Can You Use Red Light Therapy After a Spray Tan?


If you're a fan of spray tans and red light therapy, you might wonder how the two treatments work together.
Can you use red light therapy after getting a spray tan? Will it affect your tan's color or last time?
In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about combining these two beauty treatments for glowing, healthy skin. Keep reading!
Table of contents
Key Takeaways
Red light therapy is safe after a spray tan and can enhance hydration and skin regeneration.
Wait at least 24 hours after a spray tan before using red light therapy to allow the tan to fully set.
Red light therapy helps improve your spray tan’s longevity and can prevent uneven or patchy areas.
Proper hydration and moisturizing are essential for maintaining both your tan and the benefits of red light therapy.
Use red light therapy in moderation to avoid speeding up skin exfoliation and fading your tan too quickly.

How Does a Spray Tan Work on the Skin?
- Spray tan starts working when DHA touches your skin: A spray tan uses a formula with DHA (Dihydroxyacetone), a sugar molecule that reacts with amino acids in your outer skin layer. This reaction creates a brown color, giving your skin a sun-kissed glow without any real sun.
- The spray covers the skin evenly for a smooth tan: When the solution is sprayed, it spreads and sinks into the top layer of skin , helping the color develop evenly across the body without patches.
- Full tan color needs about 8 hours to show properly: Even though you might notice some color fast, it usually takes around 8 hours for the full tan to develop. During this time, you should avoid showering, sweating, or putting on any products.
- The tan fades naturally as your skin renews: Since DHA works only on the dead skin cells on the surface, your tan fades naturally over time as your skin sheds and refreshes itself.
Is It Safe to Use Red Light Therapy After Getting a Spray Tan?
- Red light therapy keeps your spray tan looking fresh: Red light therapy is safe to use after a spray tan. It doesn’t mess up the color or cause your tan to fade faster.
- Red light therapy makes your skin healthier after tanning: Using red light therapy helps your skin stay hydrated and supports healthy skin repair, which means your tan looks better and lasts longer.
- Waiting a few hours after spray tanning protects your results: It's smart to give your spray tan a few hours to set before you use red light therapy, so you don’t disturb the tanning process.
How Red Light Therapy Affects Spray Tan Color and Longevity?
- Healthy skin from red light therapy helps your spray tan stay vibrant longer: Red light therapy supports skin repair and regeneration, which makes your spray tan last longer and keeps the color looking fresh.
- Smoother and more hydrated skin makes your spray tan look more even: Dry or rough skin can cause a patchy tan, but red light therapy helps smooth and renew your skin, creating a better base for an even, beautiful spray tan.
- Red light therapy gives your skin more energy to hold the tan better: By increasing ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) production, red light therapy boosts your skin’s healing power, helping your spray tan develop deeper and stay consistent.
- Using red light therapy regularly prepares your skin for a longer-lasting spray tan: When you use red light therapy before getting a spray tan, it improves how your skin absorbs the color, helping your tan look better and last longer.
- Too much red light therapy can make your tan fade faster: While red light therapy is helpful, using it too often can cause your skin to exfoliate faster, which may make your spray tan disappear sooner than expected.
Can Red Light Therapy Prevent Uneven or Patchy Spray Tan?
- Red Light Therapy Helps Even Out Spray Tan: Red light therapy works by stimulating skin cells to heal uneven or patchy spray tans, promoting smoother skin and a more balanced tan.
- Collagen Boosts for a Smoother Fade: It increases collagen production, which helps the tan fade naturally without leaving uneven or harsh patches behind.
- Prevents Patchy Exfoliation for a Better Tan: Red light therapy supports even exfoliation, stopping patchy areas from forming as your tan starts to wear off.
- Long-Lasting, Even Tan with Red Light Therapy: By improving skin health and repair, red light therapy helps your tan stay even, fresh, and last longer.
Does Red Light Therapy Brighten or Enhance the Look of Your Spray Tan?
- Red Light Therapy Brightens Your Spray Tan: Red light therapy helps make your spray tan appear brighter and more radiant, giving your skin a healthy, glowing look.
- Improves Skin Texture for a Smoother Tan: By stimulating collagen production, red light therapy improves skin texture, making your spray tan look smoother and more even.
- Reduces Uneven Spots for a Uniform Tan: Red light therapy works to reduce uneven spots or blotches in your tan, giving you a more uniform and natural-looking color.

When’s the Best Time to Do Red Light Therapy in Relation to a Spray Tan?
- Wait 24 Hours for Your Spray Tan to Set: Give your spray tan at least 24 hours to fully develop before using red light therapy to avoid any interference with the color setting process.
- Allow Time for Your Skin to Absorb the Tan: Your skin needs time to absorb the tan properly. Using red light therapy too soon could disrupt the setting process and affect the final result.
