Preparation
Preparing for your spray tan appointment is an important step to ensure your tan lasts for a good duration after and give your skin the flawless look you want!
Shaving or waxing 24 hours before your spray tan. If this is done after that time frame, you maybe left with tiny black dots due to the tanning solution working in the open hair follicle.
Shower and exfoliate 24 hours before with products that do not contain any moisturizers or oils.
Avoid moisturizing for 24 hours prior to tanning as even showering residue can remain on the skin, which may block the tanning solution to develop on your skin.
Day of your tan, do not wear any make-up, deodorant, perfume, body oil or lotions.
Extra Tips
If you have very rough dry skin or have Keratosis Pilaris (aka Chicken Skin), start gently exfoliate everyday a week before your appointment and moisturize immediately after. On the last day you exfoliate (24 hours prior to tan) do not moisturize.
Use a gentle and sulfate free shower gel before and after your spray tan.
Recommended Products
I recommend Vita Liberata's Super Fine Skin Polish to help gently exfoliate your skin. Created for sunless tanning, soothes and nourishes the skin while smoothing it! It will not block your tanning like other shower gels or lotions that contain oils and creams.
Aftercare
Immediately After Spray Tan
Remember the instant tan colour you see if only the guiding bronzer. Your tan will develop within 6-8 hours.
Keep hands and skin completely dry for 6-8 hours.
Do not apply cosmetic or skincare over the developing tan.
Avoid activities that make you perspire for 6-8 hours after the tan is applied.
Wear loose clothing/under garments to avoid the tanning solution from rubbing off as it develops.
After Your Tan Has Developed
Shower with lukewarm or warm water. Once the water runs clear, use a gentle shower gel that does not contain essential oils and pat skin dry.
Do not shave/wax after your spray tan until you are satisfied with the tan to be removed as this will remove layers of the skin and the tan too!
Moisturize twice daily, with product that does not contain essential oils. Natural sunless tanners dehydrate your skin for 48 hours and chemical sunless tanners are 72 hours!
Maximum Development Time Before Showering
Pale/Hard to Tan Skin: 8 - 12 Hours
Medium/Dark Skin: 6 - 8 Hours
Extra Tips
A spray tan can last from 4 - 10 days depending on various internal or external factors towards your skin, a good way to extend your tan for up to a month is by using a moisturizing sunless tanner as a touch up!
Recommended Products
Vita Liberata Moisture Boost Body Treatment which will help extend and enhance your tan with Moisture Locking System for 72 Hour. Contains organic extracts that will soothe and nourish your skin.