Prep and Aftercare

Signed in as:

filler@godaddy.com

Account

Before You Glow...

Your prep + my technique = magic.

Prepping your skin properly is everything. A little effort beforehand makes a major difference in how even, natural, and long-lasting your tan will be. Below is your complete guide to preparing like a pro.

1–2 Days Before Your Appointment

Exfoliate Like You Mean It
Spray tans develop on your top skin layer, so a fresh, even base is key.

Exfoliate 48 hours before, and again the night before your tan
Use a non-oil-based exfoliator or exfoliating mitt
Focus on rough spots: elbows, knees, ankles, heels, underarms
Avoid anything oily—it can block the tan

Hair Removal (If Needed)
*Shaving and waxing should be done in advance. It's important to allow the amino acids to reconstruct as DHA needs amino acids to develop, as well the pores need time to close

before the application otherwise dark spots may appear. Additionally, the bronzer can get soaked into the pores causing the dreaded “strawberry legs”.*

Shave at least 12–24 hours before
Wax 24–48 hours ahead

Moisturize Strategically
Hydrated skin helps your tan last—but skip the heavy stuff!

Moisturize the night before your appointment
Focus on dry areas: elbows, knees, ankles, hands, feet
Avoid oil-based lotions

Day of Your Spray Tan

Shower (But Not Right Before) *Steam can open up the pores. If the shower is taken just before the session, it can affect the tan because the skin might not absorb the solution properly.*

If you must shower, do so at least 3 hours before your session
Use warm water only—no steam or hot water
Skip bar soap, Dove, or moisturizing washes
Do NOT apply lotion, deodorant, perfume, sunscreen, makeup, or self-tanner.

Dress for Glow Success

Wear loose, dark clothing
Avoid tight waistbands, bras, leggings, or sneakers
Go braless or wear a strapless bra
Flip-flops or open-toe shoes are best
The bronzer may temporarily stain clothes or sheets

Bonus Tip: Add Red Light Therapy

Want smoother skin and better results?

Red Light Therapy boosts circulation and collagen
Prepares your skin for optimal color absorption
Makes your tan last longer and look flawless

You’re All Set!
Proper prep is 50% of a flawless spray tan. Follow these steps and your tan will look better, last longer, and fade evenly.
Have questions? We’re happy to help before your appointment!

Keep That Glow Going

Here's how to stay bronzed, not blotchy.

Immediately After Your Spray Tan

Let It Dry Fully

Wait until your skin feels completely dry before getting dressed
Avoid touching or rubbing your skin while it’s drying

Wear Loose, Dark Clothing

Choose soft, loose clothes (e.g., oversized t-shirts, flowy dresses)
Avoid bras, leggings, tight socks, or shoes
Flip-flops or open-toe shoes are ideal

Avoid Water & Sweat

Stay completely dry for 8–12 hours, or as instructed based on your solution
No showers, sweating, dishes, rain, or applying lotions or makeup during this time
If it’s raining or snowing, wear long sleeves and pants to protect your tan

Tanning at Night?

Wear long sleeves and pants to bed
Make sure the tan is dry before lying down to avoid skin-to-skin transfer

First Shower (Timing Matters!)

Know Your Formula:

Original solutions: Wait at least 12 hours before showering
Rapid solutions: Rinse in 1–5 hours, depending on your desired depth (your artist will guide you)

When Showering:

Use warm water only—no soap, shampoo, conditioner, or loofahs
Rinse until the water runs clear (don’t worry—the bronzer washing off is normal!)
Pat dry with a towel—no rubbing

After Your First Rinse

Moisturize Daily

Start moisturizing after your first rinse and do so 1–2x daily
Use a gentle, fragrance-free lotion—avoid oils
Focus on dry areas: hands, feet, elbows, knees

Shower Smart

Keep water lukewarm and showers short
Avoid hot water, long baths, saunas, or steam rooms
Use only gentle, sulfate-free body washes (avoid Dove, bar soaps, and anything heavily perfumed or moisturizing)

