Before your tan
- Be sure to exfoliate your skin 1-2 days beforehand. This is best using a mitt or loofah.
- If you wax, it is best to wax a 1-2 days before your tan.
- If you are preparing for an event, ensure that all other appointments such as mani/pedi, wax, facial, etc. are done before your spray tan.
- Rinse off with a cold shower and gently exfoliate the day of your spray tan. Use a mitt to exfoliate (not a sugar scrub). It is advised to shower several hours before your appointment (not right before). Please avoid using Dove body wash and bar soap before and after your spray tan.
- Do not wear makeup, lotion, moisturizer, deodorant, or perfumes - these can block the DHA, causing your tan to not develop as much or to look uneven.
- Products to avoid both before and after your tan include: Dove, Aveeno, Eucerin, Bath & Body Works, Suave, Nivea, Neutrogena, Ivory, Lubriderm, Dial, Olay, acne products, exfoliating products, and retinols.
After your tan
- Wear dark, loose-fitting clothing after your spray tan session.
- Avoid water for at least 8h after your tan (no pool, shower, or exercise).
- For your first post-tan shower simply rinse off with cool water until the water runs clear. Do not shave or use any scrubs, oils, or body wash.
- After your shower, pat yourself dry with a towel rather than rubbing.
- Avoid shaving or waxing right after your tan, as this removes the hair along with the upper surface of your skin, which has just been spray tanned.
- Depending on the formula, the tan may still look very light right after your first shower. Don't worry, it is still developing and will show full results after 24h.
- To extend the life of your tan, avoid soaking in water, shave with a razor that does not have a moisturizing strip, don't use harsh chemicals, and moisturize daily! Avoid using Dove body wash and stick to products that are sulfate-free and paraben-free.
- Avoid heavily fragranced lotions as well as acne products and retinols as these can strip your tan more quickly.
- Products to avoid both before and after your tan include: Dove, Aveeno, Eucerin, Bath & Body Works, Suave, Nivea, Neutrogena, Ivory, Lubriderm, Dial, Olay, acne products, exfoliating products, and retinol.
