Tan Fade

Tan fade is the natural lightening of a spray tan over 7–14 days as the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of skin where DHA reacts) sheds and is replaced through normal skin cell turnover. Fade is gradual rather than patchy when aftercare is followed: daily moisturizer, no exfoliation, lukewarm showers, no chlorine. Without aftercare, fade is uneven — knees and elbows lose color first, then knuckles and ankles, leaving a streaky appearance that signals 'old spray tan' to other people. Top fade-extending practices: oil-based body lotion daily, gentle pat-dry instead of rubbing after showers, sleep in pajamas to avoid sheet rubbing, no exfoliating scrubs or loofahs. To remove a tan quickly (e.g., before a touch-up), clients can use a baking-soda paste, dedicated tan remover (such as St. Tropez Prep & Maintain Mitt), or a spa exfoliating mitt. Bronzly's per-client CRM tracks each client's typical fade timeline so the artist can recommend optimal rebook windows.