How do you prepare your skin for fake tan?

Author: Hilda Collier  |  Last update: Tuesday, October 7, 2025

How do I prep my skin before fake tan?

Are you meant to moisturise before fake tanning?

To keep the drier areas from going patchy, make sure you moisturise all over and pay extra special attention to these troublesome areas. Try to leave the moisturiser to sink in for at least half an hour before you start the application stage of your fake tan routine.

Is it better to put self-tanner on clean or dirty skin?

Before applying self-tanner, it's important to prep your skin adequately. A key step to an excellent faux tan (that lasts!) is exfoliation. "Before applying faux tanner, your skin should be completely clean, dry, and exfoliated to remove any dead, dry skin," says Samantha Magill of Tournesol Beauty.

What is the best way to prepare your skin for a spray tan?

Exfoliate and shave 24 hours before tanning

The first—and arguably most crucial step—in your spray tan prep routine is exfoliation. Regular exfoliation helps remove dead, dull cells, helps smooth your skin, and provides a more even base for your tan. For your body, you can use a body scrub or lather up with a loofah.

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Can I shave 2 hours before spray tan?

Avoid shaving immediately before your spray tan session. Ideally, shave 24 hours prior to allow your skin to recover and avoid any potential irritation. Exfoliate gently: If you're shaving before tanning, gently exfoliate your skin using a mild scrub or exfoliating glove.

What is the best lotion to prep for a spray tan?

LOTIONS Avoid any oils or lotions that use mineral oil (petroleum), baby oil, coconut oil, and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (which is found in most body washes). I have found the best lotions to use are Aveeno, Cetaphil, Hempz, and CeraVe. Lotions with perfumes contain high alcohol levels and tend to dry out the skin.

How do I get the best results from self-tanner?

How to fake tan for beginners?

What not to do when you have self-tanner on?

It is important not to wear tight clothing after applying fake tan as this can cause your tan to rub off or cause marks. This can make self-tanning in the morning more difficult as you must wear dark, loose clothing to avoid any transfer and you can't use deodorant or perfume.

Is it better to fake tan at night or morning?

Applying at night gives your self-tanner time to develop a natural tan look. Things like showering, rain, or tight clothes can mess up your tan when it's trying to settle. And some tanning products will also stain! As the self-tanner process can take up to eight hours, applying right before bed is super convenient.

What is the best fake tan for pale skin?

What happens if you don't moisturise before fake tan?

Moisturizing before self-tanning is beneficial for nearly everyone, regardless of skin type. Areas like your hands, feet, elbows, and knees tend to be drier and thicker than the rest of your skin. These spots can absorb more self-tanner, leading to darker patches and an uneven tan.

What is the best tanning routine?

What is the best thing to wear after a spray tan?

WEAR LOOSE-FITTING CLOTHING

After your tan, you should wear loose-fitting clothing so your tan doesn't rub off or look uneven. The perfect outfit is a long, black t-shirt dress and sandals. You'll want to avoid wearing anything tight, like jeans, leggings, yoga pants, socks, or sneakers.

What is the best way to prep your skin for fake tan?

What is the best self-tanner for beginners?

Should I dampen my tanning mitt?

No, unless you want some tanning mishaps! Please ensure that your glove is dry before using to ensure a perfect application.

Should I put lotion on before applying self-tanner?

4. Apply Moisturizer Before Tanner. After exfoliating your body, continue the prepping process by applying a moisturizer. You shouldn't apply self-tanner without moisturizing first, because skipping out on this prep step could potentially leave you with patchy color — this goes for your face and the rest of your body.

How to get flawless fake tan?

How to make a fake tan look natural?

What body wash is best for fake tan?

Dhesthetics has 2 recommended body washes to use in the shower to help preserve your tan. Aveevo Daily Moisturizing body wash or Cetaphil Daily Nourishing body wash. All of these body washes have great ingredients in them that will help to preserve not only your tan, but keep your skin healthy.

What is the best moisturizer for prolonging fake tan?

The best moisturiser to prolong fake tan is an oil-free moisturiser like Purity Repair Skin Conditioning Treatment will help keep lock in moisture, and help to keep the skin nourished and hydrated. While also extending the life of your self-tan by up to 48 hours.

How to keep a natural tan from fading?

The best natural way to keep your holiday tan for longer is to hydrate your skin well. Avoid drying ingredients such as ethanol alcohol and invest in a moisturising after sun that cools and rehydrates your skin after sun exposure.