How to Prep Your Skin Before a Spray Tan
"How should I prep my skin before a spray tan?" is one of the most common questions we hear before a wedding, a vacation or a big night out. We make a Japanese exfoliating towel, so we're not neutral about exfoliating. But good spray-tan prep is mostly about timing and being gentle. Here's a simple, step-by-step guide.
The short answer: exfoliate gently a day or two before, keep dry spots moisturized, and show up with clean, dry skin and nothing on it. That means no lotion, oil, deodorant or perfume on the day. And always follow your salon's own instructions, since they know their solution best.
Why prep makes such a difference
A spray tan only colors the very top layer of your skin. Cleveland Clinic explains that the active ingredient, DHA, reacts with the outer skin cells to create the tan. Those cells shed all the time, roughly weekly, and the color goes with them. That's why a spray tan lasts about five to 10 days.
So the skin you bring to the appointment is the skin that gets the color. Three things get in the way:
- Dry, flaky patches. Loose dead skin can grab color unevenly and flake off early.
- Thicker spots. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that elbows, knees and ankles tend to absorb more self-tanner than the rest of your skin.
- Leftover product. Lotion, oil or deodorant can sit between your skin and the solution.
Your prep timeline
- A few days before: If you still have old self-tanner on, start fading it now rather than scrubbing hard at the last minute. Book waxing, massages and facials ahead of the tan, not right before it.
- 24 to 48 hours before: Exfoliate gently. This is the window most spray-tan salons suggest. It smooths your skin but gives it time to settle, so you're not freshly scrubbed on the day. If you shave, do it in this window too.
- Right after exfoliating: Moisturize. The AAD notes that exfoliating can be drying and recommends applying moisturizer right after.
- The night before: Give dry areas like elbows, knees, ankles and feet a little extra moisture.
In those last two days, skip heavy body oils and oily scrubs that leave a film behind, and don't try a new peel or strong acid product. Now is not the time to experiment.
The day of your spray tan
- Take a simple shower. Lukewarm water and your usual gentle wash. You already exfoliated, so there's no need to scrub again.
- Rinse well. Make sure no soap film is left behind.
- Dry thoroughly. The AAD says drying your skin before applying self-tanner helps it go on evenly.
- Leave your skin bare. No lotion, oil, deodorant, perfume or makeup, unless your salon tells you otherwise.
- Dress loosely. For self-tanner, the AAD suggests loose clothing and avoiding sweating for about three hours afterward. It's a good habit after a spray tan, too.
Sensitive skin: what to skip
Prep should leave your skin smooth and calm, never raw. A few rules worth keeping:
- Skip broken skin. The AAD says never to exfoliate over open cuts, wounds or a sunburn.
- Keep the pressure light. Use short, light strokes. If your skin turns red or sore, stop.
- Check your other products. Retinoid creams and products with retinol or benzoyl peroxide can make skin more sensitive. The AAD warns that exfoliating while using them may worsen dryness.
- Go easy if you get dark spots. The AAD advises against strong exfoliation if you have a darker skin tone or tend to get dark spots after burns or bug bites.
- Mention allergies. Cleveland Clinic notes that some spray-tan products contain fragrances that can irritate sensitive skin.
- Ask about protection. The FDA suggests asking whether your eyes, lips and nose will be protected and whether you'll be kept from breathing in the spray.
Where a body exfoliating towel fits in
The AAD's first self-tanning step is simple: use a washcloth to exfoliate first. A long body exfoliating towel does the same job and makes the hard-to-reach spots easier.
- For your back, hold both ends and use the full length in sweeping motions.
- For elbows, knees and ankles, fold it smaller and use slow, gentle circles.
- Afterward, rinse it, wring it out, and hang it to dry so it's fresh for next time.
One Sima Japanese towel, replaced about every 90 days, lasts as long as about three loofahs replaced monthly. That means fewer purchases, and it's ready for your next round of tan prep, too.
Spray tan prep: FAQ
How long before a spray tan should I exfoliate?
Most salons suggest 24 to 48 hours before. That's close enough that your skin is smooth, with enough time for it to settle.
Can I exfoliate the day of my spray tan?
It's usually better not to. Freshly scrubbed skin hasn't had time to calm down. If you missed your window, ask your salon what they prefer.
Should I moisturize before a spray tan?
Yes, in the days before and the night before, especially on dry spots. On the day itself, arrive with bare skin unless your salon says otherwise.
Should I shave or wax before a spray tan?
Wax a few days ahead. If you shave, do it 24 to 48 hours before, around the time you exfoliate.
How long does a spray tan last?
About five to 10 days, according to Cleveland Clinic, because your skin sheds the colored outer cells. Even prep and gentle care afterward help it fade more evenly.
Does a spray tan protect me from the sun?
No. A spray tan is not a base tan. Cleveland Clinic still recommends at least SPF 30 broad-spectrum sunscreen when you go outdoors.
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Sima Japanese Exfoliating Washcloth
Long enough for your back, easy to rinse and hang, and one towel lasts about 90 days.
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