Shower and exfoliate all over, paying special attention to areas that tend to dry out quickly like your elbows, knees and feet.
Shave any unwanted hair, preferably the day before your appointment. Any shaved hair will absorb the spray tan differently and can cause it to fade sooner than expected.
Wear Dark Clothes
It is important to wear dark clothing for your spray tan appointment because even the best sprays will sometimes rub off on clothes. Ideally, choose loose-fitting clothes that will not cling to the skin. Also, if you have body hair, please be sure to shave it prior to your appointment. This will help prevent the spray tan from appearing patchy on the area that has hair.
It is also a good idea to shower before you come to your appointment, to wash off all of the lotions, perfumes and deodorants on your skin. Heavily scented products have a tendency to dry out the skin, which can cause the tan to fade prematurely. It is best to wait until after your spray tan to apply any additional moisturizers, but you should always use a non-oil-based product. Avoid using anything with a glycerin content as it can attract moisture to the surface of your skin, which can cause streaking.
Exfoliate Your Skin
If your skin is dry, it will cling to the spray tan solution and make it patchy and uneven. To avoid this, exfoliate your skin with a physical scrub like a salt or sugar scrub or even dry brushing, at least 24-48 hours before your appointment. This will give your pores the chance to close completely, ensuring an even application.
You can also try a chemical exfoliant that is safe for spray tans, such as glycolic acid-based products or lactic acid-based creams. These gently dissolve the build-up of dead skin cells. Once you’ve exfoliated your skin, moisturize with a moisturizing body lotion – paying special attention to areas that are naturally dry, such as your hands, feet and elbows.
Finally, wear loose dark clothing to your appointment and stay away from tight leggings or sleeves.
Deodorant & Perfumes
Using deodorant can cause the spray tan to not take and may also lead to a more orange tone under your arms. Also, perfumes can interact with the solution and create an unattractive blotchy finish. It is best to go without either of these before getting your spray tan.
If you must, use a natural deodorant and make sure to apply it sparingly. Also, try to avoid perfumed body lotions or bath & body works products before your tan. These have a lot of fragrance in them and will cause the spray tan to fade early.
Keeping your body products off of your skin for the first 24 hours will help the tan develop and stay longer. During this time, it is also important to not sweat or do anything that causes your body to perspire. This includes exercising, swimming, saunas and steam rooms.
Moisturize
We all love to play around with makeup and hair color, but when it comes to spray tans there are certain beauty practices that require following specific protocols. The right prep is the difference between a flawless, streak-free, sun-kissed finish and a blotchy, uneven one.
It is important to shower before your session but avoid a hot shower. Hot water can open your pores, allowing the spray tan to seep out and leave brown spots on your skin. When you do get into the shower, pat yourself dry gently to prevent any accidental rubbing that may ruin your tan.
Be sure to check out our before and after care instructions on the website.