Whether you’re getting ready for an island vacation or you simply want to get an extra tan for the summer, obtaining that healthy glow can make all the difference in how you feel. Of course, spray tanning is the best option for protecting your skin while achieving that perfectly bronzed look. But if you’ve never explored sunless tanning before, you might be overwhelmed with trying to figure out the best practices to follow during the preparation phase. Before you make any visits to tanning salons in your area, you’ll want to keep these dos and don’ts in mind. By following these tips, you’ll be sure to have an amazing spray tanning experience.

Do…

  • Exfoliate: Skin exfoliation is an important part of overall care, as it will slough away dead skin cells and improve overall appearance. It’s a good idea to exfoliate your skin prior to your spray tan session as well, since removing these dead skin cells will allow your tan to last longer. You should only use a water-based exfoliation product, as oil-based products can be problematic for sunless tanning solutions. Aim to exfoliate 24 hours prior to your appointment for best results.
  • Remove Jewelry and Makeup: Before heading into your appointment, you should take care to remove any jewelry or makeup you might be wearing. Makeup can interfere with the application of sunless tanning products, while wearing jewelry can keep the spray tan from being distributed evenly. To protect your jewelry and make sure you have the best experience possible, take care to remove these items and any cosmetics before leaving the house. You should also pull your hair up or back and away from your face and neck.

Don’t…

  • Shave or Apply Products: Above, we talked about the need for pre-tanning exfoliation, which should be done 24 hours prior to your appointment. While you should remove any applicable body hair prior to your tanning appointment (rather than after, as this can cause issues), you’ll need to know the best time for hair removal. Since shaving or waxing right before a spray tan can lead to skin irritation, it’s best to shave or wax at least 12 to 24 hours before your appointment. You should also refrain from applying products like moisturizers, lotions, perfumes, deodorants, and other beauty items to avoid skin irritation and poor tanning quality.
  • Wear Fitted Clothing: In general, it’s not recommended that you wear tight clothing to your spray tan appointment. While you can certainly wear a swimsuit or similar garment into the tanning area, you should wear loose clothing on top to ensure spray tanning products won’t get on these items when getting dressed afterwards. Flip flops and baggy clothing are best, especially when they are dark in color.

By keeping these basic rules in mind before you ever arrive at the salon, you’ll set yourself up for spray tanning success. Always make sure to check with your salon staff for more preparation and after-care tips, as well. For more information on our services and how we can help you look and feel your very best, please contact House of Tans today!

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