How do you moisturize your face before a spray tan?
Spray Tan Results
4. Apply Moisturizer Before Tanner. After exfoliating your body, continue the prepping process by applying a moisturizer. You shouldn't apply self-tanner without moisturizing first, because skipping out on this prep step could potentially leave you with patchy color — this goes for your face and the rest of your body.
You should always keep your skin sweat-free before a spray tan. “If you work out before your tan, I recommend showering and washing your face as sweat can sit on the skin and therefore stop the tan from absorbing evenly,” says Von Hep.
If you're looking to come in for a spray tan, you can also use that same hand towel to protect your face. Another option is to take a hair net (available at iTAN at no extra cost) to cover your face, or wash off the spray tan immediately after.
Just like when tanning the rest of your body, we recommend exfoliating your face the day before application. This removes any dead skin cells, leaving your skin silky smooth. Follow with your favourite moisturiser to stop your skin feeling dry. When you're ready to apply your self tan, give your face a good cleanse.
To keep the drier areas from going patchy, make sure you moisturise all over and pay extra special attention to these troublesome areas. Try to leave the moisturiser to sink in for at least half an hour before you start the application stage of your fake tan routine.
On the morning of your spray tan, only moisturize problem areas like the elbows, feet and anywhere else with dry patches where the tan can stick. Moisturizing all over before your spray tan doesn't bode well for its lasting abilities and will result in a lighter tan.
- Don't use self-tanner. ...
- Don't take a hot shower. ...
- Don't wax or shave. ...
- Don't get a facial. ...
- Don't wear tight clothing. ...
- Don't get a laser treatment.
You can wash your face as normal after a spray tan. It's always good to note that seeing as you wash and touch your face more frequently the tan will always fade faster on your face. To maintain the tan on your face you can use tanning drops, tanning mousse, or gradual tanning lotions/sprays.
LOTIONS Avoid any oils or lotions that use mineral oil (petroleum), baby oil, coconut oil, and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (which is found in most body washes). I have found the best lotions to use are Aveeno, Cetaphil, Hempz, and CeraVe. Lotions with perfumes contain high alcohol levels and tend to dry out the skin.
Can I put moisturizer on my face with a spray tan?
When Should You Moisturize After a Spray Tan? Because the tanning solution takes a little while to develop, you shouldn't start moisturizing until after your first shower, which should be at least eight hours after your tan but no more than 24 hours later.
24 hours prior to your session, clear away any dry, dead skin cells with a ph balancing scrub. This is important to ensure even color and long lasting results. Avoid using bar soaps, high ph shower products, or in shower moisturizers. These products can interfere with the DHA bronzing reaction in the skin.
Spray tan on face is too dark
Most often, looking like you have too dark of a tan on your face is a result of literally using too much solution (remember: two ounces for the entire body, not just the neck up!) or being sprayed with a percentage that is too high for your skin type.
If you get a spray tan four or more days before your event, your tan will start to fade, the colour won't be as dark and won't pop against your outfit like a fresh tan would. Try to aim to book your spray tan two to three days before your event and your tan will be the perfect colour.
Go lightly with spray tanning the face — wrinkles, crow's feet and lines will make it trickier to apply the colour evenly over the face. Employing a lighter touch will result in a natural look and enhance the natural features of the face.
Fake tan can sometimes accumulate on dry areas like hands, elbows, knees, and feet. To avoid patchy tan, we suggest applying a light layer of moisturiser to dry areas, like the Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion, prior to applying the tan.
Use an exfoliating mitt or other gentle exfoliators to remove dead skin and residual products, just make sure to do this a few hours before application, not right before. Avoid using skincare products right before (and after) self-tanner application for optimal absorption.
Do moisturize your skin the day before your spray tan appointment, ensuring your skin is well-hydrated and ready for the tanning solution. Don't apply moisturizer on the day of your appointment, as it can interfere with the spray tan's absorption.
Don't apply moisturizers, oils, perfume, or makeup before your tanning appointment, as they can effect tan development. (A small amount of anti-perspirant is fine, though, and even preferable in warm weather.)
We recommend waiting at least 4-8 hours after your spray tan before you shower for the first time, but don't wait more than 24 hours. When you shower for the first time after getting a spray tan, you'll probably see some golden glow wash down the drain, but don't worry!
Can you put makeup over a spray tan?
Many people wonder “can you put makeup over a fresh spray tan?”. However, like any moisture, you want to try and avoid applying any makeup for at least 6 to 8 hours after a spray tan. Applying makeup or any other types of moisturizer can alter the color of a fresh spray tan or cause blotches.
Plucking – Similar to waxing, plucking hairs will open pores and you need to allow time for them to close prior to applying tanning solution. If its only an odd hair here and there, then it is ok to pluck the day of your tan however we discourage you from plucking before your initial shower following application.
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.
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion is a daytime face moisturizer with sunscreen that combines hydration and sun protection into one convenient step.
Avoid shaving immediately before your spray tan session. Ideally, shave 24 hours prior to allow your skin to recover and avoid any potential irritation. Exfoliate gently: If you're shaving before tanning, gently exfoliate your skin using a mild scrub or exfoliating glove.