- Red Light Therapy is Safe Once Your Tan Has Settled: Red light therapy can be used safely with a spray tan, but it's essential to wait until your tan has settled for the best outcome.
- Enhance Your Glow After the Tan Has Fully Set: Once your spray tan has fully set, you can use red light therapy to enhance the look and health of your skin for an even better glow.
Does Red Light Therapy Hydrate or Dry Out Skin After Tanning?
- Red Light Therapy Boosts Skin Hydration: Red light therapy boosts skin hydration by increasing blood flow and collagen production, helping to improve moisture levels. It locks in moisture, making your tan look better and last longer.
- It Strengthens the Skin's Moisture Barrier: By penetrating deep into the skin, red light therapy helps strengthen the moisture barrier, which prevents excessive dryness and peeling, keeping the skin healthy and smooth after tanning.
Best Practices for Combining Red Light Therapy with Spray Tan Maintenance
Prepare Your Skin Properly Before Undergoing Both Treatments
- Exfoliate for Smoother Skin and Better Results: Prep your skin by gently exfoliating before both treatments. This helps create a smoother surface for your spray tan and improves the absorption of red light.
- Choose a Gentle Exfoliator for Skin Health: Opt for a gentle, oil-free exfoliator like a pink Himalayan salt scrub or dry brushing to avoid skin irritation. Harsh exfoliators, such as those with retinoids or acids, can damage your skin.
- Stay Hydrated and Moisturized for Long-Lasting Effects: Drinking plenty of water and keeping your skin moisturized helps both red light therapy and spray tan last longer and work better.
- Consult a Professional for Best Results: Always consider consulting a professional to make sure you're following the right steps for both treatments, ensuring you get the most out of both your spray tan and red light therapy.
Time Your Red Light Therapy and Spray Tan Sessions Strategically
- Wait 24 Hours After Spray Tan for Best Results: It's important to let your spray tan set properly. Give it at least 24 hours before you go for red light therapy to avoid messing with the bronzing process.
- Timing Your Sessions Helps Your Tan Last Longer: Spacing out your red light therapy and spray tan by 24-48 hours ensures both treatments work well without affecting your tan’s development or longevity.
- Don’t Rush Red Light Therapy Right After a Tan: Applying red light therapy too soon after your spray tan may stop it from developing properly. Be patient and let your tan fully set first.
Hydrate and Moisturize Your Skin Regularly for Optimal Results
- Keep the Red Light Device Away from Skin: To avoid disrupting your spray tan, don’t let the red light device touch your skin directly. This can cause your tan to fade unevenly or irritate your skin.
- Maintain Distance for Even Tan: Keep the device 12-36 inches away from your skin to ensure your spray tan stays intact. This distance prevents the light from affecting your tan while still providing the therapy benefits.
Avoid Direct Skin Contact with the Light During Red Light Therapy
- Keep the Device Away from Your Skin: Avoid direct skin contact with the red light therapy device to prevent your spray tan from fading unevenly or getting irritated.
- Maintain the Right Distance for Best Results: Keep the device 12-36 inches away from your skin, depending on the area being treated, to protect your tan while still benefiting from the therapy.
Protect Sensitive Skin Areas from Excessive Light Exposure
- Sensitive Areas Need Protection from Light Exposure: Certain body areas, like the face , neck, and hands, are more sensitive to light and may become irritated, especially after a fresh spray tan.
- Shield Sensitive Areas to Prevent Irritation: To protect your sensitive skin, consider covering these areas during red light therapy to prevent irritation and discomfort.
- Avoid Direct Light on Fresh Spray Tan: Don’t let red light directly hit areas with a new spray tan to avoid uneven fading and maintain a smoother, more even tan.
- Protect Your Skin While Benefiting from Red Light: By shielding sensitive areas and avoiding direct light on your tan, you can protect your skin and still benefit from the healing effects of red light therapy.
Follow the Correct Aftercare Routine for Both Red Light Therapy and Spray Tan
- Moisturize to Keep Your Spray Tan Fresh: Avoid exfoliating after your spray tan and focus on keeping your skin moisturized to prevent the tan from fading too quickly.
- Red Light Therapy Boosts Tan Appearance and Longevity: Red light therapy improves skin hydration and boosts collagen, keeping your skin smooth, which helps make your tan look better and last longer.
- Hydration After Red Light Therapy Ensures Tan Stays Vibrant: Hydrating your skin after red light therapy helps keep it soft and fresh, ensuring that your tan stays even and vibrant.
- Proper Aftercare Enhances Both Treatments: By following aftercare for both your spray tan and red light therapy, you’ll enhance your tan’s longevity while enjoying the benefits of smoother, healthier skin.

What Type of Red Light Therapy Is Most Effective After a Spray Tan?
