Pre & Post Care: Spray Tanning
Preparation
*Exfoliate & moisturize your skin the days before your tan, but not the day of your appointment. Pay attention to your elbows, knees, hands, and feet - these areas tend to be usually the driest.
*Exfoliate your skin thoroughly the night before your tan appointment. If you shave, do that before exfoliating your skin. Most shaving creams & razors can leave some residue on the skin and act against the tan. Shave, exfoliate, rinse.
*Try to avoid using body washes which are extra moisturizing (Dove, Olay etc.). These products leave a film on your skin that will result in a blotchy tan. Opt for a gel-based body wash.
*All skin treatments should be done at least 24-48 hours before your appointment (waxing, sugaring, shaving, mani-pedi, lashes, massages, facials - no peels or microdermabrasion!)
*Do not wear any lotion, oils, makeup, sunscreen, perfume or deodorant to your appointment as these products will act as a barrier between your tan and your skin.
*Wear dark, loose clothing after your appointment. No socks - open toed shoes are your best option.
*If you have a sunburn, please let your skin heal 100% before your appointment (It can take up to 6-8 weeks!).
*If you spray tan frequently, make sure you exfoliate your skin to get all the tan off before you get spray tanned again.
*You may tan however you feel most comfortable - you can wear your underwear, bikini, just bottoms or nothing at all. We have some disposable thongs at the salon, too.
After Care
*Do not shower or bathe (or come in contact with water any other way!) for at least 6-8 hours after your spray tan appointment. The first shower after your tan should be just a lukewarm rinse. No soap/shampoo etc. Slide your hand over your skin lightly to help that bronzer come off. Once the water is clear, all the bronzer is off. Pat dry. The next shower can be a "real shower", just not too hot because hot water will fade your tan faster.
*Use moisturizer twice a day (you may moisturize after your first rinse). Make sure your moisturizer is free of mineral oil and artificial scents. Do not use lotions or creams on your skin which contain Alpha Hydroxyl Acids (AHA’s) or Glycolic Acid as they tend to exfoliate the skin.
*Your spray tan won't protect you from the sun. Some spray tan safe sunscreens are Sun Bum, Alba Botanica, and Coola.
*To preserve your tan, try to avoid swimming, long hot showers/baths, saunas, and excessive sweating.
*Don't exfoliate your skin until your tan is ready to come off.