Preparing for your tan
One of the most important steps in prepping for your tan is exfoliating. This will help you get a long-lasting perfect glow that goes on smoothly and fades evenly.
When: It’s best to exfoliate 8-24 hours before your appointment to give skin time to recover. However, if you end up doing it closer to your appointment, don’t worry it will still be fine.
How: For the most thorough exfoliation, we recommend soaking in a warm bath for about 10-20 minutes beforehand. Soaking will help loosen up dead skin cells, allowing as much to be sloughed away as possible. This is also the time to get all of your shaving done.
What Should I Exfoliate With? There are many excellent choices for scrubs and mitts. Just be sure to choose a product that does not leave an oily residue. A great choice that you probably already have is baking soda. You can work this into a paste and apply it with a washcloth or your hands. Concentrate on drier areas like knees, ankles, and elbows. When this step is complete you need to thoroughly rinse off in the shower. Please note, if you are exfoliating the day before it is fine to moisturize. Just be sure to rinse it off before your appointment.
- Come to your session completely free of any lotion, deodorant, perfume, makeup, etc.
- Make us last on your list. Schedule mani/pedis, spa treatments, hair appointments, waxing, etc. before you get your tan.
- Wear dark loose clothing (no leggings or jeans) and flip flops or slides to put on after your tan.
- If rain is in the forecast, prepare accordingly. Make sure you have an umbrella, long sleeves, pants, and shoes that will keep you dry.
You want to stay cool and dry while your tan is processing. Avoid perspiring or any type of water exposure. Hands may be cleansed by wiping palms with a wet cloth or wipe. Avoid touching your freshly tanned skin during development time. Do not apply lotion, makeup, perfume, etc. until after your post tan shower. Regular solutions need to be left on at least 8-10 hours, and rapid solutions need to be left on for 2-4 hours. Do not be alarmed when you see some of the color washing off in the shower. This is just the bronzer and not your tan.
- Take showers instead of baths.
- Use a gentle body wash or shower gel in place of bar soap (avoid Dove products). Don’t scrub with a washcloth or loofah, and pat skin dry when toweling off.
- After your tan has developed and you have taken your shower, you should begin moisturizing regularly. Keeping your skin hydrated will help the tan last longer and fade more evenly. After day three we suggest moisturizing twice a day. It’s best to use all natural organic lotions that are free from harsh ingredients and mineral oil.
- Avoid using razors with moisture strips.