Preparing for your tan
A good tan starts before I ever walk through your door. The way you prep your skin makes the difference between a tan that lasts and one that fades fast or looks uneven. Take 5 minutes to read through this — your results will thank you!
Exfoliate the day before. Use a mitt or loofah in a hot shower or soak in a bath for 10 minutes then scrub. Focus on dry areas like knees, elbows, and ankles. Use an organic body wash or scrub — nothing that leaves residue on your skin.
Shave or wax at least 24 hours before. Not the day of.
Manicures and pedicures must be done before your tan. Not after — the scrubbing will take your tan right off.
You can moisturize the day before but stop a few hours before your appointment. Lotion on your skin at the time of your tan will cause patchiness. Trust me on this one.
Get a facial at least 24 hours before. You want your pores closed so the tan sits on top of your skin, not inside them.
Show up fresh faced. No makeup, no deodorant, no perfume, no lotion.
Wear loose, dark clothing — preferably long sleeves and pants.
Before Your Tan
Stay dry for at least 4–5 hours. No sweating, no workouts, no lotion, no liquid foundation. Let it develop.
Go commando if you can. Tight waistbands, bras, and underwear will leave lines. If you need to wear underwear choose loose and dark. If you need a bra go strapless or bandeau.
Wait to shower. Rinse no sooner than the time recommended for your service. Use only oil-free cleanser, cool water, and your hands — no loofahs, no scrubbing, no hot water. Pat dry, never rub.
Moisturize after your first full shower—not your initial rinse with an oil-free moisturizer like Lubriderm or CeraVe. Hydrated skin holds a tan longer.
Skip makeup for at least 6–8 hours after your tan. Any moisture can alter the color or cause blotching while it's still developing.
After Your Tan
Moisturize morning and night. Oil-free, every day. This is the single biggest thing you can do to make your tan last.
Avoid prolonged water exposure. Long showers, baths, pools, hot tubs, saunas, and steam rooms will all break your tan down faster.
Avoid harsh chemicals. Chlorine, acid-based products, fashion tape, bandages — anything that strips or pulls at your skin.
Keep your hands off your skin. Crossing your arms and legs for long periods creates friction that fades your tan unevenly.