One of the frequently asked questions about the spray tanning process has to do with its preparation.
To get the best results from your goGLOW experience, it’s important to know how to prepare for spray tanning. Proper skin prep ensures your spray tan session delivers a natural looking tan, with even coverage, a golden glow, and long lasting results.Spray tanning preparation starts with clean skin, free of oils, dead skin cells, and products that might create a barrier between your skin and the spray tan solution.
Spray tan exfoliating is the foundation of proper preparation. In the days leading up to your spray tan appointment, exfoliate your entire body head to toe using an exfoliating mitt (not a scrub). This gently removes dead skin cells, old sunless tanners, and dry areas that can cause uneven results. Pay extra attention to feet, knees, elbows, underarms, and the back of arms, as these dry areas tend to cling to more spray solution than other parts of the body.
We absolutely love our goGLOW EXFOLIATE mitts, available in our salons and online shop. They are specifically formulated for tan prep, helping you buff away dead skin and create clean skin for a smooth, even tan that fully develops into the right shade for your skin type. Think of this step as the foundation of your perfect tan — a golden glow and long lasting tan start with proper skin prep.
Hair removal is another crucial step in spray tanning preparation. Whether you shave or wax, it should be done at least 8 hours before your spray tan session (ideally a full day before). This timing allows your pores to close and prevents spray solution from settling into them, which can otherwise leave dark spots or unwanted tan lines.
Avoid services like facials, manicures, pedicures, or massages too close to your spray tan, as oils and lotions used during these treatments can create a barrier cream effect, preventing the tanning solution from adhering evenly. Done correctly, shaving or waxing contributes to a smooth, natural looking tan that will last longer and look flawless.
Many lotions contain mineral oils or petroleum that create a barrier on the skin. These ingredients interfere with spray tan solution, preventing it from blending evenly and leaving behind streaks or patches. For proper preparation, skip these heavy lotions in the days leading to your spray tan appointment, and wear loose fitting clothes to avoid rubbing or sweating afterward.
Sulfates in body wash and skincare products can strip your skin, leaving it dry and more likely to absorb tanning solution unevenly. Switching to a gentle body wash like goGLOW CLEANSE, which is specifically formulated to maintain your skin’s balance, will help your spray tan fully develop and provide a natural, sun kissed glow. This also helps extend the life of your tan, keeping your skin moisturized and smooth.
Retinol, retinoids, and exfoliating acids thin the skin and shorten the life of your sunless tanners. Discontinue use at least several days before your spray tan prep to avoid patchy areas. Retinoids can also cause uneven results because they accelerate cell turnover, which may lead to faster fading of your golden glow.
Bar soaps like Dove, Dial, or Ivory are not ideal for spray tanning preparation. They disrupt your skin’s pH balance and can create a barrier that prevents spray solution from blending smoothly. This can result in patchiness, an unnatural dark tan, or an undesirable orange tone. Instead, prepare your skin with goGLOW CLEANSE and an exfoliating mitt for clean skin that’s ready to absorb the tanning solution evenly.
If it's raining or snowing, make sure you have proper attire that covers you from head to toe. You will need to put on loose, dark cotton clothing after your glow. The best outfit to wear after you are sprayed is loose pants, long sleeve t-shirt and slide shoes or flip flops. Do not wear a tank top, shorts or short dresses after your goGLOW.
Any soaps, shampoos, or conditioners that get on your skin the day of your tan may leave a residue and impede the sunless tanning process by leaving a film on your skin that will result in a blotchy tan. You may use goGLOW CLEANSE wash, though!
Skip the lotions (with goGLOW HYDRATE being the exception), oils, perfume, makeup and deodorant OR plan on using an eXmit.
Mineral Oil/Petroleum: These are ‘occlusive’ ingredients that create a barrier on the skin, preventing the spray tan solution from properly adhering and causing uneven color.
Sulfates: Harsh cleansing agents that strip away natural oils, leaving skin dry and prone to uneven tan application.
Retinol/Retinoids: Active ingredients that speed up cell turnover, leading to peeling and uneven tan results if used close to a spray tan appointment.
WOMEN: Plan on wearing dark colored underwear or swim bottoms. This will be your tan line. Our staff is professional and discreet, so you may wear whatever you'd like (or nothing!) during your session.
MEN: Plan on wearing dark boxers or undergarments. Male clients are required to wear bottoms.
Change into cotton long pants and long sleeves. Avoid shorts, tank tops, or tight clothing, or clothing that allows your skin to touch skin. This will result in double processing of the goGLOW.
If you were sprayed with our 'traditional' solution, wait to shower or get wet for at minimum 12 hours unless instructed otherwise by your goGLOW specialist.
Rapid rinse solution must be rinsed off at the time your specialist suggests (this will be 2-5 hours after you are sprayed).
In the first water rinse, completely remove all cosmetic bronzers with cool water and your hands only. Make sure the water rinses clear. If you see any streaks or spots left on your skin, hop back in the shower! Pat gently dry or air dry after your showers. Now you can apply goGLOW HYDRATE lotion anytime!
Once you have rinsed, you will see the depth of your color accurately without any cosmetic bronzer additive. If you are dark enough to your liking after your first rinse, and wish to stop the tan from developing further, we encourage you to use CLEANSE wash. All goGLOW solutions will reach final development at 24 hours if you do not use any products.
Once you have rinsed off you can apply goGLOW HYDRATE lotion. Stay away from mineral oil, AHAs, petroleum, ethanol, exfoliating and alcohol-based products as these will strip your tan faster. We formulated the line of goGLOW products to be safe, non-toxic products to preserve your goGLOW tan and promote healthy and hydrated skin, to keep your tan lasting!
Avoid over showering, long hot showers and baths, chlorine, loofahs and exfoliants of any kind for 5-7 days. Keep in mind, the act of soaking and scrubbing during any nail treatments will remove the tan on the legs and feet.
Always arrive to your spray tan appointment with clean skin, free of lotion, makeup, or deodorant.
Wear dark clothing, long sleeves, or loose fitting clothes with flip flops to prevent rubbing after your tan.
Consider disposable underwear if you want to avoid unwanted tan lines.
Avoid UV exposure, tanning beds, swimming pools, hot tubs, or chlorine before and after your spray tan to ensure your tan lasts.
After your first shower, follow your tanning experts’ advice: rinse with water only, avoid rubbing or sweating, and moisturize daily to maintain your glow.
A clear coat or cosmetic bronzer applied by your tanning experts can enhance your airbrush tan, giving you a flawless golden glow.
Avoid lotions with mineral oil or petroleum—they can interfere with the spray solution and cause uneven results.
Stop using washes with sulfates, heavy body wash formulas, or bar soaps like Dove, Dial, and Ivory. These skincare products disrupt your skin’s pH balance, just like chlorine from swimming pools or hot tubs can strip a tan.
Discontinue retinol, retinoids, or exfoliating acids in the days leading up to your tan, as they thin skin and shorten the life of your sunless tanners.
Instead, stick to goGLOW CLEANSE, a body wash specifically formulated to protect your skin’s balance while still preparing for an even tan. Proper preparation means fewer patchy areas and a smooth canvas for your spray solution.
