Spray Tan - Preparation and After-Care
Pre-Tan Preparation:
•Shower, exfoliate, and shave before your tanning session. Do NOT use a moisturizing soap or body wash (especially Dove) before you tan. The reason for this is that anything moisturizing leaves a layer on the skin that the tanning solution won't penetrate through, and you won't get a good, even tan. Use either a clear body wash or a bar soap that is a bit drying, like Ivory, Dial, Irish Spring, Lever 2000, or Zest. Scrub your entire body well with either nylon exfoliating gloves or a washcloth.
•Shave at least 4-6 hours before your appointment. If you tan right after shaving, your pores may be wide open, and you may get little dots on your legs! If you must shave close to the time of your appointment, please make sure to splash cold water on the area to close your pores as much as possible.
•Be sure to wash off any hair conditioner residue from your body. (with soap!)
•If your appointment is later in the day, you may need to shower before coming to remove any sweat and oils from the day.
Please be aware that even sweat can inhibit the tanning solution from soaking into the skin.
•Skin should be clean and dry before being sprayed. Don’t apply moisturizers, deodorants, anti-perspirants, oils, or makeup before your tanning appointment. They can effect tan development. If you feel that you tend to sweat a lot without anti-perspirant, you may wear a small amount so that you don't sweat out the tanning solution.
•Wear dark, loose fitting, easily cleaned clothing to appointment (like cotton or polyester). Wear loose shoes. Bring an old swimsuit or undergarment to tan in, if you wish. (Be aware that wool, lycra, nylon, spandex, silk, rayon, and leather may stain.) We have disposable panties, or you may tan topless or nude if you prefer.
•Style hair in a hairclip or ponytail so it will be off of face and neck.
•Remove all contact lenses and jewelry before being sprayed. (if you can't remove contacts, just make sure to close your eyes)
•You will not be able to get wet or sweaty for at least 8 hours (until you shower) – so please plan your day accordingly.
•Bring a towel to cover leather or light colored seats, especially if you are wearing shorts or a skirt.
•If it is raining or snowing, be sure to bring an umbrella and/or hoodie. If you get rained or snowed on, you will streak or spot!
After-Tan Care:
•Wear loose fitting clothing for 8 hours, while tan develops.
•Don’t exercise, sweat, swim, or bathe for 8 hours.
•After 8 to 12 hours, shower normally. Avoid long/hot baths and showers, hot temperatures open your pores and will release the tan more quickly.
•Don’t use exfoliates or abrasives.
•Wash with a mild shower gel or body wash, preferably moisturizing. (Aveeno, Olay, Bath & Body Works, Suave, etc.) Use a washcloth (gently) to get the bronzer off so it doesn't come off on your towel or clothes. Do NOT use Dove soap or any drying bar soaps after your tan!
•Color wash off during the first shower is normal: this is only the color guide tint. (bronzer) Your tan will continue to develop over the next 12 to 24 hours.
•Pat, don’t rub skin dry.
•Apply a moisturizer or body butter to shower damp skin. (If you like, you can use a tan extender lotion; scrub palms after use with bar soap and a nailbrush so that they don't turn orange.) Moisturize again before bed with a moisturizer of your choice. (NOT Curel or Dove – these have ruined tans!)
•Apply moisturizer once or twice a day (after showering and before bed) and if you choose, apply an extender once a day or every other day.
•Avoid exfoliating skin. Some products can cause faster fading – bar soaps, alcohol based products such as toners and astringents, products that cause exfoliation such as AHAs, BHAs, Retin-A, etc. (anti-aging, anti-acne, regenerating, renewing) Make sure that you shave with a sharp razor to avoid exfoliating skin.
•Hot tubs, swimming pools, and even extended time in the ocean will take off your tan.