How to Prep for the Best Spray Tan Results

Almost every disappointing spray tan traces back to something that happened before the appointment started. The solution is only as good as the surface it lands on, and a surface that is dry, freshly shaved, or coated in moisturiser will not take colour evenly no matter how skilled the application. The good news is that prep is simple and takes very little time, it just needs to happen at the right point.

Two days before: shave or wax

Hair removal opens the pores and leaves the skin slightly raised. If you shave the morning of your tan, the solution settles into open follicles and you end up with dark speckling across your legs. Give it at least 24 hours, ideally 48. If you wax, 48 hours is the minimum.

The night before: exfoliate properly

This is the single most important step. Dead skin holds more colour than living skin, and it also sheds faster, which is why an unexfoliated tan looks patchy within four days. Use a plain exfoliating mitt or a scrub without oil in it, and pay particular attention to knees, elbows, ankles, knuckles and the backs of the heels. Avoid oil-based scrubs entirely; the residue creates a barrier.

The night before: moisturise the dry spots only

After exfoliating, apply a light moisturiser to the driest areas, hands, feet, elbows, knees. Not the whole body, and not on the day itself. The aim is to bring those rough patches back to the same absorbency as the rest of you, so they do not grab extra colour.

The morning of: arrive clean and bare

No moisturiser, no deodorant, no makeup, no perfume, no fake tan residue. Each of those sits between the solution and your skin. A plain shower with a non-oily body wash is all you need. Do not apply anything afterwards.

What to wear to your appointment

Loose, dark clothing, a maxi dress, a loose tracksuit, anything that will not cling. Bring thongs or slides rather than sneakers or boots, and skip the socks. Tight waistbands, bra straps and shoe lines are the most common causes of pressure marks in a developing tan.

The two hours after

With Naked Tan your rinse time is anywhere from 20 minutes to two hours depending on which solution we use, rather than the usual eight. Keep dry, keep cool, and avoid anything that makes you sweat. Then rinse in lukewarm water with no soap until the water runs clear, pat dry with a towel rather than rubbing, and start moisturising daily from the following morning.

Getting the most out of it afterwards

Moisturise every day, twice if your skin is dry. Avoid long hot baths, spas, chlorinated pools and heavy exercise for the first 24 hours. After that, normal life is fine, just remember that anything which exfoliates your skin also removes tan, so save the body scrub for when you are ready for the next one.

Book your next tan

Naked Tan from a private studio in Secret Harbour. A full body tan is $40. Book an appointment or call 0419 153 609.