Be Gentle

Always pat your skin dry
Avoid exfoliating or using scrubs, acne products, or retinol on the body
Use mild cleansers on your face—skip brushes and harsh treatments

What to Avoid While Your Tan Develops

❌Water, sweat, lotions, makeup, deodorant, and perfume
❌Shaving (for at least 24 hours)
❌Skin-to-skin contact (especially during sleep)
❌Touching or rubbing your skin
❌Wearing tight clothes or shoes

Maintaining Your Tan (Next 7–10 Days)

Use a Tan-Safe Body Wash

Look for sulfate-free and paraben-free products

Extend Your Glow

Ask about using a tan extender or self-tanning lotion on fading spots

Hands & Face Fade First

Moisturize extra and consider using NUDA’s face tanning water or tanning serum

Avoid:

Pools, hot tubs, and saltwater
Waxing (can remove color); if shaving, do it gently with a sharp razor and no shaving cream unless sulfate-free
Harsh products with alcohol, petroleum, mineral oil, or strong perfumes

When Your Tan Starts to Fade

Exfoliate gently to remove leftover tan
Moisturize to keep skin even and smooth
Book your next appointment for a fresh glow!

Have Questions?
We’re always here to help! Reach out with any concerns or prep questions.

With the right care, your tan can stay glowing, smooth, and flawless for up to 10 days.

Don’t Dull Your Glow

What Will Ruin or Shorten Your Spray Tan

Products That Break Down Your Tan

Bar Soaps
- Especially Dove and other moisturizing or creamy bars
- They alter skin pH and leave residue that causes streaking or patchiness
Oil-Based Products
- Body oils, oil-based scrubs, bath oils
- These lift the tan and cause uneven fading
Exfoliants
- Scrubs, exfoliating mitts, loofahs
- Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, retinol, and AHA/BHA products
- Accelerate the fading process by removing skin cells
Sulfate-Containing Body Washes
- Harsh foaming cleansers strip your skin and tan
- Look for sulfate-free options
Heavy Fragrance or Perfume-Based Lotions
- Alcohol and synthetic fragrance break down the DHA in your tan
Shaving Creams or Gels with Sulfates
- Can cause patchiness and strip the tan
- Stick to clear or sulfate-free alternatives
Acne and Anti-Aging Skincare
- Products with benzoyl peroxide, retinol, or salicylic acid fade facial color quickly
Toners with Alcohol
- Especially harmful on the face, neck, and chest
Waxing or Hair Removal Creams (Post-Tan)
- These pull up skin cells and remove color
- Only safe before your tan
- Many contain alcohol or cleansing agents that fade the tan

Activities That Shorten or Ruin Your Tan

Hot Showers, Long Baths, or Steamy Environments
- Steam opens pores and causes early fading
- Avoid saunas, hot tubs, and long soaks in the bath
Swimming in Pools or the Ocean
- Chlorine and salt water both strip tans quickly
- Even short dips can cause patchy fading
Heavy Exercise or Sweating
- Especially in the first 24 hours or during hot yoga sessions
- Sweat can cause streaking and break the tan down
Tight Clothing or Shoes
- Causes rubbing and uneven wear—think sports bras, leggings, skinny jeans, or boots
Sleeping in Tight Clothes or Sweating Overnight
- Skin-to-skin contact or sweat while sleeping can cause transfer or blotchiness
Using Rough Towels or Rubbing Dry
- Always pat dry—rubbing exfoliates the skin and removes color
Excessive Hand Washing or Sanitizing
- Hands fade fastest—moisturize often and avoid alcohol-based sanitizers if possible
Using Perfume or Body Spray on Tanned Skin
- Spraying directly on the chest, neck, or wrists can cause fading due to alcohol content
Touching or Scratching Your Skin Often
- Repeated contact can cause your tan to break down unevenly
Neglecting to Moisturize
- Dry skin flakes more quickly, taking the tan with it
- Lack of moisture = faster fading