PREP & CARE
Tan is booked what's next?
1
Prep skin 24 hours before your tan
Proper prep is essential for a smooth, even, and long-lasting tan.
-
Remove unwanted hair at least 24 hours before your appointment
-
Exfoliate your entire body and face using an exfoliating mitt or glove paired with a scrub
-
Pay extra attention to dry areas such as elbows, knees, underarms, hands, feet, and face
-
Make exfoliating the final step in your shower to ensure all product residue is fully removed
Exfoliation is one of the most important steps in your prep. It creates a clean, even surface so your tan can develop smoothly and fade naturally.
If possible, begin exfoliating and moisturizing regularly in the days leading up to your appointment to keep the skin hydrated and balanced.
Plan any beauty services (lashes, manicures, pedicures, hair) at least 24 hours before your tan.
2
Day of Tan
What you do the day of your tan plays a key role in how your tan develops.
-
Avoid shaving or waxing the day of your appointment. This should be completed at least 24 hours prior
-
If you need to shower, do so at least 8 hours before your appointment and avoid using soaps or body washes
-
Do not apply lotions, oils, perfumes, deodorant, or makeup
If your skin is extremely dry, you may apply a spray tan–safe moisturizer at least 8 hours before your appointment.
-
Wear dark, loose-fitting clothing to and from your appointment (such as oversized loungewear or sweatpants)
-
Avoid tight clothing including leggings, bodysuits, and sports bras
-
Avoid shorts or dresses to minimize skin-on-skin contact and protect your tan from rubbing against surfaces
During your appointment, you can wear whatever you feel most comfortable in, such as a dark swimsuit, underwear, or go nude. Nipple covers are provided, and disposable thongs are available in sizes XS–2XL if needed.
3
After Care
After Your Appointment (Before First Rinse)
This is the most important development period for your tan.
-
Avoid getting wet, sweating, working out, or any high levels of physical activity
-
Avoid skin-to-skin contact, as this can cause sweating and affect development
-
Do not touch your skin or face, as this can transfer solution onto your palms and cause discoloration
First Rinse
-
Rinse at your recommended time discussed during your appointment
-
Use lukewarm water only, no soap (a small amount may be used on underarms and intimate areas if needed)
-
You will see the bronzer rinse off — this is normal
-
Pat your skin dry with a towel, do not rub
Ongoing Aftercare
-
Moisturize your body and face daily to maintain your tan and support an even fade
-
Avoid long, hot showers and excessive heat (saunas, hot tubs)
-
Limit activities that cause excessive sweating
-
Avoid harsh or exfoliating products such as AHAs, BHAs, and retinols
-
Avoid body oils, as they can break down the tan
Using spray tan–friendly products is key to maintaining your colour and ensuring an even, natural fade. Refer to the Tips & Tricks section for product recommendations.
If using perfume, bug spray, or alcohol-based products, apply them to your clothing rather than directly to your skin.
The products you use play a major role in how your tan develops, lasts, and fades.
Using the right products ensures a more even result and a longer-lasting glow.
Recommended Products
Body Wash
-
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing
-
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
-
Vanicream Gentle Body Wash
Moisturizer
-
Hempz
-
Aveeno Daily Moisturizing
-
Cetaphil
-
CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion
TIPS & TRICKS
Exfoliation matters more than you think
Not all exfoliation is equal. For best results, start by soaking in a bath for 20–30 minutes to soften the skin. This helps loosen dry, built-up skin and allows for a more effective, even exfoliation.
Follow with an exfoliating mitt or glove to physically remove dead skin buildup. Focus on areas that tend to be more dry or textured, such as elbows, knees, hands, and ankles.
Avoid oil-based scrubs, as they can leave a barrier on the skin and affect how your tan develops.
Use the right products
Using the proper products before and after your tan is essential for both development and longevity.
Not all skincare and body products are spray tan–friendly. Ingredients in certain lotions, soaps, and treatments can interfere with how your tan develops and how it fades. If you’re unsure, take a moment to check that your products are safe to use with a spray tan.
For ease and consistency, I also carry a selection of spray tan–friendly products in studio that are specifically chosen to support your results.
Products to Avoid
Certain products can interfere with how your tan develops and how long it lasts.
Heavy or oil-based lotions, including products like Dove, can create a barrier on the skin. This prevents the tanning solution from properly absorbing and can shorten the lifespan of your tan.
Oil-based fragrances, perfumes, and products such as bug spray can have a similar effect. To maintain your results, avoid applying these directly to the skin while your tan is developing and throughout its lifespan.
For best results, opt for lightweight, spray tan–friendly products that support an even, long-lasting fade.
Every body is different
Skin type, hormones, medications, and daily habits all play a role in how your tan develops and fades. What works for one person may not be identical for another, which is why customization and proper care are so important.
Moisturizing for Longevity
Proper hydration is one of the most important factors in how long your tan lasts and how evenly it fades.
For best results, moisturize twice daily. The most effective time to apply moisturizer is immediately after showering, when your skin is most receptive to hydration.
When you shower, your skin absorbs water. Once you step out, that moisture begins to evaporate quickly, which can leave the skin more dehydrated than before if it is not sealed in properly. Applying moisturizer within a few minutes helps lock in that hydration and maintain your skin barrier.
After your shower:
-
Gently pat your skin dry with a towel, rather than rubbing
-
Apply moisturizer within a few minutes while your skin is still slightly damp
Consistent hydration supports a longer-lasting tan, improves how it fades, and helps prevent patchiness or uneven wear.
Anti-Aging Products
Discontinue the use of anti-aging products 3–4 days before your appointment, especially on the face.
Many of these products, including retinols, AHAs, and BHAs, increase cell turnover and exfoliate the skin at a deeper level. This can create an uneven surface, causing your tan to develop patchy or fade more quickly in those areas.
Allowing your skin time to stabilize before your appointment helps ensure a smoother, more even result.
Swimming & Vacation Tips
Planning to swim on vacation? You can still enjoy your tan with the right care.
Before getting into pools, hot tubs, or the ocean, apply a spray tan–friendly sunscreen or lightweight moisturizer. This helps create a barrier and keeps the skin hydrated.
After swimming, rinse your skin with fresh water as soon as possible. Chlorine, salt water, and heat can all contribute to faster fading if left on the skin.
Once out of the water, reapply moisturizer or sunscreen to maintain hydration and help protect your tan.
With proper care, you can maintain your glow while still enjoying your time in the water.
Shaving with a Spray Tan
Shaving can impact how your tan wears, so using the right tools and products makes a noticeable difference.
Always use a fresh, sharp razor. Dull blades can drag across the skin, causing uneven fading and removing your tan more quickly.
It’s also best to avoid razors with built-in moisture strips, as they can leave a residue on the skin that may affect your tan.
For best results:
-
Use a clean, sharp razor
-
Choose a simple razor without a moisture strip
-
Shave using a spray tan–friendly body wash rather than traditional shaving creams
Being gentle and using the right products will help maintain your tan and support a more even fade.