Tanning beds are no safe bet, either. While you might think creating a base tan will make your spray tan results last longer, the only thing you’re really achieving is burning the top layer of your skin. No matter what, if your skin is peeling from any sort of burn, wait until the peeling stops before getting a spray tan.
8. Don’t apply acne medication.
It might be part of your skin-care ritual, but it’s not a smart idea to use topical acne meds of any kind on your face or body prior to getting a spray tan. “Most acne medication, including face washes containing salicylic acid and/or benzoyl peroxide, will dry out the skin, which will affect the results of the tan,” Suszczynska tells SELF. “It may make the tan too dark in certain areas and peel off in others, resulting in uneven results.”
If possible, she recommends stopping use of these products a few days before your tan is completely faded. If your acne medication is unavoidable, she suggests simply not spraying your face and just having your body done. But it isn’t just topical acne medication that you should avoid. "Oral acne medications, such as Accutane, may also cause severe drying of the skin, which can also affect the tan," she adds. "So it’s recommended to not get a spray tan when using these medications."
9. Don’t overexfoliate your skin.
Exfoliating before your spray tan helps prepare the skin for an optimal tan, sheds dead skin cells, and reveals a fresh new slate. That said, don’t go haywire. “Overexfoliating can cause irritation on the skin, little scratches, and excessive dryness,” says Suszczynska. “The tanner will develop darker in these areas, resulting in an uneven tan.” Instead, she suggests gently exfoliating the night before using a loofah or an oil-free scrub, such as Neutrogena Deep Clean Gentle Oil-Free Scrub, $8.
10. Don’t wear deodorant containing aluminum.
Postpone putting on deodorant until after your spray tan. “The aluminum makes your underarms turn green with a spray tan, which will definitely stay for a few days—not pretty, believe me,” says Pradas. If you really need help battling B.O., she suggests using a deodorant without aluminum, such as Tom's of Maine Long Lasting Lavender Natural Deodorant Stick, $4.
11. Don’t get a lash extension.
Experts agree that it is best to wait a day or two after getting lash extensions to have a spray tan, because you’re not supposed to get your new lashes wet for 24 to 48 hours. “Although a spray tan should not wet [the lashes] enough to cause any problems, washing your face to properly remove the spray tan may,” says Suszczynska. “Some clients may wish to cover their lashes while getting sprayed, but it’s worth noting that this will likely leave some undesirable tan lines around the eyes.”
And lastly, one thing you should do before a spray tan:
12. Do gently exfoliate.
If there’s one thing you should do before stepping into the spray tan booth, it’s gently exfoliate your body. “This creates an even skin surface upon which the tan can be applied, which results in a uniform final color that fades all at the same time,” explains Jules Von Hep, celebrity spray tanner and cofounder of vegan self-tanner line Isle of Paradise. For the best exfoliation, use a non-oil based scrub—ideally, one day before your scheduled appointment.
