Utah Spray Tans Prep & Aftercare
A little preparation goes a long way. Follow these steps and your tan will develop beautifully, last longer, and fade evenly every time.
The prep timeline
Exfoliate with a basic loofah or wash rag avoid anything with oils or beads as they leave a film on your skin. If you're shaving, do it in this same window. Shaving right before your tan can cause streaks due to the wax coating on razor bars.
If you shower after exfoliating, make sure your last shower is at least 6 hours before your appointment. Freshly washed skin doesn't absorb solution evenly your skin needs time for its pH to settle after washing.
Come with clean skin no lotions, oils, perfume, or makeup on your body. Very dry areas like elbows, knees, and ankles can have a light layer of lotion applied a few hours before. Your face can be lightly moisturized.
Important note on Dove products: Dove soap, lotion, and deodorant are not suited for spray tans. They leave a coating on your skin that interferes with solution absorption and can affect your result. Switch to a different brand in the days leading up to your appointment.
Dress code
Wear loose-fitting dark clothing sweats, joggers, or a loose dress are ideal. Long sleeves and pants are great but not required. Avoid wearing a bra if possible after your tan so the straps don't leave marks while you're developing.
Wear whatever you're most comfortable in bra and underwear, a swimsuit, or nothing at all. It's completely your call. Men must wear some form of undergarment. We provide disposable thongs and pasties at no charge if you'd like them.
Dark, loose clothing is your best friend post-tan. Avoid anything tight, light-colored, or with elastic bands that could press against your skin while your tan develops. The looser the better for the first few hours.
Rinse guide
Your rinse time will be decided together at your appointment based on the solution used and your desired result. Sticking to that time is the most important thing you can do for your tan.
14 hours development time
Our rapid solution lets you rinse sooner perfect if you have somewhere to be. The color continues developing for a full 2-4 hours after rinsing so don't be alarmed if it looks lighter right after your shower. Your full result appears the following day.
8 or more hours development time
Leave your tan on overnight for the deepest, richest result. Most clients do this before a big event tan in the evening, rinse in the morning, and walk out glowing. Your skin has the full night to absorb and develop the color.
No soap except on private areas. Hot water opens your pores and accelerates fading so keep it cool and gentle for this first rinse.
Use your hands not a cloth or loofah to gently rub off the initial bronzer. You'll see color washing away and that's completely normal. Your actual tan is already developing underneath.
Gently pat your skin dry with a towel. Rubbing can disturb the tan while it's still setting. Be gentle and let your skin air dry a little if possible.
Your tan continues developing for a full 2-4 hours after rinsing. Don't judge your color until the following day it gets deeper and more even as it fully develops.
Seeing streaks after rinsing? Don't panic just hop back in the shower and gently rub the area again with your hands under lukewarm water. Streaks are usually just bronzer that wasn't fully rinsed off, not your actual tan.
After your tan
No sweating, swimming, or getting wet. Wear your loose dark outfit home and try not to sit on anything that could press against your skin too tightly. Let the solution work undisturbed.
Stick as closely as possible to the rinse time we agreed on at your appointment. Rinsing too early or too late can affect your final result. When in doubt, reach out I'm always happy to help.
Sleep in loose clothing on dark sheets. Rinse in the morning with lukewarm water and your hands only. Wake up to your deepest, most even result.
After 2-4 hours your tan is fully developed. You can now shower normally, sweat, and swim. Start your moisturizing routine today twice daily is ideal for making your tan last as long as possible.
Make it last
The single biggest factor in how long your tan lasts is moisture. Hydrated skin holds color longer and fades more evenly. Moisturize twice a day morning and night for best results.
Ceramide-rich, fragrance-free, and deeply hydrating. Pairs perfectly with our solutions.
A fan favorite for tan maintenance lightweight, moisturizing, and tan-friendly.
Clean ingredients, great scents, and gentle enough to maintain your tan without interference.
Mineral oil breaks down your tan faster than anything else. Check your lotion's ingredient list before using.
Longevity tips
Morning and night, every day. This is the single most impactful thing you can do.
Rubbing with a towel is one of the fastest ways to fade your tan unevenly. Always pat.
Hot water and steam are your tan's enemies. Keep showers shorter and cooler while your tan is fresh.
Chlorine and salt water both accelerate fading. Rinse off immediately after swimming.
Physical and chemical exfoliants will strip your tan faster. Hold off until you're ready for your next appointment.
A note from us
"None of these things will completely make or break your spray tan. The solutions I use have passed numerous tests and are the highest quality they typically perform beautifully even when everything wasn't done perfectly. Just let me know at your appointment if there's anything you weren't able to prepare for and I'll do my best to accommodate."
Have a question before your appointment? Reach out on Instagram @utahspraytans or email info@utahspraytans.com we're always happy to help.
A note on hormonal changes: Pregnancy, birth control, menopause, and other hormonal shifts can sometimes affect how your skin absorbs and holds a tan. You might notice the color comes out lighter than usual or fades a little faster. This is completely normal and not a product issue. If this happens, let us know and we'll try a different formula at your next visit to find what works best for where your skin is right now.
You've got everything you need. Book your appointment and we'll take care of the rest.
