- Remove unwanted hair from your body. Waxing or shaving 8 to 24 hours before the tan is important as the skin becomes prepared for the absorption of the tanning solution.
Always Shower before tanning. Avoid using body washes which are extra moisturising and opt for a gel-based body wash or bar soap.
Exfoliation plays a vital role in the tanning process. Exfoliating prior to your tan will remove the dead skin and extend the life of your tan.
Remember to wear loose and dark clothes after tanning. Clothes can get stained so wear something that can be easily cleaned later. You should also wear loose shoes or flip flops.
Do not wear deodorant, lotions or perfumes both before and right after tanning. Deodorants tend to mix with the tanning solution and create unwanted results, think green armpits! Makeup, perfumes and even jewellery will come in the way of the tanning solution and act as barriers for an even finish.
Do not apply a moisturiser or body butter before tanning. These create streaks in the tan as the solution slides off from the skin instead of being absorbed.
AFTER YOUR TAN:
Do not shower for at least 4 hours after. This waiting period allows maximum tanning solution absorption for the skin, you can sleep in your tan if required.
After the waiting period has passed, shower in warm water (it should not be too hot) gently rubbing your skin (you may use a light shower gel if required) to ensure you have removed the bronzer. The bronzer will run off, and when the water is no longer brown, pat yourself dry with a towel (do not rub as this will remove and ruin the tan).
If once you get out of the shower you notice there are “streaks” or darker patches on your skin, simply pop back in and gently wash off as this is usually where not all the bronzer has been removed. After washing off, the tan will continue to develop for the next 24 hours.
Avoid activities that will make you sweat. This means no exercises, sports, dancing or jogging. You should also avoid the sun to prevent sweating. Sweating creates streaks in the tan.
Avoid chlorinated swimming pools that easily react with the tanning solution and can cause an uneven fade.
Moisturising the skin daily will help make the tan last longer, as well as help it to fade evenly.
Do not use lotions or creams on your skin which contain Alpha Hydroxyl Acids (AHA’s) or Glycolic Acid as they tend to exfoliate the skin. Use a neutralizing pH body wash.
Once you have showered after tanning (after 4-8 hours), only then should you use perfumes, deodorants and makeup.
Do not touch your body while your tan is drying off. This can leave finger prints on your body and extra dark fingers!
If sleeping in your tan, ensure you wear long sleeves and pants and don’t use your good bedding!
If you happen to get in on the palms of your hands wash off before allowing to process… Enjoy!
