Preparation is everything when it comes to getting the most out of your spray tan. Follow these steps for a flawless, long-lasting result:

• Exfoliate thoroughly — in the shower 24 hours before your appointment, exfoliate your entire body with a physical scrub, paying extra attention to dry areas like elbows, knees, ankles, and feet. This removes dead skin cells and creates a smooth, even canvas for the solution.
• Shave or wax — if you shave, do so at least 24 hours before your appointment. If you wax, do so at least 48 hours prior to avoid irritation on freshly opened pores.
• Skip the moisturizer — do not apply lotion, body oil, or moisturizer on the day of your appointment. These create a barrier that prevents the solution from absorbing evenly.
• Come clean — arrive with clean, completely dry skin. No deodorant, perfume, or makeup on the body.
• Wear or bring loose, dark clothing — wear something loose and dark to your appointment that won’t rub against your skin after your tan is applied. Avoid tight waistbands, bras, or socks immediately after.
• Remove jewelry — take off any jewelry before your appointment.

Your tan needs a little TLC in the first 24 hours — after that, maintaining it is simple.

The First 8–12 Hours

• Stay dry — avoid water, sweat, and moisture of any kind during your development time. This means no showering, working out, swimming, or anything that causes sweating.
• Stay loose — keep wearing loose, dark clothing and avoid anything that rubs or creases the skin while your tan develops.
• Skip deodorant and perfume — these can react with the solution and cause uneven patches while developing.

Your First Shower

• Rinse, don’t scrub — when it’s time to rinse, use lukewarm water only. No soap, no washcloths, no loofahs on the first rinse. You may see bronzer washing off — this is completely normal, your tan is still developing underneath.
• Pat dry — gently pat your skin dry with a towel, never rub.

Making It Last

• Moisturize daily — hydrated skin holds a tan significantly longer. Apply a gentle, oil-free moisturizer every day, especially after showering.
• Avoid long hot showers — heat and prolonged water exposure break down your tan faster. Keep showers short and cool when possible.
• Skip harsh exfoliants — avoid AHAs, BHAs, exfoliating scrubs, and retinoids as these accelerate fading.
• Avoid chlorine and saltwater — both will fade your tan quickly. Apply a barrier like coconut oil before swimming if needed.
• Pat, never rub — always pat your skin dry after showering to extend the life of your tan.