The golden glow of a spray tan is the perfect way to tan, without damaging your skin. Whether you have a pre-wedding spray tan appointment coming up, need to look fab for a first date or you just enjoy the linefree look that a spray tan provides, prepping your skin is the first step to success.
Before you step foot in the salon, take a look at the do's and don'ts of tanning prep. Even though these steps aren't necessary to get a golden glow, you can maximize the look of your tan and the feel of your skin by following these easy ideas.
1. Exfoliate Carefully
Exfoliating your skin prior to a spray tan is a must-do. It removes the dead skin cells from the surface, leaving behind a silky-smooth canvas. This helps the spray tan to stick to your skin and provides an even base that may reduce streaking.
Even though you want to exfoliate before going to your tanning appointment, you also don't want to use the wrong product.
It's best to use an exfoliating mitt and lukewarm water because some exfoliating scrubs contain heavy oils or other moisturizers. The oils in these moisturizers may stick to the top of your skin, creating a residue. The residue will interfere with the spray tan process and can cause serious streaking. Stay away from scrubs that list oils in their ingredients.
2. Skip the Lotion
Again, anything with oil in it can leave a streak-causing residue behind. Moisturizers and lotions can have the same effect as exfoliating products that contain oil. In other words, the oily lotion creates a mini barrier that prevents the spray tan from getting to your skin. Along with streaks it may end up beading off or wiping away almost immediately.
Exfoliating your skin manually with a scrub mitt or loofah pad will remove the dead skin. This should leave the surface of your skin feeling smooth enough that a separate moisturizer is not required.
3. Shave Safely
Are beautifully bronzed legs your goal? If so, it's likely that you don't want stubble or stray hairs getting in the way of a flawlessly tanned look, that's why you shave your legs before getting a spray tan. Even though it's okay to shave prior to tanning, timing is everything.
Shaving too close to your spray tan appointment may leave you with irritated, uncomfortable skin. This doesn't mean you have to skip shaving completely and resign yourself to having tanned, but hairy, legs. Shave the night before. Unless you have dark, coarse hair that grows at an accelerated rate, your legs should still be smooth when you get your spray tan.
If you do have hair that grows quickly, then consider waxing a few days prior to the spray tan. Keep in mind, waxing can also irritate your skin. If you have noticeable redness, discomfort, or any other irritation, then wait to get your spray tan.
4. Remove Makeup
Like lotion, your foundation, powder, blush, or anything else that you put on your face will interfere with the tanning process. This means that if you go into the spray tan wearing a full face of foundation, then you may come out with a tanned body and a face that's several shades lighter. It's not likely that the spray tan product will stick to your skin if your makeup is in the way.
If possible, come straight to the spray tan appointment with a completely bare face. When this isn't possible (if you're coming from work or your appointment is later in the day), make sure to remove the makeup with an oil-free cleanser when you arrive.
Are you ready to get tan by booking a spray tan appointment? Contact our expert team at Golden State Tanning Studio
for more information.
