Prep for Your Tan

Two to Three Days to Prep Best Results

• Exfoliate daily using an exfoliating mitt made for spray tanning or a nylon mesh cloth to get a strong, thorough exfoliation (not harsh or scratchy).
• Moisturize morning and night with a tan-safe body lotion, oil, or body butter.
• Drink water regularly to support smooth, hydrated skin.
• Schedule waxing, lashes, nails, facials, and massages at least 24+ hours before your appointment.

One Day to Prep Minimum Prep

• Exfoliate 24 hours before using a mitt or nylon mesh cloth for a full-body scrub.
• Shave at least 24 hours before your tan using a razor without a moisture strip.
• Apply a tan-safe moisturizer after exfoliating.

Avoid bar soaps and heavy, residue-leaving body washes before your tan, as they can block absorption or cause patchy development. Wait until peeling skin, sunburn, or fresh tattoos are fully healed before tanning.

In a pinch: If you didn’t have time to prep, you can arrive a few minutes early and use one of our exfoliating mitts (available in-studio for $6) to quickly buff your skin before we spray. It’s not ideal, but better than skipping prep completely.

Day of Your Tan

• Avoid showering the day of your tan if possible. If you must shower, take a quick, water-only rinse at least 4 hours before your appointment (no soap or body wash).
• Arrive with clean, product-free skin: no lotion, deodorant, perfume, oils, or makeup.
• Wear what you’re comfortable with during your service (disposables, bikini, bra, panties). Anything worn may get tan solution on it.
• Bring loose, dark clothing and flip flops to wear home. Skip tight leggings, socks, and bras until after your first rinse to avoid rub marks.

What to Expect From Your Tan

• During your first rinse: Use lukewarm water only and your hands to gently rub the bronzer off your body. No washcloths, loofahs, or soap yet.
• It may look like your tan washed away — that’s just the cosmetic bronzer (color guide) rinsing off. Your actual tan is still developing underneath.
• Your color will take up to 24 hours to fully develop and even out.
• If you sleep in your tan before rinsing, wear long sleeves and long pants to avoid skin-on-skin contact that can cause transfer or uneven spots.
• Before your rinse, you might see streaks or patches of bronzer. That’s normal and should even out into a smooth glow once you rinse and your tan is fully developed.
• Your hands and face will fade faster (sometimes much faster) than the rest of your body due to more oil glands on the face, use of skincare products, frequent hand washing, etc. We recommend touch-ups with tan water, which is available to purchase.
• You might feel a little sticky or tacky before your rinse depending on the solution used. This is normal and will improve after you rinse off the bronzer.
• Spray tanning does not protect you from sun damage. Always wear mineral sunscreen when you’re outside — we have options available to purchase.

Aftercare & Maintenance

With good prep and consistent aftercare, your tan should last about 7–10 days and fade evenly with a smooth, soft finish.

• Pat skin dry after showers and swimming — don’t rub with the towel.
• Use a tan-safe lotion, oil, or body butter daily to keep your skin moisturized and your tan looking even.
• Start using a tan-extending lotion on Day 2 or in the evening; use your regular lotion in the morning.
• If you swim in a pool, hot tub, or natural water, rinse off as soon as possible afterward and moisturize.
• If you need to shave, use a fresh razor without a moisturizing strip and a gentle, tan-safe shave cream or oil, and shave lightly.

We’re happy to answer questions about your routine and help you get the longest, smoothest wear from your tan.

Tan-Safe Products & What to Avoid

The products you use matter. Some everyday body washes, scrubs, and lotions are great for normal use, but can be too stripping or too oily for a spray tan and may cause patchy fading.

What We Recommend

• Bronze & Beyond Body Wash: pH-balanced and spray tan safe, so it cleanses without harsh sulfates that strip color.
• Scrub Me Good Sugar Scrubs: Use starting around Day 5 to help your tan fade evenly and gently remove leftover color when you’re ready for a fresh tan.
• Scrub Me Good Luxe Body Lotion, Body Oil, and Whipped Body Butter: Tan-friendly moisture to keep skin soft, comfortable, and smoother between tans.

Ingredients to Avoid on Tan Areas

• Heavy mineral oils and very heavy occlusive oils that can cause patchy development.
• High levels of alcohol that dry out skin and make your tan fade faster.
• Sulfates (like SLS and SLES) that can strip your tan.
• Strong active ingredients such as AHAs, BHAs, exfoliating acids (glycolic, salicylic, lactic, etc), and retinoids on tan-covered areas, as they speed up exfoliation.

Common Product Lines That Aren’t Tan-Friendly

Some over-the-counter products may be great in general, but the ingredients or fragrance levels aren’t ideal for spray tans. For best results, avoid using these on tanned areas:

• Olay
• Dr. Bronner’s
• Tree Hut (scrubs & body washes)
• Native
• Nivea
• Love Beauty & Planet
• Caress
• Ivory
• Aveeno
• Saltair
• Dove
• Sol de Janeiro
• Philosophy
• Heavily fragranced products (especially lines similar to Bath & Body Works body care)

Not sure if something at home is tan-safe? Bring it up at your appointment and we’ll help you sort through it.