- Effective Wavelength for Red Light Therapy: Red light therapy works best with wavelengths between 600-650 nm after a spray tan, promoting collagen production and skin rejuvenation without harming your tan.
- How Red Light Therapy Improves Skin After a Spray Tan: It enhances skin hydration, which helps maintain a smooth, even spray tan, and boosts circulation and collagen, improving skin elasticity.
- Red Light Therapy Helps Your Tan Last Longer: By improving skin elasticity, red light therapy helps keep your tan vibrant and lasting longer, giving you a more glowing, youthful look.
- Session Frequency for Best Results: For the best results, use red light therapy 2-3 times a week to keep your skin rejuvenated and your spray tan looking its best.
Why Red Light Therapy and Spray Tans Are Trending Together?
Red Light Therapy Enhances Skin Health for Better Tanning Results
- Boosting Skin Health with Red Light Therapy: Red light therapy promotes skin health by increasing circulation and stimulating collagen production, leading to smoother and more youthful skin.
- Energizing Skin Cells for Better Repair: It energizes the mitochondria in your skin cells, speeding up repair and renewal, and protecting your skin from early signs of aging or damage.
- Improving Spray Tan Quality and Longevity: With a smoother, hydrated base, red light therapy helps spray tans apply evenly and last longer.
- Maximizing Effectiveness of Skin Treatments: The therapy improves the effectiveness of other skin treatments, giving you better overall results.
- Incorporating Red Light Therapy in Your Routine: Some salons offer red light therapy memberships, allowing you to incorporate it into your spray tan routine for better skin health and a more lasting tan.
Preparing Your Skin for a Perfect Tan with Red Light Therapy
- Red Light Therapy Smooths and Evens Skin: Before applying a spray tan, red light therapy helps by smoothing the skin, making it softer and more even. This creates the best base for a flawless tan.
- Hydrated Skin for an Even Tan: Red light therapy boosts hydration, ensuring that your skin is well-hydrated for a smooth and glowing tan application.
- Soothing Sensitive Skin: Red light therapy calms any irritation or redness, helping sensitive skin feel balanced and comfortable before your spray tan.
- Improved Absorption for a Longer-Lasting Tan: By improving circulation, red light therapy helps the skin absorb the tanning product more effectively, allowing the tan to last longer and appear more radiant.
Boosting Tan Development with the Help of Red Light Therapy
- Red Light Therapy Improves Tan Absorption: Red light therapy enhances the skin’s ability to absorb the spray tan, speeding up the development process.
- Boosting Blood Circulation for Faster Tan Development: Increased blood circulation from red light therapy helps skin cells regenerate faster, allowing the tan to develop more quickly.
- Supporting Even Tan Development: Red light therapy helps regenerate skin, ensuring a smoother, more even tan, especially for clients with slower tan development.
Supporting Skin Recovery After a Tan with Red Light Therapy
- Red Light Therapy Helps Skin Recover Faster After a Tan: After a spray tan, red light therapy helps the skin recover more quickly by reducing redness and irritation, so your tan stays fresh.
- Keeps Skin Hydrated and Smooth for a Better Tan: Red light therapy stimulates collagen, keeping the skin hydrated and smooth. This helps prevent dryness that could mess with the look of your tan.
- Reduces Peeling and Flaking for an Even Tan: By calming the skin and improving texture, red light therapy helps reduce peeling and flaking, keeping your tan even and intact.
Achieving Non-invasive Skin Care Benefits with Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that enhances skin health without the need for surgery or harsh chemicals.
It stimulates collagen production, improves texture, and promotes a glowing complexion.
FAQs
Can Red Light Therapy Help Soothe Any Irritation from a Spray Tan?
Red light therapy can be a great way to soothe irritation from a spray tan. It works by penetrating the skin with specific wavelengths of light that help reduce inflammation and promote healing. It calms irritated skin, helping to bring relief more quickly, often within just a few sessions.
Does Red Light Therapy Affect the Development of a Custom Spray Tan Shade?
Red light therapy can influence the development of your tan in various ways. It doesn’t impact the deepness of the tan, but it can affect how the color appears as it develops. Red light therapy might interfere with DHA absorption, which could prevent the tan from developing properly.
Can Red Light Therapy Help in Preventing Spray Tan Fading from Skin Cell Turnover?
Red light therapy can play a crucial role in preventing spray tan fading by boosting skin cell turnover and collagen production, which helps slow down the natural exfoliation process. Exfoliation is the removal of dead skin cells, which naturally occurs as skin renews. This means your tan stays intact for longer.
Is It Safe to Combine Red Light Therapy with Other Post-Tan Treatments Like Exfoliation or Moisturizers?
After getting a spray tan, avoid exfoliating immediately to prevent stripping away the color. However, after red light therapy, you can apply moisturizers right away, as it will help keep your skin hydrated and maintain your tan.