Whether you’re striving for a natural look or a deep, sun-drenched glow, regular airbrush tanning sessions can give you the color you crave without the risks of harmful UV exposure. So, how should you prep your skin for the ultimate spray tan experience? Join us as we explore proper skin preparation techniques to achieve the best results.
How to prep before your spray tan appointment
Skin prep is the key to long-lasting results from your spray tan. Here are our top care tips to keep in mind as your session approaches:
1. Exfoliate your skin
Gently exfoliating the treatment area about 24 hours before your appointment will remove dry, dead skin cells that can interfere with the airbrush tanning process. Use an exfoliating mitt or oil-free scrub to ensure even tanning.
2. Shave or get waxed
It’s best to remove unwanted facial and body hair at least 24 hours prior to your spray tan to minimize a premature fade to your new tone. Areas shaved immediately before a session may absorb too much tanning solution, leading to patchy, uneven results. Wax residue or film can inhibit absorption and generate the same effect.
3. Moisturize your skin
In general, you’ll want to ensure adequate moisture levels to help your skin retain the tanning solution. Dry areas like the elbows, knees, ankles, and hands may soak up too much pigment. Drink plenty of water and moisturize with a high-quality product like AGLOW’s Buttercream up until the day before your spray tan for optimal results.
4. Keep your skin clean
Natural oils, makeup, and skincare products can interfere with your spray tan, so a strategic shower is an essential part of skin prep. On the morning of your appointment, you’ll take a minimalist rinse, so maintaining clean skin in the days leading up to your session can help you achieve the best results.
5. Avoid oil-based products
Speaking of disruptive barriers, oil-based products are strictly prohibited on the day before your spray tan. Unfortunately, hidden oils tend to lurk in many products under inconspicuous names, so it’s best to skip any products you aren’t completely sure about.
How to prep on the day of your spray tan appointment
You’ve been prepping your skin for your spray tan appointment for days, and your session has finally arrived! Here’s what to do on the big day to ensure your efforts don’t go to waste:
1. Arrive with fresh, clean skin
On the morning of your session, gently wash your skin with oil-free, non-moisturizing soaps to eliminate sweat, lotion, and deodorant residue. Even perfume can create a barrier against the tanning solution, so avoid any topical products you’re unsure of.
2. Wear loose clothing
Freshly sprayed tans can rub off on your clothing, so choosing the right attire is key. Dark, loose-fitting clothes can minimize friction and conceal any transfer that takes place. This is the day to opt for a loose bralette, roomy sweatpants, and flip-flops. If you prefer tan lines, choose a black swimsuit or undies you don’t mind exposing to a little pigment.
3. Apply a barrier cream
Ok, we’ve made a fuss over the products that may interfere with your spray tan, but proper skin prep is a fickle thing. Particularly dry body parts like the elbows and knees may require a barrier cream to avoid over-absorption. Not sure what to use as a barrier? Our tanning experts can recommend the perfect product for your skin.
Spray tan aftercare tips for long-lasting results
Sunless tanner that lasts requires both skin prep and aftercare. Here are a few tips to maintain your results between sessions:
Wait to shower
Depending on the tanning solution you choose and your desired results, you’ll rinse your skin between two and eight hours after your airbrush tanning appointment. For example, our Original Solution and Espresso Slow Brew require eight hours to develop fully, while you can rinse after two hours for a natural glow from our Espresso Quick Brew. In any case, only rinse with cool or lukewarm water to lock in your tan.
Use a gentle cleanser
Harsh topical products, exfoliating scrubs, and oil-based products will strip the added pigment from your skin and drastically impact your results. Your application specialist can help you choose the perfect products to maintain a long-lasting tan.
Keep skin moisturized
You may have noticed that moisturized skin keeps coming up when we talk about spray tan prep and maintenance, and that’s because hydration is an essential element of any long-lasting glow. In addition to drinking lots of water between sessions, a lotion containing DHA can help you keep your tan even longer.
Avoid chlorine
We get it. You just received the perfect tan and you’re ready to show it off! But you may need to lounge poolside instead of diving in. Chlorine in swimming pools and hot tubs will cause uneven fading, so you’re better off staying on dry ground.
Achieve a sun-kissed glow without the UV rays with AGLOW Airbrush Tanning!
At AGLOW Airbrush Tanning, we specialize in high-quality spray tans and sunless tanners. Visit us today or shop our curated selection of skincare products to get started.
