Prep & Aftercare
Products to Avoid Before a Spray Tan (Deodorant, Lotion & More)
On the day of your appointment, your skin should be a blank canvas. Several everyday products create an invisible barrier that tanning solution can't penetrate evenly — here's what to skip and when it's safe to use each again.
Skip these on tan day
- Moisturizers and body lotions — they coat the skin and block the solution.
- Deodorant — it creates a barrier and can react with the solution, sometimes leaving a greenish cast in the underarm area.
- Perfume and body sprays — same barrier problem, plus added fragrance oils.
- Makeup — arrive bare-faced or plan to remove it at the studio.
- Oil-based products of any kind — oils are the hardest barrier for solution to penetrate.
What's fine in the days before
Moisturize freely in the days leading up to your appointment — well-hydrated skin tans better. The cut-off is the day of your tan: that morning, arrive clean and product-free.
When can I use them again?
- Deodorant, lotion, and perfume: after your first rinse.
- From then on, daily moisturizing is encouraged — it's what keeps your color longer.
Common questions
I forgot and put on deodorant — what should I do?
Wash the area well before your appointment. The studio can also help remove residue before spraying, but clean skin at arrival is best.
What about face moisturizer?
Skip it on tan day too. Your technician custom-sprays the face, and it needs the same product-free canvas.
Related service
Specialists' Signature
$50+ · 20+ min
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