Scared of spray tanning? This expert says it's the ultimate midlife confidence-boost - and shares her tanning tips
Spray tans for mature skin are on the rise, so we've asked a pro for insider tips to guarantee a great result
Spray tanning is a polarising treatment. Those who love it, really love it - those who aren't on board tend to have strong feelings in that direction too.
If you've never had a spray tan or have had a bad experience and prefer to stick to your best self tan at home (or none at all), it could be time to reconsider. “I often hear women say, ‘I’m worried I’ll look orange,’ which makes me smile because it’s usually based on memories of tanning from 15 or 20 years ago," says Nicola Matthews, Founder and CEO of Sienna X.
"Modern spray tanning has evolved enormously. After more than two decades in the tanning industry, I’ve noticed that mature women are looking for something different. They want to look healthier, more rested and more confident." If that appeals and you're feeling tempted, consider this your midlife spray tanning cheat-sheet.
Why a spray tan is the ultimate confidence boost for mature skin
Some people see this treatment as only for the young or celebrities, but according to Matthews, mature skin and a spray tan are a match made in heaven. "In your twenties, you often tan to look different. In your fifties and sixties, you tan to look more like yourself on a really good day, " she explains.
"As we age, skin naturally becomes paler, thinner and often develops more variation in tone," Matthews continues. "Veins become more visible, age spots can appear, and areas such as the arms, legs and décolletage may lose some of their natural warmth. A subtle spray tan can visually soften all of those things."
"I’d go as far as saying that a good spray tan is one of the most effective beauty treatments nobody notices. Many women tell us they start wearing less body makeup, can ditch opaque tights, and feel more comfortable showing their arms and legs once they have a natural-looking tan. It’s less about appearance and more about confidence.”
Create a smooth, hair-free surface a couple of days before your spray tan with this Gilette Venus, which our editor recommends after being loyal to it for 20 years, no less. It's comfy in the hand, budget-friendly, and the shave bars mean you don't need shaving foam.
Spray tans often fade faster on the face, as we are cleansing - possibly double cleansing - every night, so a light mist like this can make a great option to top up if needed. Nicola specifically recommends this as the best fake tan for mature skin as it's packed with hydrating skincare to plump and nourish the skin.
This light yet hydrating body lotion doesn't leave any sticky residue, and contains refreshing aloe vera, which is perfect for the summer months. Apply daily to maintain your spray tan and prevent it from going patchy as it fades.
How to achieve a flattering spray tan on mature skin
As with so many things in life, the key to success is in the preparation. "I often compare it to decorating a wall," says Matthews. "If the surface underneath is rough, the finish will never look as beautiful as it could - the same applies to skin." Before you begin, take each of her expert tips into account:
- Speak up: "Choose a therapist you trust and don’t be afraid to discuss exactly what you’re hoping to achieve. A good therapist will customise the shade to suit your natural skin tone and lifestyle.
- Go subtle with shade: Almost every therapist will tell you that the clients who come back happiest are the ones who chose a subtle glow rather than the deepest shade available.
- Plan ahead with prep: Hair removal should ideally be completed 24–48 hours before your appointment, allowing the skin to settle and ensuring a smooth, even canvas.
- Exfoliate, but do it gently: Many women have spent years being told to scrub harder, but mature skin generally responds much better to gentle exfoliation combined with consistent moisturising.
- Double down on your legs: One surprising tip is to pay attention to your lower legs. As we age, this is often where skin becomes driest and where tans can fade unevenly. Spending an extra minute moisturising your shins, ankles and feet in the days before a tan can make a remarkable difference to the final result."
How to stop a spray tan going patchy
You've prepped, been sprayed, and everything's beautiful, bronzed and glowy for a couple of days - but now what? One of the biggest issues with any kind of tan on drier skin types is preventing patchiness and uneven fading. But Matthews has an answer.
“The secret to a beautiful fade isn’t actually the tan itself - it’s hydration, " she reveals. "As we age, our skin naturally holds less moisture, which means it can shed skin cells more unevenly. That’s often the real reason people experience patchiness."
"Daily moisturising is probably the single most effective thing you can do to extend the life of your tan. Twice daily, even. I also recommend avoiding very hot baths, long soaks and anything that strips moisture from the skin. A great tan should gradually disappear without obvious patches or lines. If you’re looking after your skin properly, that’s exactly what should happen.”
At-home tanning tips for mature skin
A spray tan may be the creme de la creme of even, natural-looking tanning, but that's not to say you can't master how to fake tan at home and achieve a great result, too.
When choosing a product, Matthews recommends prioritising hydration above all else, "For mature skin, I always recommend taking a skincare-first approach to tanning. Gradual tanning products are often ideal because they allow you to build colour slowly while keeping skin hydrated and comfortable."
One of our beauty editor's favourite gradual tans, this combines a fresh feel and light texture with skincare ingredients and subtle, buildable tanning actives. Like all graduals it can be applied mitt-free with your hands - just remember to wash them after.
She continues, "For those wanting a deeper result, modern express mousses allow you to customise the depth of colour while still achieving a natural finish. Facial tanning products formulated with skincare ingredients can also be a fantastic option for maintaining radiance without heavy makeup."
A clever, fast-acting mousse that's packed with skincare ingredients, Nicola explains this was formulated with hydration front of mind, "at Sienna X, we’ve always believed tanning and skincare should work hand in hand, which is why our tanning range incorporates ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide and Q10 alongside the highest quality DHA (tan colour technology)."
Armed with this insight and product recommendations, anyone can achieve a flattering, long-lasting spray tan - and a confidence boost to boot. "The best tan isn’t the darkest one in the room," Matthews concludes, "It’s the one that makes people say, ‘You look amazing,’ without quite knowing why.” And who wouldn't want that?
