Spray Tan Tips from Myrtle Beach’s Glow Experts: How to Prep, Maintain & Maximize Your Tan
There’s nothing like that fresh, just-got-back-from-vacation glow—but let’s be real: laying out in the Myrtle Beach sun for hours just isn’t worth the skin damage (or the weird tan lines). That’s where spray tans come in. Fast, safe, and seriously beautiful when done right, a professional spray tan is one of the easiest ways to boost your confidence for beach days, weddings, or just because.
At Sculpt Skin Solutions, spray tans are one of our secret weapons for helping you feel like your best self—without a single harmful UV ray. But getting that flawless, golden finish isn’t just about showing up and getting sprayed. Prepping your skin and taking care of it afterward makes all the difference.
Whether it’s your first spray tan or you're a glow-up regular, here’s everything you need to know to prep, maintain, and extend your tan—with tips straight from Myrtle Beach’s go-to glow team.
First: Let’s Talk Prep (Don’t Skip This!)
If you do nothing else, please don’t skip the prep. Your tan’s outcome depends just as much on your skin before the appointment as it does on the spray formula itself. And we want you to leave looking sun-kissed, not streaky.
Here’s what we tell our Myrtle Beach clients before their appointment:
- Exfoliate the day before. Use a mitt, scrub, or exfoliating glove to gently slough off dead skin. Focus on areas like knees, elbows, and ankles (anywhere dry tends to build up).
- Shave or wax at least 24 hours ahead of time. Shaving right before a spray tan can cause irritation and even mess with the way the tan adheres.
- Avoid lotions, oils, deodorant, and perfume the day of your tan. These act like a barrier and can cause patchy or uneven absorption.
- Wear dark, loose-fitting clothing. Anything tight can rub off the solution. We also recommend open shoes or flip-flops if possible.
A little prep goes a long way toward that “did she just get back from the Bahamas?” look.
What Happens at Your Appointment
Getting a spray tan with us is quick, easy, and totally custom. Whether you want a subtle sun-kissed vibe or a deeper bronze, we mix your color to match your goals and natural undertones. No one-size-fits-all shades here.
You’ll be guided through the entire process, from standing positions to how long to wait before rinsing. We’ll also give you post-care instructions (which we’ll go over again here in a second).
And yes—you can totally spray tan year-round. We have plenty of Myrtle Beach locals who book regular appointments just to keep that glow going through every season.
Aftercare: Your First 24 Hours Matter Most
So you’re bronzed and beautiful—now what?
The next 24 hours are key to how well your tan develops and how long it lasts. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Avoid getting wet or sweaty for at least 8 hours. This includes working out, showering, or doing anything that could cause the solution to streak or wear off.
- No skin-to-skin contact. That sounds weird, but trust us—it matters. Avoid cuddling or skin rubbing against skin (or anyone else) to prevent transfer.
- When it’s time to rinse, do a warm (not hot) water rinse only. No soap for the first rinse! You’ll see some bronzer come off, but that’s totally normal. It’s not your actual tan fading.
- Pat dry, don’t rub. Then moisturize with a tan-friendly lotion.
Following these steps gives your tan the best chance to develop evenly and last longer.
How to Make Your Tan Last Longer in Myrtle Beach’s Heat
Hot, humid weather and ocean dips can make tan maintenance a little trickier—but not impossible.
Here’s how our regular clients keep their glow fresh for 5–7 days (or more!):
- Moisturize daily. Hydrated skin holds onto a tan much better than dry skin.
- Avoid chlorinated pools and hot tubs. If you do swim, rinse off and moisturize ASAP.
- Stay away from exfoliating products. This includes harsh body scrubs and retinol-based skincare until your tan fades naturally.
- Use a gradual self-tanner to top up midweek. We carry a few professional-grade options in the studio—just ask what we recommend based on your skin tone and lifestyle.
And one of the most underrated tips? Drink water. Staying hydrated internally helps your skin retain its glow externally.
A Few Things We Wish Everyone Knew About Spray Tanning
- Yes, you can get a spray tan on your face. And yes, we’ll customize that part separately if needed.
- No, it won’t protect you from the sun. Always use SPF when you're outside—even with a spray tan.
- It won’t make you orange. We’ve all seen bad spray tans from the early 2000s. That’s not the vibe here. With today’s formulas and techniques, we’re able to give you a beautifully blended glow that looks completely natural.
Why Locals Trust Sculpt Skin Solutions for Spray Tanning in Myrtle Beach
We get it. You want to look good without looking fake. And with Myrtle Beach being the place for outdoor fun, beach days, events, and photo ops—there’s no better time to glow up.
At Sculpt Skin Solutions, we take the guesswork out of spray tanning. Our trained team provides guidance, custom color-matching, and expert aftercare advice so you leave feeling confident every single time. We serve clients from Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Carolina Forest, Socastee, and beyond—and they keep coming back because the results speak for themselves.
Ready to Glow? We’ve Got You.
Whether you’re prepping for a big event or just want a little boost of confidence, we’re here to help you glow safely, evenly, and naturally—without the sun damage.
✨ Book your spray tan here and let’s get you glowing.
