Sunless Tanning:
Prep & Aftercare

Retinol, topical retinoids, AHAs/BHAs, and other exfoliating or resurfacing products may affect how your spray tan develops and fades in the areas where they are used.

If your skin is accustomed to these products and is not irritated, excessively dry, or peeling, you may continue your normal routine. Avoid exfoliating or resurfacing products immediately before your spray tan, and please let me know if your skin is currently irritated or peeling.

Skin Prep:
RETINOL, RETINOIDS & RESURFACING PRODUCTS

Skin Prep:
Medical Procedures

Avoid Adhesives & Allow Healing: Please ensure it has been at least 7–10 days since any medical procedure, surgery, or test involving medical tape, bandages, or electrode patches (such as EKG sensors), and that your skin is fully healed.

Adhesives remove a micro-layer of skin upon removal and leave behind invisible barriers. If sprayed before the skin has naturally renewed itself, the tanning solution cannot absorb or develop properly, resulting in patchy, un-toned, or uneven areas.

If you have an upcoming or very recent medical procedure, please contact us before booking so we can help you time your session perfectly.

Skin Prep:
Beauty Timeline

Complete all waxing services at least 48 hours prior to your session. All other services (nails, facials, massages, or eyelash extensions) should be completed at least 24 hours prior. Receiving these services AFTER your tan will cause premature fading or patchiness.

Skin Prep:
Exfoliation

Exfoliate 24 hours prior to your appointment. Note: Avoid using oil scrubs or coffee scrubs as they create a barrier that can impede the tanning process. Instead, a simple Korean-style exfoliating mitt used with warm water is an excellent choice. It effectively lifts dead skin cells and resurfaces the skin without introducing oils, ensuring a perfectly clean canvas for an even, flawless glow.

Skin Prep:
Clean Skin Day Of

Ensure you have clean skin (no deodorants/lotions/oils/perfume) the day of your appointment, and complete any showering or shaving at least 4 hours prior to your session. This is required to allow your skin's pH to stabilize. Below please find additional details to ensure a beautiful glow:

The Natural Deodorant Rule: If you use natural deodorant, please discontinue use 48 hours prior to your appointment. These products alter your skin’s pH and cause the tan to turn green, extremely dark or fail to develop in the underarm area. Popular natural deodrant examples include those below, however any brand labeled “0% Aluminum” is a Natural Deodorant. Note: If you accidentally use one of these products before your appointment, don’t panic - please let me know when you arrive. We offer additional prep techniques that may help reduce the risk, although they cannot completely eliminate it.

  • Lume

  • Native

  • Tom’s

  • Schmidt’s

  • Every Man Jack

  • Dr. Squatch

  • Dove 0% Aluminum

  • Secret Aluminum Free

Showering & Soap Selection:

  • Avoid Cream-Based Soaps: For your final shower before your session, do not use moisturizing or cream-based body washes (such as Dove or Olay). These leave a transparent film on the skin that prevents the tanning solution from absorbing evenly.

  • Recommended: Use a clear, transparent simple gel-based soap only.

  • The "Clean Canvas": Ensure all soap residue is thoroughly rinsed off, and do not apply any lotions, oils, or perfumes after this final shower.

Aftercare:
Clothing Post Tan

It is imperative that you wear dark, loose-fitting, full length clothing after your session. This is essential to prevent skin-to-skin contact and to safeguard home linens, upholstery, etc., from color transfer while your tan develops.

Aftercare:
Water Only Rinse | Shower Timing

Rapid Solutions Timing: Warm water-only rinse after your set duration, full shower permitted after 12 hours.

Classic Solutions Timing: Warm water-only rinse after 12 hours, full shower permitted after 24 hours. Note: It is possible to keep the solution on longer, but you will continue to develop and may have darker spray tan results.

Critical Water-Rinse Steps: Use lukewarm (not hot) water without soaps, shaving, pH disruptions or loofahs. During your water-only rinse, using your hands in a gentle circular motion, ensure all cosmetic bronzer is removed. Continue this process until the water runs completely clear (no visible bronzer). Failure to remove all bronzer will cause streaks. Remember, the bronzer is cosmetic and your tan will continue to develop. Pat dry gently and never rub your skin.

Aftercare:
Critical Maintenance Guide

Protecting Your Tan

To help extend the life of your glow and encourage an even, natural fade, use gentle, non-exfoliating cleansers and moisturize daily after your first rinse.

Avoid products containing mineral oil or petrolatum as primary ingredients, as well as exfoliating or “skin-renewing” products. Scrubs, retinoids, AHAs/BHAs, salicylic acid, and other exfoliating ingredients can accelerate skin-cell turnover and cause your tan to fade more quickly or unevenly.

Native Body Wash is not recommended for maintaining a sunless tan due to its cleansing/exfoliating properties.

You do not need special or expensive “spray tan” products. Gentle, hydrating everyday products are perfectly suitable when chosen carefully.

Recommended Sunless-Friendly Cleansers:

✦ Vanicream Liquid Cleanser
✦ CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash
✦ Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash – Fragrance Free

Recommended Sunless-Friendly Moisturizers:

✦ Vanicream Moisturizing Lotion
✦ CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion