If you’ve decided that you want to get a spray tan, you’ll have to prep your skin for the process. There are a few things you’ll need to do for your skin to ensure that the spray tan takes well and lasts as long as possible. Preparing your skin also keeps it safe and lessens the chances that you’ll have an adverse reaction to the spray tan. Here are a few important tips to keep in mind.
Exfoliate
Make sure that you exfoliate well before getting a spray tan. You’ll need to get rid of any dry or rough patches of skin, because these areas will hold more color than the other parts of your body. The dry skin can also make your spray tan look uneven. If you don’t want to be disappointed by seeing globs of tanning solution on your knees and elbows once your spray tan is complete. To effectively exfoliate, use a soft sponge or loofah in the shower. Add your favorite body wash to these items and be sure to thoroughly exfoliate the entire body. You can also use a sugar or salt scrub to make sure your body is free of dead skin cells before your tanning appointment.
Shave
If you have excess hair, this won’t keep the tanning solution from sticking to your skin, you don’t want to wait until after your appointment to shave. Shaving your arms or legs after the spray tan has been applied will take some of the solution off and make the tan uneven. Since getting a spray tan can be expensive, you want to make sure it lasts as long as possible.
Keep the Skin Dry
Before your spray tan appointment, don’t put creams, lotions or deodorants on your skin. These products could prevent the spray tan from adhering to the skin. Wait a few hours after your tan to apply these products as well. Even if you use a moisturizer or lotion on your face, wait to apply this after you’ve gotten the spray tan. Moisturizers can block the tan from settling correctly on your face. This leads to an uneven look, and could make your face appear lighter than the rest of your body. It’s also a good idea not to use any body sprays or perfumes until you’ve received your spray tan. The alcohol in these products can keep the spray tan from taking to your skin.
Wear the Right Clothing
The spray will still be a little wet for a while. This means you should wear clothing that you don’t mind damaging. It’s fine for you to remain in the nude or in your underwear until the tanning solution is dry. However, if you don’t feel comfortable doing this or have to leave shortly after your appointment, wear loose clothing. Your clothing should also be very dark or black, so that the tanning solution won’t show up on the clothing.
These tips will help your tan last longer and increase the chances that you’re happy with the results.