PREPARE YOUR SKIN
Prepare for your appointment by showering and exfoliating at least 4 hours before. This gives your pores time to close up, which helps avoid discoloration. It will also leave you with a fresh new layer of skin to tan. Make sure your exfoliant is oil-free and made from organic and natural ingredients if possible. You can also use an exfoliating mitt to help remove dead skin and old spray tan.
Do NOT use a moisturizing soap or body wash (especially Dove) before you tan. DO use either a non-moisturizing translucent body wash or a non-moisturizing bar soap, with either nylon exfoliating gloves or a washcloth.
Do NOT apply any lotions, oils, deodorant, perfumes, or makeup. All of these can create a barrier on your skin that the tan may not adhere to.
REMOVE LOTION AND MAKEUP
Be sure to clean off any lotions or makeup before coming to your appointment. Hydrated skin is beautiful skin, but lotions make it harder for the tanning solution to adhere to your skin.
GET BEAUTY SERVICES BEFORE SPRAY TAN
Get all of your beauty services, like nails, waxing, or a massage before your spray tan to avoid the potential of rubbing off a fresh spray tan. Make sure to wax at least 24 hours before a spray tan to make sure any leftover wax is cleaned off.
SHAVE BEFORE APPOINTMENT
If you need to shave, do so 4 to 12 hours before your spray tan to avoid irritation.
WEAR LOOSE-FITTING CLOTHING
After your tan, you should wear loose-fitting clothing so your tan doesn’t rub off or look uneven. The perfect outfit is a long, black t-shirt, loose sweatpants, and sandals. You’ll want to avoid wearing anything tight, like jeans, leggings, yoga pants, socks, sneakers, or even a bra! If you prefer to wear a bra, we suggest choosing a choose a strapless or bandeau style.
STAY DRY
To help your tan develop, you’ll want to avoid all moisture for at least 4-5 hours (preferably 8 hours) after you get a spray tan. This includes showering, workouts, crying, hot yoga, lotions, liquid foundation, etc. Staying dry will help the spray tan solution adhere to your skin. If the forecast says rain on the day of your appointment, please bring an umbrella!
WAIT TO SHOWER
We recommend showering no sooner than 4 hours (preferably 8 hours) after your spray tan, but no longer than 24 hours after. When you do shower, be gentle and only use oil-free cleansers. Avoid any exfoliants and just use the palm of your hand to gently rinse off the surface bronzer. Avoid harsh scrubbing, hot water, drying soaps, and other chemicals. Pat yourself dry instead of rubbing.
MOISTURIZE AFTER THE SHOWER
After your shower, moisturize with an oil-free moisturizer. Hydrated skin maintains a tan longer than dry, thirsty skin. Remember any moisturizing should occur at least 4 hours after the spray tan.
AVOID MAKEUP
Like any moisture, you want to try and avoid applying any makeup for at least 6 to 8 hours after a spray tan. Applying makeup or any other types of moisturizer can alter the color of a fresh spray tan or cause blotches.
These spray tan aftercare tips will help you navigate the first 24 hours after your tan, but having a great tan also involves good skincare between appointments to keep you fresh and glowing.
MOISTURIZE DAILY
Make sure to moisturize in the morning and evening to keep your skin looking healthy. Look for an oil-free, natural moisturizer (see FAQ page for recommendations).
AVOID SWIMMING
Avoiding swimming, long showers, baths, steam rooms, saunas, or any other activity that exposes your skin to being wet for long periods of time.
AVOID CHEMICALS AND ADHESIVES
Avoid harsh chemicals such as chlorine, products containing acids, massages, fashion tape, bandages, and anything else that may strip your tan.
TRY NOT TO TOUCH YOUR SKIN
Keep your hands off your skin as much as possible to avoid discoloration. This includes crossing your legs and arms for long periods of time.
SHAVING
Wait at least 8 hours after your spray tan to shave for the first time. Use an oil-free moisturizing body wash when shaving, not traditional shaving cream. Most shaving creams on the market contain alcohol and heavy detergents that can strip your tan. Shave lightly and try not to press into your skin too hard. The lighter your shaving, the less it will exfoliate.