We all want to feel beautiful, and getting a flawless spray tan is one way to do just that. At Be Bronze Studio, we not only want to help you look better, but we will help you feel better too. Invest in yourself with a custom spray tan made just for you.
But before you get your glow,, there are a few spray tan care tips you should follow to make the most out of your tan. The number one tip? Exfoliate! Let’s learn how to exfoliate before a spray tan, why it matters, and some other spray tan tips to keep your skin glowing.
How to Exfoliate Before a Spray Tan to Make it Last Longer
When you go in for a custom spray tan, you’ll want to make sure your skin is as pristine as possible. One of the best ways to prep for your tan is to exfoliate fully. Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, which then reveals the fresh skin underneath. This fresh skin is primed and ready to absorb the spray tan solution evenly and deeply. This means that you’ll have a more even tan for longer. The fresher your skin looks and feels, the better your spray tan will look and last. You will thank us later, we promise
There are many ways to exfoliate before a spray tan. Here’s our favorite routine for the night before your tan:
First, take a warm bath or shower for about 10-20 minutes. Do all your shaving now to prepare for your tan.
Next, after the bathroom is nice and steamy, use an all-natural, oil-free pre-tan exfoliator and an exfoliator mitt to gently exfoliate your skin in a circular motion. If you don’t have an exfoliator mitt, you can also use a body scrub or a washcloth. We always suggest our amazing exfoliating mitt you can purchase here.
After exfoliating, rinse off in the shower.
Lastly, moisturize when you get out of the shower! Because you just refreshed your skin, you’ll want to hydrate it as well to get it ready for your tan tomorrow.
This is just one suggestion on how to exfoliate before a spray tan. If you’re running short on time (4-6 hours before your tan), you can simply hop in the shower and gently exfoliate using some body buff gloves. Don’t moisturize this time because you want your skin fresh and polished for your spray tan. Also, avoid exfoliators with oil at least 4 hours before your appointment.
The Best Natural Exfoliants
Not all exfoliants are made equal, and part of knowing how to exfoliate before a spray tan is knowing which exfoliants are best. We love all-natural options because they are gentle on your skin and don’t contain any nasty chemicals. Here are a few favorites, as well as some DIY natural exfoliants you can make at home before your spray tan:
Pink himilayan salt scrubs are perfect for a pre-tan exfoliation sesh because they’re all natural. Look for salt scrubs made from natural, organic ingredients like macadamia oil, coconut oil, shea butter, pink grapefruit essential oil, and, of course, pink himilayan salt.
Dry brushing is another natural exfoliant option. Dry brushing can help reduce the appearance of cellulite, increase blood flow, and brush off dead skin cells. Check out this dry brush for less than $7!
Believe it or not, oatmeal is actually an effective and gentle exfoliant. Oatmeal scrubs are perfect for people with sensitive skin. Plus, they can also help absorb oil so you’re cleansing as you exfoliate. Check out this oatmeal exfoliant recipe. It’s perfect for exfoliating before a spray tan.
This gentle sugar scrub is the perfect way to exfoliate before a spray tan. All you need is sugar, extra virgin olive oil, and vanilla extract.
Coffee can do much more than just wake you up in the morning. Get yourself your cup of Joe and then use the rest of the ground coffee for this pre-tan exfoliator recipe.
Exfoliating before a spray tan is super important, but it doesn’t have to be complicated! Either choose a simple store-bought exfoliator with natural, organic ingredients, or consider making your own.
Exfoliant Ingredients to Avoid
Some of the best pre-tan exfoliators are all-natural, but if you want to turn to a commercial option, make sure to shop smart. Here are some things to consider when you shop for a pre-tan exfoliator:
Avoid microbeads at all costs. Some states have even banned microbeads because not only are they rough on your skin, but they’re also rough on the environment. Water treatment plans can’t filter them out, which means that they end up in the ocean and can cause harm to marine life.
Avoid parabens and sulfates in your exfoliant. According to LUSH Cosmetics, “sulfates can be too effective at washing away oil, which can leave hair or skin feeling a little parched. And if your skin or scalp is particularly sensitive, sulfates can cause irritations like redness or itching.” According to Elle Magazine, “parabens are believed to disrupt hormone function by mimicking oestrogen. Too much oestrogen can trigger an increase in breast cell division and growth of tumours, which is why paraben use has been linked to breast cancer and reproductive issues.”
While not an ingredient, you should also remember to be gentle on your skin and not exfoliate too aggressively. This is one of the first rules when learning how to exfoliate before a spray tan!
Other Spray Tan Care Tips
Knowing how to exfoliate before a spray tan is crucial to helping your tan look better and last longer, but there are also many other spray tan care tips you should keep in mind.
Before Your Spray Tan
Taking care of your tan starts even before you head to the studio. Before your appointment, make sure to:
Exfoliate at least 4 hours before your appointment
Shower and shave at least 4 hours before your appointment
Don’t moisturize right before your appointment. Come with clean, fresh skin!
Don’t wear any other beauty products, including makeup, when you come for your tan
Complete all other beauty services first, like nails, waxing, facials, and massages
Wax 24 hours (or more) before your appointment
After Your Spray Tan
Our Be Bronze Studio spray tans can last up to 12 days with proper after-tan care. Here are some tips:
Bring dark, loose-fitting clothes to your appointment to wear after your tan. We love long t-shirt dresses and sandals!
If possible, don’t wear a bra or undies right after your tan
Although exfoliating before a spray tan is best practice, don’t exfoliate after your spray tan until you’re ready to prepare for your next appointment
Stay away from all moisture, including working out, for at least 4 hours after your tan
Take your first shower at least 4 hours after your tan, but no more than 24 hours after
When you do shower, be gentle. Don’t use any harsh exfoliants or scrubbing
Avoid hot showers
Pat yourself dry, don’t rub
Moisturize with an oil-free moisturizer at least twice a day after the third day
Having a beautiful bronzed glow is a surefire way to make you feel great and learning how to exfoliate before a spray tan will help it last longer. Get a nice even glow with these tips.
Experience the Be Bronze Difference
At Be Bronze Studio, we believe that beautiful skin begins with exceptional skincare, which is why our tans nourish and improve your skin while giving you a mesmerizing glow. Our custom airbrush spray tan solution is loaded with skin-perfecting ingredients, anti-aging botanicals, and other repairing ingredients to support your skin health. These spray tan exfoliation tips will help increase the longevity of your tan and have your skin feeling healthy and refreshed.