Complete Guide on What to Do Before a Spray Tan

Summer brings with it carefree, warm and serene vibes. It makes you want to go on a beach trip. With the present climatic conditions, sunbathing is not advisable. You must be wondering how to get the summer tan you came to the beach for?  You can try the UV-free tanning method, by visiting a tanning salon! Look up spray tanning near me on your search engine, and you will be sorted for the summers.

Although, it is not as simple as it sounds. It is intimidating to pick up one from the many tanning salons near me for your airbrush tan. In addition to picking a reputed tanning salon, you need to keep a few things in mind. Adopting a proper skin care regimen before and after spray tan is pivotal to achieve the best look.

Below enlisted is a complete guide on what you must keep in mind before you visit the tanning salon -

1. Self Skincare Routine

If it is your first time getting airbrush tanning, you might have a few questions. For example, will it affect your skin permanently or not? Will the chemicals cause harm to your skin? It is only natural that you ask these. But before you take a plunge, you must have an organized skincare routine established. It helps in evenly spreading the pigment of your skin and does not make your skin look dehydrated. 

2. Body Care

To turn out a perfect shade of bronze, you need to take care of your body, especially your skin, before your first-ever appointment at a tanning salon. 

• When?

If you are waiting to make an appearance amongst your friends and family at an event or going out for a trip, you must fix your appointment dates one or two days before the occasion. Never make it a same-day appointment. It is because a spray tan needs time to settle on your skin. If you shower or sweat too much before it settles, it can leave patches behind and uneven tanning is not a pleasant sight. There is a good chance of the tan color staining your clothes if the pigment has not properly settled. Even if it is not a spray tan, it can be any sunless tan, it shall require enough time to sit and develop for quite a while. Hence, it is relevant you have enough time to let it dry and work its magic through.

3. Self-care is the Best Skincare

If it is not possible to take a shower before your appointment, you must make sure there is no dirt or residue left on any part of your body.  All makeup, cosmetic products, fragrances, deodorants, and lotions, should be removed before you step into the tanning salon for your appointment. Before you visit the salon, you must have clean and hydrated skin before the appointment. Hence, showers before your tan appointments are very important. Use a gentle shower wash to remove and clean dirt off your body. Do not use scented soap or body wash.

4. Hair Removal

Shaving and waxing are two types of hair removal that not only remove hair but also help in the exfoliation of our skin. It is a good option to remove hair before the appointment. The hair can pose as a hindrance between the pigment and the surface of the skin. You should remove the hair rather than witnessing the uneven spray tan on your body. Do not shave or try hair removal right after spray tanning. It will help the pigment fade faster than average.

5. Exfoliating is Crucial Before Tanning

Exfoliating before your appointment is necessary. Exfoliating involves the removal of dead skin cells from the topmost, surface layer of your skin. Exfoliating helps in smoothening the skin. 

Ankles, knees, and elbows tend to have the most amount of dead skin cells, so you must pay attention to scrubbing those areas more than the rest.  Do not use chemically induced exfoliators. Be gentle on your skin and wash it off with a gentle shower wash. Use a foaming shower wash especially when you have dry skin. 

Do not be harsh on scrubbing. Do not use body washes with fragrances or oils. They tend to leave a coating on your skin and can pose as a hindrance between your skin and the spray tan.

6. Beauty Appointments Before Spray Tanning

You must schedule all of your beauty appointments, such as getting your hair, nails, and skincare done before your spray tan appointment.

7. Staying Dry

As mentioned above, it is relevant that you give the spray tan a few hours to dry. It means no hardcore activities that lead to sweating. No activities that make you wet. No visits to the sauna, the pool, or your yoga classes. 

Anything that will make your body wet before your spray tan has dried will ruin it completely. You cannot even be touchy-touchy with people around you. No hugs and cuddles for at least 8 hours post spray tanning.

8. Clothing Options During and After Spray Tan

If you are uncomfortable in stripping off your clothes entirely, you may put on an old and dark-colored bathing suit (bra, and underpants) during your airbrush tanning. What you wear during the spray tanning depends on the amount of skin you are willing to show and what outfits you are going to wear for the upcoming events. Pick your perfect level of tan for the best results!

After you are finished with your appointment, wear a loose outfit, a sundress maybe, something that doesn't stick to your body that much. Spray tans are not as messy as they sound, but they do require a few hours to completely dry and seep on the surface of the skin.

 9. Showering after Spray Tanning

After hours of waiting, when the tan has completely dried, you might feel as though the tan is darker than you thought it would be. No worries, it is just the bronzer, which shall wash away once you step into the shower. When you shower, you might feel it is sticky and messy when the water starts to wash away the tan. Not to panic, once the bronzer washes off, it will reveal your beautifully sun-kissed golden skin underneath!

After the first shower, you are free of all obligations, do whatever you want, whatever you like. Although, you must keep up your skincare routine as you had before the appointment. It will help your skin remain hydrated.

10. Avoiding Tanning Beds

Tanning beds are devices that emit UV Radiation on the skin which results in a cosmetic tan. UV radiation can alter skin proteins which can result in negative long-term side effects. It is the reason why tanning beds are not recommended. Rather, UV Free airbrush tanning is recommended the most these days. It is not harmful to your skin and even fades off eventually without any side effects. Organic spray tans are great for UV-free tanning.

To Conclude

Summer calls for a glorious purpose; the glorious purpose of a golden skin. The sun-kissed tan on the skin is desired by many. Keeping in mind the tips mentioned above, you can now be ready, and start preparing yourself to visit the tanning salons near me.