Shave

Proper shaving is essential for ensuring an even spray tan application and maintaining its longevity.

  • Before:
    Shave at least 24 hours before your appointment. This allows your pores to close, reducing the risk of the tanning solution settling into open pores and creating dark spots or uneven results.

  • After:
    Wait at least 24–48 hours after your spray tan before shaving again. Use a sharp, clean razor and avoid pressing too hard, as this can exfoliate your skin and cause patchiness.

  • Do Not:

    • Use oil-based shaving creams before or after your tan, as oils can create a barrier or strip the tan.

    • Shave too soon after tanning, as it can fade the color prematurely.

 

Moisturize

Hydration is crucial for both preparing your skin and maintaining your spray tan.

  • Before Your Spray Tan:
    Avoid applying oils, lotions, or moisturizers on the day of your appointment. These products can create a barrier that prevents the tanning solution from being absorbed evenly into your skin.

  • After Your Spray Tan:
    Start moisturizing daily once your first rinse is complete (usually 8–12 hours after application). Keeping your skin hydrated prevents dryness and flakiness, which can cause uneven fading. Use oil-free moisturizers to avoid breaking down the tanning solution.

  • Pro Tip:
    Pay special attention to areas prone to dryness, such as hands, feet, elbows, and knees, as these areas tend to fade faster without proper hydration.

 

Tan Safe Lotions

Hydration is key to keeping your spray tan flawless. These lotions are oil-free and tan-friendly:

  1. Hempz Original Herbal Body Moisturizer – Infused with natural hemp seed oil for long-lasting hydration.

  2. Aveeno Active Naturals Daily Moisturizing Lotion – Lightweight and deeply nourishing.

  3. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream – Perfect for those who prefer a non-greasy feel.

  4. Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Radiant Lotion – Adds a subtle glow while keeping skin soft.

  5. Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream – Luxuriously rich with a tropical scent that screams vacation vibes.

Pro Tip: Moisturize daily after your first rinse to prevent dryness and flakiness, which can cause uneven fading.

 

Exfoliate

Exfoliation is key to preparing your skin for a flawless spray tan and ensuring even application.

  • Before Your Spray Tan:
    Exfoliate one day before your appointment to remove dead skin cells and create a smooth surface for the tanning solution. Use an exfoliating mitt or glove for the best results—avoid oil-based scrubs, as they can leave residue that acts as a barrier to the tanning solution.

  • After Your Spray Tan:
    Avoid exfoliating until you’re ready to remove your spray tan entirely. Exfoliation after application will fade or remove the tan unevenly.

  • Pro Tip:
    Focus on rough areas like elbows, knees, and ankles when exfoliating before your appointment to prevent these areas from absorbing too much color.

 

Tan Safe Body Soaps

Keep your glow intact with these gentle, sulfate-free cleansers:

  1. CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash – A dermatologist favorite that cleanses without stripping moisture.

  2. Aveeno Restorative Body Wash – Perfect for sensitive skin, it nourishes while preserving your tan.

  3. Cetaphil Pro Soothing Wash – Gentle and non-stripping, great for all skin types.

  4. OGX Radiant Glow Argan Oil of Morocco Body Wash – Smells divine and leaves skin feeling soft and hydrated.

  5. Method Body Peace Body Wash – Made with natural ingredients like rose water and pink sea salt for a soothing cleanse.

  6. Dove Beauty Bar (Unscented) – The only bar soap we recommend! Its natural oils keep your skin hydrated.

Pro Tip: Always use lukewarm water when showering and pat dry with a towel to avoid rubbing off your tan.

 

Tanning Removers

When it’s time to start fresh or fix streaks, these products work wonders:

  1. Bondi Sands Self Tan Eraser – A foam formula that gently removes old tan in minutes.

  2. Isle of Paradise Over It Magic Self-Tan Eraser – A micellar water-based mist that’s perfect for light layers or spot corrections.

  3. Rose & Caramel Purity Excel 60 Second Tan Remover – Works fast to melt away stubborn tans with minimal scrubbing.

  4. Tan-Luxe Glyco Water Self-Tan Eraser – Doubles as an exfoliating primer for your next tan application.

  5. Skinny Tan Miracle Self-Tan Eraser – Combines manual and chemical exfoliants to buff away old tans while moisturizing.

 

DIY Tan Removal Options

Prefer a natural approach? These DIY remedies are effective and easy to whip up at home:

  1. Baking Soda Paste

    • Mix baking soda with water to create a paste. Gently scrub in circular motions to remove streaks or buildup.

  2. Lemon Juice & Honey Mask

    • Combine lemon juice with honey for a natural exfoliating mask that brightens skin while removing tan residue.

  3. Yogurt & Gram Flour Scrub

    • Mix yogurt with gram flour to create a thick paste. Apply, let sit for 15–20 minutes, then rinse off for smooth, refreshed skin.

  4. Cucumber & Rosewater Blend

    • Blend cucumber juice with rosewater for a cooling treatment that soothes skin while fading tan lines.

  5. Oats & Buttermilk Exfoliator

    • Combine oats and buttermilk into a scrub to gently exfoliate and hydrate dry areas.

Pro Tip: Always follow up DIY removal treatments with a moisturizer to keep your skin soft and hydrated.With these aftercare essentials and tips, maintaining or removing your spray tan has never been easier! Whether you’re extending the life of your glow or prepping for the next session, we’ve got you covered!