The Best Products to Prep and Prolong Your Spray Tan (Shoppable)

The Best Products to Use With Your Spray Tan (Shoppable)

Shopping for products that you know will be safe for your spray tan can feel a bit overwhelming. To cut out some of the headache, here is a list (with amazon links) of a variety of affordable products that will keep you glowing as long as possible.


1. Exfoliators
Properly prepping is mandatory for a perfect spray tan. Exfoliating your entire body gets rid of dead skin cells and dry patches, giving a nice even surface for the spray tan solution to adhere to. Spray tan solution can stick to and develop in a darker, unflattering tone on dry skin. Failure to exfoliate may cause your spray tan to appear patchy and may result in uneven settling. Exfoliating mitts, gloves, and towels are great tools to use along with exfoliating scrubs. If you do choose to exfoliate with a scrub be sure to rinse EXTRA well after, as a lot of them contain oil which will cause a barrier on your skin. After your appointment, don't exfoliate until you're ready to say goodbye to your spray tan. *Don't forget to exfoliate those hands and feet!

​SHOP EXFOLIATING PICKS BY CLICKING A PRODUCT BELOW

2. Moisturizers
To make your spray tan last as long as possible, it's critical that you keep your skin hydrated. You should be moisturizing twice daily with a spray tan safe lotion. When choosing a moisturizer, you want to avoid mineral oil, parabens, (bad) alcohols, sulfates, anti-aging ingredients or acids. These chemicals can break down your tan faster. Specific products to avoid are Dove and Bath and Bodyworks.

​SHOP MOISTURIZER PICKS BY CLICKING A PRODUCT BELOW

3. Face and Body Washes
Just like moisturizers, it's important to avoid certain ingredients within your cleansers. Choose a clear, gentle gel wash that is free of parabens, mineral oil, and sulfates. This is not only important for aftercare, but also prepping for your tan. A lot of body washes can leave a barrier on your skin, dry your skin out, throw off your pH, and again break down your tan. Some "feminine cleansers" make a great body wash to prolong your spray tan because they're gentle and pH balanced.

​​SHOP CLEANSER PICKS BY CLICKING A PRODUCT BELOW

4. Sunscreens
Spray tans do not contain sunscreen so it's crucial that you still wear your SPF. When choosing a sunscreen, go for a lotion form vs an aerosol can. The sprays contain alcohol, which will dry out your skin and cause your spray tan to fade prematurely. It's also best to choose a product that is oil free, as some oils will break down your spray tan. The most important part of choosing a sunscreen, whether you have a spray tan or not, is choosing a product that contains no Oxybenzone. This toxic chemical is known as a carcinogen (promotes the formation of cancer) and can cause irritation to sensitive or acne-prone skin.

​​SHOP SUNSCREEN PICKS BY CLICKING A PRODUCT BELOW

5. Protecting Your Spray Tan
After your spray tan you want to avoid transferring solution to clothes, furniture, and other parts of your body. Plan to wear loose, dark clothing. Satin is a great material to wear after your spray tan as it won't absorb the solution like cotton. If you're sleeping in your tan, there's two things you want to keep in mind: solution transfer to sheets and solution transfer to other body parts. If you have white sheets, it's a good idea to switch them out to a dark color, use a towel or blanket on top of the sheets, or use a sheet cover. To avoid transfer to other body parts (example: waking up with tan palms because you slept with your hand on your chest) wear loose, dark, long clothing.

​SHOP APPAREL PICKS BY CLICKING A PRODUCT BELOW