What soaps to avoid after spray tan?

Author: Dr. Angel Effertz  |  Last update: Saturday, July 19, 2025

Retin-A type products (Retin-A, Renova, Tazorac, Tretinoin) all will cause faster fading. Shaving cream or over the counter body wash. Toners containing alcohols or witch hazel in the top three ingredients listed can lighten a tan.

What soap not to use after spray tan?

Hydrate. Hydrate! Absolutely do not use Dove, Olay, Dial, Aveeno, or Irish Spring (or any similar bar soap) within 72 hours before your session or after the tan! These soaps create a heavy barrier on the skin that disrupts the processing of your tan and may cause discoloration.

Is Dove soap bad for spray tans?

Thick milky soaps leave a film on the skin. This film doesn't rinse easily, leading to patchy tan. Dove soap contains mineral oils, sulfates and high alcohols. These ingredients are not spray tan safe. Instead, use a clear gel soap with humectants. Humectants go deep into the skin to hydrate.

What will mess up a spray tan?

Loofahs, washcloths, brushes, and body washes with microbeads are all going to hasten the tan's departure. Your first shower after your spray tan will likely result in a puddle of colored water around your drain, but this is normal. As you leave the shower, make sure to pat yourself dry with the towel, don't rub.

What cleanser to use after spray tan?

How to remove makeup without ruining a spray tan? Don't use makeup wipes. Use pharmacy green cleaning makeup cleansing balm. Double cleanse with gentle cleanser from La Roche. Use Lux on filter drops mixed with moisturizer. Get your old tan off completely before getting a new tan. Use Micellar Cleansing Water.

The Best Spray Tan Routine | Spray Tan Tips

What soap is safe for spray tan?

🌿 Glow-Safe Recommendations: 1️⃣ Native Body Wash– Gentle, hydrating, and free from sulfates and parabens. 2️⃣ Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser – Perfect for sensitive skin, this soap-free option is as kind to your tan as it is to your skin.

What skincare to avoid after spray tan?

Products to AVOID After your Airbrush Spray Tan
  • Products containing mineral oil, petroleum or parabins.
  • Aerosol sunscreens.
  • AHA products (Alpha Hydroxy Acids: Glycolic, Lactic, Malic, Mandelic, Citric, and Tartaric acids)
  • Anti-acne products that exfoliate or dry the skin, such as Accutane and Salicylic acid.

What ruins a spray tan?

Look, it's important to keep your skin moisturized to extend the longevity of your spray tan, but some ingredients will actually strip your tan away instead of boosting it. Oils, for example, are a huge culprit. So, as much as you love your coconut oil for head-to-toe moisture, save it as a hair treatment instead.

What are the do's and don'ts after a spray tan?

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.

Will shampoo ruin a spray tan?

The chemicals in the shampoo and conditioner can affect your tan, so wait at least 24 hours before washing your hair.

Which soap removes tan?

When looking for the best soap for tan removal, you should opt for a formulation <br />of skin-brightening agents such as Vitamin C, Turmeric, Saffron, Coffee, etc. It is best to choose a toxin-free soap with the above properties. For example, you may try Mamaearth Ubtan Soap.

Can I use native body wash after a spray tan?

Native body wash is great and easy to find! You can find the Native body wash line at your local Target. Again its all things we look for in a spray tan approved wash! Sulfate free, dye free, no harsh chemicals!

How long after a spray tan can you shower?

You'll want to avoid showering for at least 4 hours after your spray tan.

Why cant you use dove soap after a spray tan?

A: Using sulfate based soaps is generally not recommended, as they may cause your spray tan to fade quickly and become patchy. This is because the soap can strip away the outer layer of skin, where the tan has been applied.

Is CeraVe good for 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.

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 soap to use after spray tan?

Choose only ph balanced soaps for your spray tan, sulfate free body wash and gentle moisturizing cleansers.

How to get the best spray tan results?

Exfoliate: This is the golden rule of spray tanning. Exfoliating your body a day before your session helps get rid of dead skin cells, which can otherwise lead to a patchy tan. Use a spray approved body scrub or an exfoliating mitt, paying special attention to rough areas like elbows, knees, and ankles.

What should I do the morning after a spray tan?

You just want to give the tan 24 hours to fully develop before using any body care products. So your artist will give you designated rinse time with rapid, that will just be with water . It is meant to be a quick shower, you don't want to be in too long or washing your hair so those products don't run down your back.

Should I moisturize right after spray tan?

Only rinse until you see the water is clear, then stop (this should only take a few minutes) - and pat dry. DO NOT MOISTURIZE UNTIL THE TAN HAS TOTALLY DEVELOPED. We recommend you wait at least 12 hours after receiving your tan, before moisturizing to ensure it has fully developed.

What are the negatives of spray tan?

For example, some people may be allergic to DHA, which can cause itching, redness, and swelling. In addition, other ingredients in the spray tan solution, such as fragrances or preservatives, may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.

How long should I wait to put clothes on after spray tan?

I recommend waiting until after your first shower before jumping into jeans or tights. Whether I'm getting sprayed late at night right before going home to bed or spraying first thing in the morning before a busy day, my go-to post-tanning outfit is a loose, flowy, maxi type dress in black.

What body wash is safe for spray tans?

A few Bloom & Glow recommended body washes: Cerave Soothing Body Wash, Coconut & Vanilla Native Body Wash, Hempz Triple Moisture Body Wash, Cetaphil Body Wash, Raw Sugar Simply Body Wash, & Method Men Body Wash- All of these body washes have great ingredients in them that will help to preserve not only your tan, but ...

What lotion is OK after spray tan?

A few good choices would be Shea Moisture, CeraVe, Lubriderm, Vanicream, or Hempz, and some people prefer pure Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Sweet Almond Oil, or Cocoa Butter. Some spray tanning establishments advise against Aveeno, but I have people who swear by it and have used it for years.

When can I wash my hair after a spray tan?

As a rule of thumb, you should wait for at least four to eight hours before showering so your tan can develop to its true color. Beyond that, it's best to wait 24 hours before washing your hair. This will give your tan time to set fully.

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