Having been in the spray tanning industry for a very long time while also getting weekly spray tans myself since before I can remember, I consider myself somewhat of an expert these days. If a tanner comes into the spa post-spray tanning unhappy about some aspect of their tan, I can almost always tell exactly why. After a series of questions, we normally find out that they didn't do the steps that we suggested to properly prepare. Don't cause yourself to have to fix mistakes that could have been prevented!

Make sure you exfoliate prior to your session. Exfoliating prior to your appointment is the most important step in achieving the best tan. You can exfoliate during your shower/bath or even dry exfoliate in the spa directly before you hop in the Mystic booth. The reason this step just simply can’t be skipped is because exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells, which then reveals the fresh skin underneath. This fresh skin is primed and ready to absorb the spray tan solution evenly and deeply. This means that you'll have a more even tan for longer. Over time, dead skin cells can build up on your skin, so if you don't exfoliate prior to your spray tan, you'll more than likely end up with a patchy, uneven tan.

Do not apply lotions, perfumes, make up, or anything with oil in it onto your skin before your spray tan. I do understand why this next one could be difficult, but it is important. These products can act as a barrier to the tanning solution, causing an uneven tan. We will provide you with a barrier cream for your hands and feet to protect your palms and to ensure a good blend and transition. If you’re a lotion nut like I am, not putting lotion on immediately after exfoliating or a shower/bath just feels foreign, and I don’t particularly like leaving the house without at least a little make up either. But, it's only one day a week, and if you head right away to get your spray, it’s not so bad! I try to get mine either early in the day, so I can apply makeup not too long afterwards, or later in the night, so I can go straight home.

Shaving, waxing, laser or any other hair removal procedure should be done at least one day prior to your spray tanning session. Do not do these immediately before, or after your spray for that matter. It is best to do them the day before or the day after. Why? Well, your skin can often be sensitive after a wax or other hair removal procedure so the spray tan solutions and bronzers can irritate the skin. Also, if you tan before your wax appointment, it will remove some of the color from your skin, leaving it splotchy and irritated. Your wax will thoroughly remove hair and if you just tanned, it can also take off any color you just applied.

Lastly, use Booster, our skin pH balancing moisturizer, before your spray.  I refer to this product as your “Spray Tan Insurance.” Not only does it help if you’re like me and hate that feeling of no lotion on your skin, but it acts just like a makeup primer would, but for our spray tan solution. Apply it all over your body and face prior to hopping in the booth to ensure faster results, more natural looking color, and for your tan to fade more evenly. Remember if your skin is dry, your tan will flake off with it!

Use these tips prior to spray tanning and avoid having to read my next blog on how to fix your spray tan mistakes you could have avoided to begin with!

We all know mistakes can still happen, and you may not get it perfect every time, so you should probably read that blog too… just in case. Happy Tanning!

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Written By: Paige Stuart, VP of Spa Operations