How To Prep For A Spray Tan For Lasting Results

A sprig tan is meant to be simple. You present up, get undressed, stand in place, and depart with refined polish. But it surely’s not like a drive-up automobile wash. You do have to do some prep earlier than your spray tan (but it surely’s nonetheless simple, promise.)

Understanding learn how to put together your pores and skin for a twig tan is the important thing to getting a clean, long-lasting glow. In case you have dry skin or ashy knees, the answer will not apply evenly and can fade shortly as you inevitably shed these lifeless pores and skin cells. Full-body skincare is the secret right here—meaning shaving, exfoliating, moisturizing, and even hydrating from inside. 

Then, simply earlier than your appointment, cease all of these issues (besides the ingesting water factor). Right here, we requested the consultants to interrupt down a full day-by-day plan to prep your pores and skin for a twig tan, and tips about learn how to maintain it trying contemporary for so long as attainable. 

How do I prep my physique for spray tan?

A clean, long-lasting spray tan requires full-body skincare, which begins at the very least per week earlier than your appointment. Between getting your different beauty appointments out of the best way, exfoliating, and shaving, this is what you could do and when.

The week earlier than

In case you’re getting spray tanned for a particular occasion, chances are high, you’ve gotten different appointments on the books. “Get your facial, laser, or every other pores and skin therapy per week prior,” says Tamar Vezirian, proprietor of Gotham Glow, an airbrush tanning salon in New York Metropolis. That features eyebrow waxing, threading, pedicures, massages, and even Botox and fillers. That manner, you will not slough (or zap, wax, or rub) off any coloration within the days following your spray tan. 

You additionally wish to go in along with your finest pores and skin attainable. “Drink further water and moisturize greater than common for the week main as much as your tan,” says Sugar and Bronzed co-founder Courtney Claghorn. Hydrated, wholesome pores and skin means your tan will last more and look higher. 

The day earlier than

The day earlier than your spray tan is essential. That is if you wish to take your remaining pre-tan bathe, shave, and exfoliate your pores and skin to create that good, clean canvas. Nonetheless, persist with bodily exfoliation (like sugar scrubs) versus chemical exfoliation like salicylic acid, notes Claghorn, and “keep away from oil-based merchandise inside 24 hours of your session.”

If you have already got self-tanner or spray tan in your pores and skin, make sure to take away it first so you’ve gotten a clear canvas on your subsequent tan. “Previous tan left on the pores and skin may cause an uneven, fast-fading tan—as a result of when the previous tan sheds off, the brand new tan will go along with it,” says New York Metropolis-based spray tan artist Kelsi Zimmerman. “As somebody who tans weekly, I’ll shave, use Bondi Sands Self Tan Eraser, then exfoliate with an exfoliating mitt and a salt scrub.”

The day of

You wish to present up with clear, dry pores and skin in order that the tanning answer is not sitting on prime of one other product (and will not be capable of actually persist with your pores and skin). “Keep in mind to keep away from carrying any lotions, deodorants, and perfumes,” says Zimmerman. “If it’s important to bathe proper earlier than, keep away from taking an excellent sizzling bathe as the warmth can increase your pores and skin’s pH ranges and end in an uneven tan.”

Can I shave or wax earlier than a twig tan? 

You’ll be able to shave or wax earlier than a twig tan (it’s possible you’ll wish to prioritize it so the tan lays properly on the pores and skin). Nonetheless, timing is essential. “It is best to wax 48 hours earlier than your appt and get all wax residue off your physique,” says Vezirian. In case you shave, do it the evening earlier than and “be certain there is no glide strip in your razor. It leaves a movie on the pores and skin, and the tan will not develop correctly.”

What occurs if I do not exfoliate earlier than a twig tan?

After all, it will not be the tip of the world, however the tan will not final so long as it might. Your pores and skin will naturally shed lifeless pores and skin over the following few weeks, and your new tan will go along with it, Zimmerman explains. 

The best way to forestall strawberry legs when tanning? 

“Strawberry legs” are basically clogged hair follicles that make your legs appear to be they’re coated in black spots—just like the seeds on the surface of a strawberry. “Shaving and exfoliating at the very least 24 hours earlier than your spray tan may help to forestall strawberry legs,” says Zimmerman. Correct skincare after your tan may also assist: “Moisturizing is essential, so the tan does not settle into the pores,” provides Vezirian.

What to do instantly after a twig tan 

Okay, you are contemporary out of your spray tan appointment. You are sticky and waddling house in your loose-fitting black garments. Now what? “Depart it alone,” says Vezirian. “Ensure you do not get any water in your physique whereas the tan is creating. And no sweating.” 

Your spray tan artist will let you know how lengthy to attend earlier than bathing (the time will rely on the answer they’re utilizing), however the basic rule is that your first bathe must be rinse solely and no cleaning soap. “Use lukewarm water and pat dry; do not rub,” says Claghorn.  Your second bathe (the following day) generally is a cleaning soap bathe. “However keep away from shaving or exfoliating till at the very least three to 4 days after your tan,” says Zimmerman. If it’s important to shave, Zimmerman recommends utilizing a conditioner as an alternative of shaving cream, and shaving evenly.

Final however not least, each day physique moisturizer is essential. It’s going to act as an emollient, sealing that tan in and giving it an extended life. “Any ultra-moisturizing lotion that has minimal alcohol and fragrances, which might strip the DHA—the energetic ingredient in spray tans that trigger the pores and skin to brown—and trigger the tan to fade quicker,” says Zimmerman. 

Ought to any pores and skin varieties keep away from spray tans?

Spray tans really are for each pores and skin sort, even these vulnerable to dry patches from eczema (although Claghorn recommends getting clearance out of your dermatologist first and stopping by the salon for a patch take a look at) 

Zimmerman notes that if you happen to’ve just lately gotten sunburn, it’s possible you’ll wish to wait till you are absolutely healed earlier than spray tanning. “Your pores and skin is drier when you’ve gotten a sunburn, and the spray tan will speed up the peeling course of, leading to an excellent patchy, uneven tan,” she says. You also needs to keep away from getting a twig tan in case you have any wounds, just lately bought a tattoo, a chemical peel, or something that will make you extra vulnerable to an infection. 

Ultimate Takeaway

A sprig tan can provide you a pleasant pure glow with out solar harm, but it surely does not come with out upkeep. You’ll want to get your different appointments out of the best way first (your spray tan must be final within the line-up in case you have an occasion) and prep the pores and skin by exfoliating in order that your tan appears clean and even. When you’re bronzed, the principles are easy: moisturize, moisturize, moisturize to seal that glow in.