Preparing before your Spray Tan 

What you do can mean a difference between a good and a bad spray tan.
 

Exfoliate before you go for a spray tan. The spray tanning solution affects only the dead skin cells. Your skin has a build-up of dead skin cells on top of it. The thicker the layer, the sooner it will rub off. If you exfoliate, the layer will be very shallow, and it will take a while for it to “build up”. Your tan will last longer. It is important to use either exfoliating glove or products that don't contain any oils, otherwise the oily barrier can stop the spray tanning solution getting through.

Don’t wear any deodorant, moisturizer or makeup before spray tan. Many deodorants will stop spray tanning solution going through. Few moisturizers and makeup products can act as a barrier, not letting the full amount of the solution to attach itself to the skin. As soon as you've had your spray tan you can apply deodorant and make up.

Wear loose clothing after your tanning session. It is best to bring clothes and shoes as loose as possible to wear after your spray tanning session, to make sure nothing rubs off.  And ladies keep your bra's in your handbags don't wear them home and keep that handbag off your shoulder whilst the tan develops (8 Hours).  

Wax or shave your legs the night before spray tan. As you will be sprayed with the solution containing bronzer it is best to shave or wax the night before.

Keep your spray tan moist

1. Moisturise like crazy. Before your spray on tan, you exfoliated, so the layer of dead skin cells is flat and shallow. Then you had your tan, which was developed in the dead skin layer. After your tan you have to guard it from becoming dry and rubbing off. The best way to do it is to moisturize it morning and night. (You start after you had a shower.) It means, dead skin cells will be moist, and stay “plastered” to your body.

2. Avoid things that will exfoliate your skin excessively. How about hot, luxurious bath after your spray on tan? I don’t think so! That will make your skin exfoliate faster, as will rolling in the sand on the beach. A short swim in the sea will not take much off however, but a swim in the chlorinated pool will. (Chlorine will not exfoliate the tan, it will bleach it).

3.  Use gentle shower products. Some soaps are too harsh, using them can take tan off in patches. If you have to use the soap, use good quality ones that moisturise. Better still; a gentle shower gel will be much better for your spray tanned skin.