How To Prepare for a Spray Tan

We all love the sun, but we also know that there is no safe way to tan in the sun. In the long-term, too much exposure to the sun can cause skin damage, wrinkles, and it can increase your risk of skin cancer.

But if you love a tan, why not try a spray tan? They are great for a special occasion or a night out, and you can achieve the ‘just been on holiday’ look, minus the skin damage.

The key to a beautiful spray tan is preparing your skin, and following a few easy tips to maintain your tan for as long as possible.

Here’s how to prepare for a spray tan:

Before your spray tan…

Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate!

Buff away any rough, dry skin the day before your spray tan, as this will help to create a nice smooth surface for your tan. If you don’t exfoliate, your tan might look patchy once it starts to fade, and the tan will appear darker on the rougher areas. Concentrate on the areas where the skin is usually roughest, like elbows, knees, and ankles. Exfoliating will also make your tan last longer.

Wax or shave the day before, or sooner

If you are getting a wax, try and get it at least 24 hours before your spray tan, ideally 48 hours, to allow your pores to close properly. If you don’t leave enough time after hair removal, the tan can sit in your pores and leave you looking blotchy, and it can also cause irritation.

Moisturise the day before

This will treat any dryness and will provide a nice smooth base for your tan.

Leave the skin product free on the day

Shower before your spray tan, but don’t apply any moisturisers, perfume, deodorant, or makeup. These can form a barrier and prevent the skin from absorbing the tan, and you can end up with light patches.

If you really need to, use a baby wipe to wipe your underarms or to wipe off make up when you reach the salon.

Wear dark, loose clothing

Some of the guide colour of the tan can rub off on tight fitting clothes, so avoid tight waistbands and straps. Any stains won’t show up on dark clothing. And go bra-less if you can, for the same reason!

Plan ahead

Try to have your spray tan done 1 or 2 days before your special event or night out. This gives the tan time to settle, and it generally looks best a day or so after it has been done.

At the salon…

Don’t wear your best lingerie! You’ll usually be provided with a lovely paper thong for your treatment.

Ask any questions you need to, though the therapist will be able to advise you on what depth of tan will suit you most and give you tips on aftercare.

After your spray tan…

To maintain your tan, follow these tips:

• Follow the instructions your therapist gives you about when you can have a shower. The tan needs time to absorb into the skin. When you do have a shower, it’s normal to see some colour washing off. This is usually just the colour or cosmetic bronzer, it’s not your tan washing off.
• Don’t moisturise your skin until you have had your first shower, as this can cause streaking. But moisturising daily after this can help to maintain your tan.
• Don’t exercise until after your first shower. Sweating will make your tan fade quicker, especially in the body fold areas.
• Don’t exfoliate for at least 48 hours after your treatment. After this, you can exfoliate, but do so gently. Don’t rub skin dry when you get out of the shower, pat it dry gently.
• If you are sun-bathing, remember to wear a sunscreen. A spray tan does not offer any protection from the sun.

Now you know the secrets to getting the perfect spray tan, why not enrol on our spray tanning course so you can help others to achieve their dream golden glow? Many people start their own business offering spray tanning, because it’s a perfect feel-good treatment to offer clients, and it’s very cost effective.