Tan prep and aftercare
- Begin by drinking plenty of water and moisturizing twice a day as soon as you've scheduled your appointment. Sunless products apply better and last longer on hydrated skin.
- Shower, shave & exfoliate thoroughly 24 hours PRIOR to your appointment, NOT the day of. This also applies to treatments for waxing, mani/pedi, lash extensions & microblading.
- It is important to use a clear liquid shower gel (no bar soap) as it will protect the natural PH of your skin, making it the perfect canvas for the spray tan application.
- You should avoid using exfoliating sugar or salt scrubs as these products may contain oils that will create a barrier to your new tan even if you use them the day before. Also, avoid using razors with a "moisture strip" as they may cause streaking in your final result.
- Do NOT use any Dove soap or lotion products as they leave a film on your skin which will negatively affect your application and overall results.
- PRO TIP: In your pre-tan shower, wash and condition your hair BEFORE you cleanse, shave and exfoliate your skin - then finish with a nice longggg rinse. This will help remove all the shampoo and conditioner from your skin to ensure a nice even application.
- After preparing your skin refrain from using deodorant, lotions, make-up, moisturizers, oils & perfumes. Ingredients in these products act as a barrier to the sunless solution.
- The night before, be sure to moisturize well before bed.
- If wearing a bathing suit or undergarments during your session, wear a dark color. You can wear as much or as little as you feel comfortable with while being tanned.
- Bring loose fitting clothing to wear after your application to protect your fresh tan from rubbing off before it's had a chance to develop.
- Please feel free to contact me with any additional questions you may have prior to your session.
- Before your appointment make sure your skin is clean, dry and free of all products including makeup, deodorant, lotions, moisturizers, acne treatments, powder, essential oils, perfumes or sprays.
- You may shower the day of your appointment as long as it is at least 2 hours prior to your tan application. If you must use soap, make sure you use a clear liquid shower gel to protect the natural PH of your skin. Wash lightly – do not scrub your skin or this may negatively affect your spray tan results.
- During your session you may dress down to your own comfort level during the spray. Disposable undergarments are also available or you may tan topless or nude if you prefer.
- Remove any jewelry before being sprayed. Hair should be worn up in a ponytail or bun or be pulled back from your face with a headband.
- On your way home cover your car seat with a towel to prevent any bronzer from transferring onto your seat. This will also help to keep you from perspiring and sticking to the seat, especially during warm weather.
- If you are using an overnight solution you may want to consider sleeping on dark colored linens as the bronzer may rub off during the night. If you do notice some transfer, launder your linens immediately and the bronzer will easily wash out.
- You will not be able to get wet or sweat until your first warm water rinse so plan your day accordingly.
- AVOID skin on skin contact, swimming, excessive sweating or engaging in vigorous physical activity while the tan is developing. Wearing tight-fitting clothes may cause tan lines, excessive rub off or uneven developing.
- The first rinse is warm water only – no soap, shampoo or lotion. Rinse times vary depending on the solution used – rapid rinse vs. overnight solution. You may shower as usual with a clear liquid shower gel 24 hours after your tan application. After showering, always pat your skin dry – never rub with the towel.
- It is normal to see color wash off during the first rinse as this is the bronzer or color guide in the solution. Rest assured the DHA is still active and your tan will take and additional 12-24 hours or more to fully develop. Use your hand to gently remove any residual bronzer or powder.
- Don’t panic or scrub your skin if you see some streaking after the first warm water rinse. This is completely normal as the bronzer sometimes adheres to certain areas and this will all come off in your second full shower with soap 24 hours after application. I promise the final result will be a beautiful even tan!
Here are a few tips that will help extend the life of your spray tan:
- Proper pre-tan prep and after tan care is essential in prolonging your tan.
- Wear loose fitting clothes until your first rinse.
- Stay hydrated, drink lots of water and moisturize frequently for an even fade.
- Use spray tan safe, sulfate free cleansers and lotions to care for your tan.
- Make sure you remove all of your old sunless tan before your next appointment.
- Use sunscreen to prevent sunburns. I cannot spray tan you with any type of sunburn as it will peel and look patchy.
- Women may see varying results during hormonal changes (ovulation, menstruation, menopause and pregnancy).
- Swimming is okay with a non-oil based sunscreen.
- Keep shower temperatures warm, and refrain from using hot water as this will fade your tan faster.
- Avoid all products that contain mineral oil - this will remove your tan.
THINGS TO AVOID:
- Dove soap and lotion
- Curel lotion
- Hair inhibiting lotions (Jergens) may turn a sunless tan yellow
- Anti-aging products that “renew”, “refresh” or exfoliate the skin
- Products containing AHA’s (alpha hydroxy acids) or Retin-A
- Toners containing alcohol or witch hazel
- Anti-acne products
- Harsh make-up removers
- Deodorant bar soaps
- Exfoliating mitts or loofas
- Adhesive tape on Band-Aids
- Facial masks and exfoliating scrubs
- Adhesive pore cleaning strips
- Wax or depilatory hair removal
- Body hair bleach
- Dull razors
- Bug spray
- Soaking in hot tubs, swimming pools with chlorine and salt water