Spray tanning works through a chemical reaction, not sun exposure. The active ingredient, Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), interacts with amino acids in the outer layer of your skin, triggering a reaction called the Maillard Reaction—the same process that causes an apple to brown when exposed to oxygen.

Here’s how it works:

• DHA reacts with proteins in your skin, forming brown pigments called melanoidins, which create a natural-looking tan.

• Color develops within 2-4 hours and deepens over the next 24 hours.

• Your tan lasts 5-7 days, fading as your skin naturally exfoliates.

Because DHA works only on the surface, prep and aftercare are essential for an even, long-lasting glow. Moisturizing daily and avoiding harsh exfoliation will help maintain your results.

How Should I Prepare for My Spray Tan?

Proper prep is the secret to a flawless, long-lasting tan. Follow these steps to get the most out of your glow.

1. Exfoliate & Shave in Advance

• Exfoliate 36-24 hours before using an exfoliating mitt (not a loofah) to remove dead skin.

• If shaving or waxing, do so at least 24 hours before your tan for the smoothest results.

2. Arrive With Clean, Dry Skin

• No lotions, oils, deodorant, makeup, sunscreen, or hair product residue—these create a barrier and can lead to an uneven tan.

• Skip bar soap before your tan to maintain your skin’s natural pH.

3. Wear the Right Outfit

• Loose, dark clothing is a must. Tight fabrics can rub against your tan while it develops.

• Absolutely no leggings, jeans, or gym shoes. For the love of all things bronze, leave them at home.

• After your tan, slip into your baggiest Adam Sandler-style outfit—think oversized sweats, soft tees, and flowy fabrics.

• Ugg-style, slippers, or sandals are the best post-tan footwear.

Short answer: No! Showering right before your spray tan can leave your pores open, preventing the tan from absorbing evenly.

For the best results, we recommend:
✔️ Showering at least 4 hours before your appointment
✔️ Or skipping the shower altogether and using our refreshing cleansing & exfoliating wipe when you arrive

This ensures a flawless, long-lasting glow. Let your skin be ready to soak in all the bronzed goodness!

1. Take an Everything Shower

• Shave and exfoliate 24 hours before your tan using an exfoliating mitt (a loofah won’t cut it).

• If you’re a frequent spray tanner, fully remove old tan residue to ensure an even application.

2. Arrive With Clean, Dry Skin

• No lotions, makeup, deodorant, sunscreen, or oils—these create a barrier that can lead to an uneven tan.

• Wear loose, dark clothing after your session. Think Adam Sandler-level baggy—no tight clothes.

Keeping your skin moisturized helps extend the life of your tan. Dry, flaky skin exfoliates faster, causing your color to fade sooner. The goal is to slow down your skin’s natural exfoliation so your glow lasts longer and fades evenly. Hydrated skin holds onto color better, giving you a smooth, radiant finish.

The lifespan of your sunless glow depends on your skin’s natural exfoliation, your skincare routine, and the type of application. On average, a spray tan lasts 5-7 days, with professional tans lasting longer than at-home applications.

Tanning Breakdown:

• At-home self-tanners (lotions, mousses, sprays) = 3-5 days

• Professional spray tans (custom airbrush & booth) = 5-7 days

Because sunless tanning only affects the top layer of your skin, it will start to fade naturally as your skin exfoliates. To extend your glow, prep your skin with a good exfoliation beforehand and keep it hydrated and moisturized after your tan. The better you care for your skin, the longer your bronzed look will last.

For the best results, we recommend booking your spray tan two days before your event. This gives your tan 24 hours to fully develop and another 24 hours for a soft, natural fade—so your color looks seamless when it matters most.

PRO TIP: Just like your hair and makeup, a trial tan a few weeks before your event is a must! Everyone’s skin responds differently, and getting familiar with the prep, rinse timing, and post-tan care will help you feel confident and flawless when the big day arrives.

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Wait at least 48 hours before swimming in a pool, spa, or ocean. Chlorine and salt water speed up exfoliation, causing your tan to fade faster. To maintain your glow, keep skin moisturized and limit time in water when possible.

We recommend waiting until after your first rinse before working out. Sweating before your rinse can interfere with the developing tan and may lead to uneven results.

After your first rinse, you're good to get back to your normal routine. Keep in mind that your tan will continue to fully develop over the next 24 hours, so heavier sweating during that time may shorten its lifespan slightly. If you can wait until the following day for an intense workout, you'll get the longest-lasting results.

Yes! But always check with your physician first—we’re not doctors.

Our solution is non-toxic and food-grade, and the tan develops only on the outermost layer of your skin. The main consideration is inhalation, but our rooms are well-ventilated, and you're welcome to wear a mask for extra precaution.

If you have any concerns, consult with your doctor to ensure a worry-free glow.

It's not ideal to spray tan over a sunburn. If your skin starts to peel, your spray tan will shed with it, often leading to patchy, uneven fading.

If you have to spray tan with a mild sunburn, keep your skin well hydrated and moisturized to help reduce peeling.

Even after the redness fades, your skin may still be healing beneath the surface for several weeks. For the most even, long-lasting results, we recommend waiting until your skin has fully healed before booking your appointment.

A spray tan can help blend and soften unwanted tan lines, but it won’t completely erase them. While we can even out the contrast, we can’t guarantee 100% coverage.

For big life events, especially brides, we highly recommend wearing sunscreen and avoiding tan lines in the first place, as they can be difficult to fully correct. If you’re concerned, book a trial tan before your event to see how it blends.