Prep and Post Care
for your Tan
1-3 DAYS BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENt:
Moisturize skin daily up until 12 hours before your tan. Make sure to wax 48 hours or more before appointment. Manicures and pedicures are to be done before tan. Polish change only if getting mani/pedi after tan. Shave and exfoliate the day before your tan(24-48hrs recommended). I recommend using an exfoliating mitt. Do not shave right before your appointment. Tan may not adhere completely to these areas. Use a clear body wash or gel with no SLS (I recommend Dr. Bronners). Avoid Dove products as they may leave a film on your skin. Make sure all tanning residue from previous tan is removed (see bottom for tan removal). Light lotion is okay to apply after last shower before tan.
Day of Appointment:
You may shower the day of your appointment (at least a few hours before), but make sure shaving and exfoliating is done day before. You may use shampoo, conditioner, and body wash; but make sure it is all thoroughly rinsed off entire body. You may moisturize your skin in the morning if you are tanning in the evening, but do not apply moisturizer right before your appointment. Do not wear any perfume or makeup on your skin prior to tan. Baby wipes and makeup remover wipes are available if needed.
What to wear during & after:
During the appointment: My top priority is that you are comfortable the entire time. You can wear as much or little as youโd like. Most women wear a thong or undress completely. If you choose to wear underwear or undergarments, choose dark colors. Machine wash after appointment. Minors must be accompanied by an adult, and must wear undergarments on the top and bottom. Men must wear underwear or bottoms of some sort.
After the appointment: Have loose, dark clothing available to wear after the tan. I will dry and powder you as best I can, but tight clothing can still smudge the tan. Black maxi dresses, loose sweatpants and sweaters are all good options. Avoid wearing tight bras, leggings, jeans, boots, shoes with socks, and other form fitting clothes. Flip flops or sandals are best for shoes.
First rinse:
The first rinse after your spray tan will be a water rinse only. Use your hands to work all the cosmetic bronzer down the drain (about 3-5 minutes). Your tan may appear as if you rinsed it all down the drain when you get out. Donโt worry! The solution can take up to 24 hours to fully develop. You can start moisturizing your skin after first rinse. You may add body wash back in during your second shower, or following day. Avoid heavy exercise during first 24 hours.
8 Hour/Overnight Solution: You may rinse your tan off in as little as 8 hours, or rinse off in the morning. I do not recommend leaving the solution on your skin past 24 hours, as it will start to dry out the skin.
Express Rinse Solution: Be sure to rinse the express solution off during the recommended rinse time window given to you after your appointment. This solution is a very concentrated, and could lead to unfavorable results if left on past recommended time. Quick reference: 1 hour= light tan, 2 hours= medium tan, 3 hours=medium dark, 4 hours=dark.
Extend life of tan:
A typical Aurose spray tan lasts 7-10 days, but with proper aftercare, you can have a tan for 10-14 days! Use tan extender once a day (I prefer evenings), and be sure to wash hands after use. Use a regular lotion in the morning. Avoid lotions that contain: alcohols, mineral oil, petroleum, and artificial fragrance. Natural ingredients like shea butter, aloe, and cocoa butter based lotions are great options. Avoid body washes that contain sodium lauryl sulfate or scrubs. Light body washes are best! Avoid long, hot showers and baths. Use a new razor if needed, and go over skin very gently. Use lotion or hair conditioner as your shave cream. Pat your skin dry with your towel after showers and pool time. Hot tubs and chlorinated pools will quickly degrade your tan. Limit the times in these, and make sure to rinse salt water or chlorine off of skin immediately. Make sure to continue wearing at least SPF 30 when outside. Waterproof sunscreens have shown to protect the spray tan when in and out of water. I love Sun Bum products.
Tan Removal:
You can start removing your tan after 5 days if wanted. Most tans will take 2 showers/baths to completely remove. Take long hot baths or showers. Hot tubbing, swimming, and steam rooms will help break the tan down. Exfoliate once your skin is wet, and use a mitt or scrub with soap. Use a towel to exfoliate skin right after you get out of the shower. Remember, the tan adheres to the top layer of skin cells, and your tan will be gone when you shed this top layer. Do not over exfoliate your skin! It may take a few days.