preparing for your spray tan

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The first—and arguably most crucial step—in your spray tan prep routine is exfoliation. Regular exfoliation helps remove dead, dull cells, helps smooth your skin, and provides a more even base for your tan.

For your body, you can use a body scrub or lather up with a loofah. Be sure to pay extra close attention to rougher areas, like your elbows and knees. 

It’s also a good idea to shave before tanning, as shaving too soon after your spray tan can cause it to fade more quickly. Plus, shaving can also help exfoliate the skin for a silky-smooth feel.  Any waxing should be done at least 24 hours prior to your appointment. 

If your skin is dry when you go in to get your spray-on tan, there’s a chance the pigment could cling to dry patches, resulting in a blotchy, uneven tan. Prior to your appointment, make sure your skin is adequately hydrated from head to toe. If you need a moisturizer recommendation, we suggest opting for a lightweight option such as the .........which provides up to 48 hours of hydration without a heavy or greasy feel. 

Keep in mind that while you’ll want to moisturize before your appointment, you don’t want to do it immediately before heading into the salon—doing so could potentially dilute your tan. 

Avoid getting a manicure or pedicure after getting a spray-on tan. Both of these services involve soaking your fingers and using nail polish remover, which can cause your spray tan to become patchy or fade prematurely on your hands and feet. A good rule of thumb is to schedule your nail appointment before your spray tan. 

You should avoid wearing jewelry that can leave you with funky tan lines, so leave those beautiful rings and decorative bangles at home. After your spray tan, you should sport dark, loose-fitting clothing to prevent staining and keep your clothes from rubbing against your freshly applied tan, which can lead to uneven patches and blotchy spots if it hasn’t had time to set. 

Skipping makeup ahead of your appointment likely goes without saying. Still, it’s worth mentioning—do not wear makeup to your spray tan appointment since it will prevent your tan from properly adhering to your skin. The only thing you’ll want to have on your face is a light moisturizer that has had some time to absorb.

You should definitely moisturize before getting a spray on tan, but not too close to your appointment. Scented products like lotions, creams, perfumes, and even deodorants can affect how your spray tan adheres to your skin. Head to your appointment with clean, bare skin, and moisturize with a fragrance-free lotion the night before. (The aforementioned facial moisturizer is fragrance-free, as well as fast-absorbing and non-comedogenic).

• Wait until your tan is fully dry before getting dressed. When you do, opt for dark, loose-fitting clothing to help prevent your tan from staining your clothes or transferring. 
• Hold off on showering for at least 8-24 hours to help ensure your tan has adequate time to develop. 
• Post-tan, don’t scrub your skin or use harsh cleansers. Opt for a mild, oil-free body wash, and use a washcloth (or your hands) to gently cleanse your skin. The same goes for your face—you’ll want to stick with gentle, non-abrasive facial cleansers that remove impurities without over-drying or stripping your skin. 

• If any areas appear significantly darker than others, lightly exfoliate the darker area with a washcloth to help the tan fade. 
• Keep your skin sufficiently moisturized with a lightweight, non-greasy lotion or cream. 
• Consider swapping your go-to body cream for a gradual tanning lotion to help extend the life of your tan. 
• Take cooler showers and avoid scrubbing your skin when you lather up.
• Try to minimize how often you shave, as shaving exfoliates the skin and can cause your tan to fade more quickly than you’d like. 
• A faux tan on the face tends to fade more quickly than other areas on your body. To help preserve your tan, we recommend picking up our Tan Water which is specially formulated for the face, this translucent tan water combines the brightening benefits of Vitamin C with age-defying Niacinamide for a flawless, radiant look. Perfect for enhancing or maintaining your tan.