Can I Get a Spray Tan Before a Road Trip?

By Anna Duncan

Are you planning to go on a road trip and want to get a spray tan beforehand? You may be wondering if it’s a good idea to get a spray tan before being in the sun for long periods of time. The answer is not straightforward, but we’ll break it down for you.

What is Spray Tanning?

Spray tanning is a popular method of getting a bronze glow without exposing your skin to harmful UV rays. A spray tan is achieved by spraying a fine mist of tanning solution onto the skin, which then reacts with the skin’s natural chemistry to produce a golden hue. Spray tans typically last about 7-10 days and fade gradually as the skin exfoliates.

The Issue with Spray Tans and Sun Exposure

The main concern with getting a spray tan before going on a road trip is the potential damage that sun exposure can cause to your skin. Although spray tans provide some level of protection against UV rays, they do not offer complete protection from sunburn or damage caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight.

UV Rays and Sunburn

UV rays are classified into two types – UVA and UVB. UVA rays are responsible for premature aging of the skin, while UVB rays cause sunburns. Both types of UV rays can have long-term effects on your skin, such as increasing your risk for skin cancer.

If you get a spray tan before going on a road trip, you may be tempted to skip sunscreen or not reapply it as often as you should because you think that the spray tan provides enough protection. This is not true. You still need to apply sunscreen regularly and take other precautions like wearing sunglasses and protective clothing.

Fading of Spray Tan

Another issue with getting a spray tan before going on a road trip is that it will likely fade faster due to increased sun exposure. This means that you may need to reapply the spray tan more frequently than usual, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient.

What Should You Do?

If you’re determined to get a spray tan before your road trip, there are a few things you can do to minimize the potential damage of sun exposure:

  • Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every two hours
  • Wear protective clothing like hats and long-sleeved shirts
  • Stay in the shade as much as possible
  • Avoid being outside during peak sun hours (10 AM – 4 PM)

The Bottom Line

Getting a spray tan before going on a road trip can be tempting, but it’s important to remember that it does not provide complete protection from UV rays. If you decide to get a spray tan, be sure to take extra precautions like applying sunscreen regularly and avoiding prolonged exposure to sunlight. It’s also important to keep in mind that your spray tan may fade faster than usual due to increased sun exposure.