How to Prepare for a Spray Tan

How to Prepare for a Spray Tan

When it comes to getting a spray tan, a lot of people wonder where to begin. What can you do to prepare your skin before your spray tan session? We’re glad you asked! Skin preparation is extremely important. In fact, the days leading up to your session matter the most when it comes to how the solution stays on your skin. But not to worry… just remembering a few quick tips can make a world of difference in how your tan looks, lasts, and, most importantly, in how confident you feel!

1.Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

The week before your appointment, remember to moisturize daily with body lotion. Apply lotion generously to your knees, elbows, feet and hands… since these areas tend be the driest, and therefore, absorb more color. If you moisturize twice daily the entire week before your spray tan, you will ensure a smooth, even absorption of color.

However, make sure that you STOP your moisturizing routine the day of your spray tan. If you have any lotion at all on your body when you come in for your session, there will be a barrier between your skin and the spray tanning solution, which can cause your spray tan to come out blotchy.

2. Exfoliate

We cannot over-stress the importance of exfoliating your skin prior to your spray tan session. Exfoliation clears away any dry, dead skin cells, which helps prepare your skin to better absorb the spray tanning solution. You should exfoliate using a loofa/wash cloth and body scrub the entire week (up until 24 hours) before your appointment. While exfoliating, make sure to use a pH balancing scrub… and for extremely dry areas, we recommend using a deep exfoliator.

3. Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water, believe it or not, does influence your skin! All spray tanning solutions look best both moisturized, but also hydrated skin.

4. Apply a Warm Towel

If you apply a warm towel to your skin right before your spray tanning session, it will help keep your skin moisturized and better absorb color!

5. Protect Your Skins’ pH Levels

Make sure to avoid using bar soaps, high pH shower products, or in-shower moisturizers days before (and especially after) your session. These products can neutralize the DHA bronzing reaction within the skin, making your spray tan blotchy and uneven.   

6. Hair Removal

When it comes to shaving/waxing your body hair, make sure you do so prior to 24 hours before your session! Shaving and waxing exfoliates the skin, so going along with rule #2, just make sure you do so prior to the 24-hour window.

7. Get Your Mani/Pedi Before Your Spray Tan

Ladies, if you plan on getting a manicure or pedicure, make sure to do so before your session! If you get your nails done after your spray tan, you risk ruining your tan when the nail tech uses exfoliates and/or lotions on your skin.                                                      

In conclusion, the better your prepare your skin, the better your results will be! If you can remember to follow these 7 simple rules, you will be set for success before your spray tanning session, guaranteed! Good luck, and happy tanning!