The Truth About: Why Prep, Shower Time & Aftercare Matter More Than You Think

Kristy
Jul 22
3 min read

Let’s be honest, everyone wants that flawless, golden glow. But the truth is, the results of your spray tan depend on way more than just what happens inside the studio. A gorgeous tan starts before your appointment and lasts because of what you do after it.

As your go-to spray tan artist, I’ve seen it all, and I promise, the clients who follow the prep and aftercare steps always get the best results. If you’ve ever wondered why some tans last longer or why a certain area developed unevenly, keep reading. It’s probably a prep or aftercare issue.

✨ The Power of Prep

Proper skin prep sets the foundation for your tan. Without it, even the best solution and technique can’t work their magic.

Here’s how I recommend you prep:

Exfoliate 24–48 hours before your appointment with a spray tan-safe mitt (no oil-based scrubs, please).
Avoid any oily products for at least 48 hours. That includes oil-based body washes, moisturizers, or butters. I know it might feel like it’s rinsed off in the shower, but oils leave a hidden film on your skin—and that film can block the tan from absorbing evenly. You’ll think it’s gone after a good night’s sleep… but your tan will say otherwise.
Shave or wax at least 24 hours before—not the day of.
Arrive to your appointment with clean, dry skin—no deodorant, no makeup, no lotion, no perfume.

Real Talk: we’re a team. I can only be as good as your prep allows. I’ll give you the perfect tan formula, application, and shade, but if you skip a step, your tan will know. Your skin is the canvas, and your prep is what makes it smooth, clean, and ready for the magic.

⏱ Let’s Talk Shower Time (It Matters More Than You Think)

At Bare It All Tan, I only use rapid solution...meaning you rinse anywhere between 1 to 4 hours after your tan, depending on your skin tone and the depth of color you’re going for. I’ll guide you on the exact rinse time before you leave. But please, trust it.

And here’s a big myth I need to bust:

Leaving a rapid solution on longer will NOT make you darker.

In fact, it can do the opposite. Leaving it on too long causes overdevelopment, which can result in:

Orange tones
Uneven color
Patchy fading
A tan that doesn’t last

Stick to the rinse time. No guesswork. No testing your luck. Just follow the guide and let the magic happen.

🧴 Aftercare is Your Tan’s Lifeline

Once you’ve rinsed and that glow starts to develop, the way you care for your skin will either prolong your tan or cause it to fade faster.

Here’s how to protect your glow:

Moisturize daily with a spray tan-safe lotion (not your drugstore favorite filled with alcohols, fragrances, or oils).
Skip long hot showers, baths, and exfoliating products.
Pat your skin dry with a towel...don’t rub.
Stay away from chlorine, saunas, and heavy sweating for at least 24 hours post-tan.

Also: Dove soap? Drugstore body wash? They might seem gentle, but they’re actually filled with ingredients that strip your tan, dry out your skin, and mess with your pH balance. That’s why I carry carefully selected spray tan-safe products in the studio, formulated to support your skin and your glow.

✨ Final Glow Tips

You’re investing in a luxury, custom tan, and I want you to get the most out of it. But your results aren’t just about what happens during your appointment. They depend on how you prep, how long you wait to shower, and how you care for your skin after.

So here’s the bottom line: