Want an Even, Long-Lasting Spray Tan? Here's How to Prep Your Skin the Right Way

1. Exfoliate and shave at least 12 hours before your spray tan appointment.

"It's important to exfoliate the body and face before getting an airbrush or spray tan because you want to get all the dead skin cells off so that the tan lasts longer and fades evenly," says Vezirian. "It's best not to use sugar scrubs as those contain oils in them that will create a barrier between the skin and the spray tan and it won't adhere properly." Instead, try oil-free exfoliation methods like an exfoliating mitt or a loofah.

In addition to exfoliating, shaving your legs before a spray tan session is a great way to prep the skin for a spray tan. Hair removal is essentially another form of exfoliation. Vezirian says there is one important thing to keep in mind when shaving though: "We tell our clients to use a razor without the glide strip as that can also leave a barrier on the skin and the spray tan won't go on evenly," she says.

2. Moisturize–but not the day of.

For a streak-free spray tan, you'll need to temporarily go against the golden rule for smooth skin: avoid using moisturizer for a few days before your appointment. If any heavy oils or creams are sitting on the skin when the spray tan is applied, it will block the color from absorbing properly.

"Come to your appointment with clean, dry skin. There should be no lotion or oils on the skin. In the winter, we recommend moisturizing every day the week before your appointment and stopping one day before your appointment. In the warmer, summer months, it's best to stop moisturizing two days before."

3. Opt for dark clothes and flip-flops.

Just like you wouldn't wear sneakers to go get a pedicure, it's best to avoid wearing tight clothing to a spray tan appointment. "Loose clothing is best–no jeans or tights," says Vezirian.

In addition to making sure your clothing is loose, you'll also want to make sure it isn't white. There is a good chance that some of the tanning solution will rub off on your clothing while it's developing–before you take your first shower. To avoid staining clothing, wear dark-colored clothes that will hide any residue.

Vezirian adds, "If it's raining the day of your spray tan appointment make sure to cover up and wear socks with rain boots to and from."

4. Don’t apply any deodorants or perfume.

For the same reason you don't want to apply moisturizer before a spray tan, you should also avoid deodorant and perfume as these can both create a barrier on the skin which will cause a splotchy application.

5. Wait as long as directed before showering after...

Exactly how long you should wait to shower really depends on what type of spray tan you get. "At Gotham Glow, we have two options," Vezirian says. "Our classic formula has an eight-hour rinse off time, which means you can't have any contact with water for at least eight hours after your appointment. You can wait longer than eight hours to rinse off though; your tan will not get darker after the eight-hour time frame. We also offer an express tan where you get to rinse off anywhere between two to six hours after your appointment, depending on how dark you would like to be. The longer you wait the darker the tan will get."

An express spray tan is a great option in the summer months when you tend to sweat more because you can rinse off in a shorter amount of time. It also means less time to mess it up.

6. ...and use a lightweight lotion instead of a heavy butter.

While you definitely want to skip moisturizer before an appointment, applying a lightweight lotion like the H2O+ Oasis Hydrating Treatment daily will do wonders to extend the life of your spray tan. You’ll want to use something lightweight as heavy body butter can actually cause the tan solution to "slip off" and work its way out of your skin. Make sure to apply it all over the body. If any dry areas develop, they are likely to be the first place you'll see the spray tan start to fade.

You'll also want to pay special attention to the active ingredients in both your lotions and body wash. Harsh ingredients like mineral oil, petroleum jelly, and sodium laureth sulfate (SLS) can strip away DHA (the active ingredient in tanning solution) and shorten the life of your tan.

7. Avoid chlorine after your spray tan.

A lot of the time, spray tans are a precursor to something like a beach-side vacation, but be careful when swimming in pools or the ocean. "Chlorine and saltwater are not the best for a spray tan," says Vezirian. "They both dry out the skin which will make the tan come off quicker. We recommend that clients take a freshwater rinse and moisturize after being in a pool or the ocean to keep their skin emollient."

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