Step 1: Exfoliate Thoroughly

Use a gentle exfoliating mitt, scrub, or body polish. Focus on dry areas such as: Elbows, knees, ankles, hands, and feet. Remove dead skin cells to create an even surface for the tan.

Step 2: Complete Hair Removal
Shave, wax, or use other hair-removal methods at least 24 hours before your appointment. This allows pores to close and reduces the chance of dark spots or uneven color.

Step 3: Avoid New Skin Treatments
Skip chemical peels, retinol products, strong exfoliants, or treatments that may irritate your skin. If your skin becomes sensitive or dry, the tan may develop unevenly.

Step 4: Moisturize Lightly

Apply a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer if your skin tends to be dry. Avoid heavy body butters and oil-based products.

Step 5: Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water to keep your skin healthy and hydrated from the inside out.

Step 6: Arrive with Clean Skin

Do not apply: Lotion, body oil, perfume, deodorant, makeup, or sunscreen. These products can create a barrier that affects tan development.

Step 7: Wear Loose, Dark Clothing

Choose loose-fitting tops and pants and
sandals or flip-flops if possible.
Avoid tight leggings, sports bras, socks or tight shoes. These can rub the solution off before it develops.

*If you are more comfortable spray tanning in a bathing suit, please make sure it is a dark color.

Step 8: Discuss Your Desired Color

Tell your spray tan technician your skin tone, event, event date, and desired depth of color (light, medium, or dark).
This helps determine the best solution and processing time.

Step 9: Protect the Developing Tan

For the processing period recommended by your technician (typically 4–12 hours) avoid sweating, exercising, swimming, rain, tight clothing and touching/rubbing your skin.

Step 10: Sleep Carefully (If Developing Overnight)

Wear loose, dark pajamas.
Use dark sheets if possible.
Avoid excessive tossing and turning.

Step 11: Rinse as Directed

Rinse at the time recommended by your technician. Use lukewarm water only unless instructed otherwise. You may see cosmetic bronzer washing off; this is normal.

Step 12: Pat Dry
Gently pat your skin dry with a towel. Avoid vigorous rubbing.

Step 13: Moisturize Daily

Apply a hydrating, alcohol-free moisturizer morning and night.

Well-moisturized skin retains color longer, fades more evenly, and reduces patchiness.

Step 14: Avoid Harsh Products

Limit use of exfoliating scrubs, retinol products, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), and acne treatments that contain benzoyl peroxide. These ingredients can accelerate fading.

Step 15: Be Gentle in the Shower
Use a mild body wash, avoid long, hot showers and avoid soaking in baths, hot tubs, and pools whenever possible.

Step 16: Minimize Friction

Friction can cause uneven fading.

Try to avoid tight clothing, aggressive towel drying, excessive shaving, and scratching or rubbing the skin.

Step 17: Stay Hydrated

Healthy, hydrated skin holds color longer.

Step 18: Use a Gradual Tanner (Optional)

Starting around day 4 or 5 apply a gradual tanning lotion every few days.
This can help maintain color and smooth fading.

Step 19: Exfoliate When Ready to Remove Remaining Color

Once the tan begins to fade unevenly resume gentle exfoliation, use a tan removal product or exfoliating mitt if needed and moisturize afterward.