- To get the best results from your spray tan, exfoliate your skin beforehand. Removing dead skin cells creates a smooth surface for the tan to adhere to, helping it last longer. Use an exfoliating mitt or scrub, paying extra attention to rough areas like your elbows, knees, ankles, heels, and knuckles.
- Plan ahead by shaving, waxing, and exfoliating at least 24 hours before your appointment. This gives your skin time to rebuild amino acids, which are essential for the tanning solution to develop properly. It also allows your pores to close, preventing the bronzer from settling into them.
- Make sure your skin is free from any existing self-tanner or spray tan residue. Avoid applying lotions, oils, gels, or shaving/waxing creams on the day of your appointment, as they can leave a barrier on the skin and affect the tan’s absorption.
- If you need to shower before your session, do so at least three hours in advance, using only cool water—no soap. Hot water and steam can open your pores, impacting the evenness of your tan.
- Schedule manicures, pedicures, facials, or massages at least a day before your spray tan to prevent any product buildup on your skin.
- On the day of your appointment, skip makeup, deodorant, sunscreen, perfume, and moisturizers, as these can interfere with the tanning solution.
- You can choose to wear a swimsuit, undergarments, or nothing at all during the application. Afterward, opt for loose, dark clothing to avoid smudging or rubbing off the tan before it fully sets.
learn more about pre & Post Care
- After your session, wait 8 to 12 hours (or 2 to 6 hours, depending on the tanning solution) before showering. This allows enough time for the tan to fully develop.
- For your first rinse, avoid using soap. Simply rinse your body and face thoroughly with water until it runs clear.
- During the development period, avoid sweating or coming into contact with water. If it’s raining or snowing, wear long, loose clothing to protect your tan.
- If you get sprayed in the evening, wear long, loose pajamas to bed to prevent the bronzer from transferring onto your sheets.
- Refrain from applying lotions, makeup, perfume, or creams until after the tan has fully set.
- If you accidentally touch your skin while the tan is developing, wash your fingers and palms with a soapy cloth while keeping the rest of your hands dry.
- If water accidentally splashes on your skin, lightly apply a self-tanning lotion to the area and blend it out to even the color. After your shower, your tan should appear smooth and natural.
- To keep your tan looking great, avoid body washes, lotions, and sunscreens that contain alcohol, parabens, petroleum, mineral oils, or sulfates, as these can cause fading. Also, avoid spraying perfume directly on tanned areas, since the alcohol can alter the color.
- Use gentle facial cleansers—avoid exfoliating or oil-based products, as well as strong acne treatments that dry out the skin.
- Skip waxing over tanned areas, but occasional light shaving is fine.
- Keep your skin hydrated by moisturizing daily with a tan-friendly lotion. Do not exfoliate while your tan is still fresh. Once it begins to fade, exfoliate to remove any remaining color evenly.
- To extend the life of your tan, minimize exposure to sweating, saunas, hot tubs, long baths, and pools, as they can cause faster fading.
