV exposure breaking down your skin barrier. Any dryness you experience is usually mild and easy to manage with good spray tan aftercare.
At Brazilian Butterfly, we use high-quality spray tan solutions that are specially formulated to nourish and hydrate your skin while giving you a beautiful, even glow.
Our tans are packed with skin-loving ingredients like aloe vera, natural oils, and antioxidants, helping to lock in moisture and leave your skin feeling soft — not dry. It’s all about achieving a flawless tan without compromising your skin’s health.
Understanding Dry vs Dehydrated Skin After a Spray Tan
After a spray tan, it’s common to confuse dry and dehydrated skin — but they’re not the same.
- Dry skin means your skin lacks natural oils, which can make it feel rough or flaky.
- Dehydrated skin means your skin is low on water, leading to tightness, dullness, or sensitivity.
Spray tans can sometimes exaggerate these issues because the tanning solution reacts with the outer layer of your skin, which is already more vulnerable if it’s dry or dehydrated.
Certain factors can make post-tan dryness worse, including:
- Pre-existing skin conditions like eczema or naturally dry skin.
- Improper preparation, such as over-exfoliating or using harsh scrubs before your appointment.
- Poor aftercare, like skipping moisturiser or using alcohol-based products that strip moisture.
Looking after your skin before and after a treatment makes a big difference in keeping your glow smooth, even, and ensure a long-lasting tan.
How to Keep Your Skin Hydrated After a Spray Tan
- Moisturise with tan-friendly, hydrating lotions (avoid heavy oils immediately after).
- Gentle skincare: no exfoliating, harsh soaps, or hot showers immediately after.
- Stay hydrated internally — drinking water supports your skin from the inside.
- Recommended aftercare products (could mention natural ingredients like aloe vera, coconut water).
Keep Your Glow Without the Dryness
Spray tans don’t have to leave your skin feeling dry — with the right preparation, quality products, and a good moisturising routine, you can enjoy a beautiful, hydrated glow that lasts.
Choosing a salon that cares about your skin makes all the difference.
✨ Ready to glow without the worry? Book your next spray tan at Brazilian Butterfly and experience the difference for yourself.
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