12 Spray Tan Tips You Should Know Before Tanning - L'Oréal Paris

If you’ve ever left a spray tan appointment looking streaky rather than silky, your spray tan prep routine was probably to blame. Spray tans are ideal for those looking to secure a golden glow without risking sun damage, but proper skin prep is essential to ensure your tan applies smoothly and evenly. If you have dry or flaky skin, there’s a good chance your spray-on tan won’t turn out the way you’d hoped.

Fortunately, knowing what to do before a spray tan can help ensure a seamless application—and proper post-tan care can ensure your faux glow fades evenly. Here, we share top spray tan prep tips for dark skin tones, pale skin tones, and everything in between to get you looking like the best-bronzed version of yourself

How To Prepare for a Spray Tan the Right Way

Proper preparation is hands-down the best way to help ensure your spray tan applies seamlessly (and looks natural). Check out our must-know spray tan prep tips below.

1. Exfoliate and shave 24 hours before tanning

The first—and arguably most crucial step—in your spray tan prep routine is exfoliation. Regular exfoliation helps remove dead, dull cells, helps smooth your skin, and provides a more even base for your tan.

For your body, you can use a body scrub or lather up with a loofah. Be sure to pay extra close attention to rougher areas, like your elbows and knees. To exfoliate your face, we recommend using the L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Derm Intensives 5 Percent Glycolic Acid Peeling Toner, which you can apply nightly after cleansing to help promote smoother, brighter-looking skin.

It’s also a good idea to shave before tanning, as shaving too soon after your spray tan can cause it to fade more quickly. Plus, shaving can also help exfoliate the skin for a silky-smooth feel.

2. Moisturize ahead of time

If your skin is dry when you go in to get your spray-on tan, there’s a chance the pigment could cling to dry patches, resulting in a blotchy, uneven tan. Prior to your appointment, make sure your skin is adequately hydrated from head to toe. If you need a moisturizer recommendation, we suggest opting for a lightweight option such as the L’Oréal Paris Collagen Filler Moisture Filler Anti-Aging Moisturizer, which provides up to 48 hours of hydration without a heavy or greasy feel.

Keep in mind that while you’ll want to moisturize before your appointment, you don’t want to do it immediately before heading into the salon—doing so could potentially dilute your tan.