Preparing for a Spray Tan: What You Should Do the Night Before
A spray tan is a quick and effective way to achieve a flawless, sun-kissed glow without the worry for harmful UV rays. However, to ensure that your tan looks as even and radiant as possible, proper preparation is essential. The steps you take the night before your appointment for spray tan Jax Beach can make […]
A spray tan is a quick and effective way to achieve a flawless, sun-kissed glow without the worry for harmful UV rays. However, to ensure that your tan looks as even and radiant as possible, proper preparation is essential. The steps you take the night before your appointment for spray tan Jax Beach can make a significant difference in how well your tan develops and how long it lasts. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what you should do the night before your spray tan, including skincare tips and clothing choices to help you achieve the best results.
- Exfoliate Your Skin Thoroughly
The most crucial step in preparing for a spray tan is exfoliating your skin. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and creates a smooth surface for the tanning solution to adhere to. This helps to prevent blotchy or uneven patches and ensures a more even tan.
When exfoliating the night before, use a gentle body scrub or an exfoliating mitt. Focus on areas where the skin tends to be drier, such as your elbows, knees, ankles, and wrists. Avoid oil-based scrubs, as the oils can create a barrier on your skin and interfere with the tanning solution. A salt or sugar scrub without oils works best.
Pro Tip: Make sure you avoid over-exfoliating, as that can irritate the skin. Gentle, circular motions with a scrub or mitt should be enough to get your skin ready for your tan.
- Shave or Wax in Advance
If you plan to shave or wax before your spray tan, it’s essential to do so the night before. Shaving or waxing on the day of your tan can leave your skin irritated and sensitive, which may cause the tan to develop unevenly.
For those who prefer waxing, be sure to do it at least 24 hours before your appointment to give your skin time to calm down and recover. Shaving can be done the night before but should be followed by a gentle rinse to ensure no shaving cream residue remains.
Why It Matters: Removing hair after your tan can strip away some of the tanning solution, leaving you with an uneven finish. Doing it beforehand ensures your tan stays intact.
- Moisturize Dry Areas Sparingly
While you generally want your skin to be clean and free from any products before a spray tan, certain dry areas of your body need a little extra attention. Apply a light layer of oil-free moisturizer to your knees, elbows, ankles, and the tops of your feet and hands. These areas tend to absorb more tanning solution, which can lead to darker, uneven patches.
However, avoid applying moisturizer to the rest of your body the night before your spray tan at spray tan Jacksonville FL. Too much product can act as a barrier and prevent the tanning solution from absorbing properly.
Pro Tip: Look for a water-based, fragrance-free lotion. Heavy, oil-based moisturizers should be avoided as they can interfere with the tan’s development.
- Avoid Using Perfumes, Deodorants, and Makeup
On the night before your spray tan, avoid using deodorant, perfumes, and makeup on your skin. These products can create a film that interferes with the tanning solution, leading to uneven application or discoloration. Some ingredients in these products can also react with the tanning solution, causing unwanted effects like green or blotchy skin.
Instead, go to your spray tan appointment with clean, product-free skin. After your session, you can resume using deodorants, perfumes, and makeup, but for the best results, it’s better to avoid them before your tan develops fully.
- Choose Loose, Dark Clothing for the Day of Your Tan
While this tip applies to the day of your spray tan, it’s a good idea to prepare the night before by laying out your outfit. Opt for loose, dark clothing made of breathable fabrics like cotton. Tight clothing can rub against your skin and cause streaks or smudges while the tan is setting.
Avoid anything with tight straps or waistbands that could press into your skin and leave marks. A flowy dress or a loose-fitting T-shirt and sweatpants are ideal options for after your appointment. Also, consider wearing open-toed sandals or flip-flops, as closed shoes can smudge the tan on your feet.
Why It’s Important: Loose clothing ensures that your tan develops evenly without any marks or streaks caused by friction.
- Stay Hydrated and Avoid Alcohol
Drinking plenty of water the night before your spray tan is essential for keeping your skin hydrated from the inside out. Well-hydrated skin absorbs the tanning solution more evenly, resulting in a smoother, longer-lasting tan.
It’s also a good idea to avoid alcohol the night before your tan. Alcohol can dehydrate your skin and cause it to dry out, which may affect how well the tan adheres and how it develops. Stick to water or non-alcoholic beverages to ensure your skin is in top condition.
- Plan for Post-Tan Care
While most of the preparation happens before your tan, don’t forget to plan for post-tan care as well. The night before, make sure you have gentle, sulfate-free products like body washes and moisturizers ready for after your tan. These will help prolong your tan without causing it to fade prematurely.
Also, stock up on items like a tan-extending lotion or gradual tanner if you want to maintain your glow for as long as possible.
Conclusion
Preparing for a spray tan involves more than just showing up at the salon. By following these key steps the night before, you can ensure that your skin is prepped and ready for the best possible results. From exfoliating and moisturizing the right areas to wearing loose clothing and staying hydrated, taking these simple steps can make all the difference in how your spray tan develops and how long it lasts. With the right preparation, you’ll be well on your way to a flawless, sun-kissed glow that looks natural and radiant.