Your glow doesn’t start in the spray tan room—and it definitely doesn’t end after your appointment.
If you want a flawless, even spray tan that lasts as long as possible, your prep and aftercare routine matter more than you think.
This guide will walk you through exactly what to do (and what to avoid) so you get the best results every single time.
Spray Tan Safe Skincare Products
HOW TO PREP FOR YOUR SPRAY TAN
Prep is everything when it comes to achieving a smooth, even tan.
24 HOURS BEFORE:
Exfoliate using an exfoliating mitt
Shave or wax (at least 24 hours before)
MORNING OF YOUR APPOINTMENT:
Rinse shower. Only use your soap or bodywash on the areas you need to. NOT your whole body.
Do NOT apply lotion, oils, perfume, or deodorant
Skin should be completely clean and dry
Avoid heavy skincare or moisturizing products, oil-based scrubs, and acid toners right before your tan.
For my dry skin girls, no worries I have your moisture covered when you get to me.
Pro Tip: Your skin should feel like nothing is on it—this creates the perfect canvas for your tan to develop evenly.
If you want a full breakdown of safe products to use before your appointment, you can read my complete Spray Tan Safe Skincare Products Guide.
This page contains affiliate links. If you click and purchase, I may make a commission. Read my full disclosure here.
Prep Like a Pro (My Professional Product Recommendations)
The right prep products can make a major difference in how smooth, even, and long-lasting your spray tan looks. These are the exact types of products I recommend to my SunSpray clients in Perrysburg and Toledo to help them achieve flawless results.
Drugstore Prep Essentials (Best for Most Clients)
Exfoliating Mitt
Exfoliating mitts are one of the simplest and most effective tools for spray tan prep. They help gently remove dead skin cells so your tan applies evenly without clinging to dry patches.
Why I Recommend It:
It creates a smooth, even base without needing harsh scrubs or complicated routines.
Best For:
✔ First-time spray tan clients
✔ Sensitive skin
✔ Even tan application
Pro-Level Prep (For the Smoothest Possible Results)
St. Tropez Tan Remover Mousse & Primer
This is one of the best prep products for clients who want the most even, professional-looking results. It helps remove buildup from previous tans and creates a clean, balanced base for fresh application.
Why I Recommend It:
It helps reset the skin, especially for clients who tan regularly or have uneven fading from a previous spray tan.
Best For:
✔ Regular spray tan clients
✔ Uneven or patchy fading correction
✔ Maximum smoothness and even application
Important Note:
Use at least 24 hours before your appointment and avoid using immediately after shaving.
SPRAY TAN AFTERCARE (THIS IS WHERE THE MAGIC HAPPENS)
Once your tan develops, your goal is simple: keep your skin hydrated and avoid anything that strips your color.
How to maintain your spray tan
AFTER YOUR FIRST RINSE:
Use lukewarm water only
Pat your skin dry (don’t rub)
No soap. No lotion. You can wear your deodorant.
DAILY ROUTINE:
Moisturize 1–2 times per day
Use gentle, sulfate-free body wash
Avoid long hot showers, harsh soaps, scrubs, and oil-based products.
Pro Tip: The more hydrated your skin is, the longer your tan will last and the more evenly it will fade.
Spray Tan Aftercare (How to Make Your Tan Last Longer)
Aftercare is where most of your spray tan results are either extended or lost. The products you use on your skin after your first rinse play a major role in how evenly your tan fades and how long it lasts.
These are the spray tan-safe products I trust and recommend most often to my Perrysburg & Toledo clients.
Affordable Aftercare (Everyday Essentials)
CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion & Body Wash
A lightweight, fragrance-free lotion that supports the skin barrier without stripping your spray tan.
Why I Recommend It:
It’s simple, accessible, and one of the most reliable options for maintaining hydration without interfering with your color.
Best For:
✔ Daily hydration
✔ Sensitive skin
✔ Extending spray tan longevity
Vanicream Gentle Body Wash
One of the most gentle cleansers available, making it a great option for maintaining your spray tan without causing premature fading.
Why I Recommend It:
It cleans the skin without harsh ingredients that can break down your tan too quickly.
Best For:
✔ Sensitive skin
✔ Long-lasting spray tans
✔ Fragrance-free routines
For a full breakdown of my daily maintenance routine, I cover it in detail in the Spray Tan Body Care Guide
Trending Glow Routine (Barrier-Supporting Products)
BYOMA Hydrating Body Wash & Body Lotion
These barrier-supporting products help maintain skin hydration, which is key to keeping your spray tan looking even and fresh.
Why I Recommend It:
Healthy, hydrated skin fades more evenly and holds color longer.
Best For:
✔ Dry or combination skin
✔ Maintaining an even fade
✔ Daily skincare routines
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Wash & Lotion
A deeply hydrating system designed for dry or compromised skin barriers, which makes it ideal for clients who struggle with patchy fading.
Why I Recommend It:
It provides long-lasting hydration that helps prevent uneven fading.
Best For:
✔ Dry skin
✔ Patchy fading issues
✔ Winter spray tan maintenance
Luxury Glow Upgrade (High-End Results)
OSEA Undaria Algae Body Wash & Lotion
A high-end, clean beauty option that supports hydration and leaves skin feeling soft, smooth, and nourished.
Why I Recommend It:
It delivers a luxury skincare experience while still being spray tan-friendly when used correctly.
Best For:
✔ Luxury skincare routines
✔ Hydration-focused clients
✔ Maintaining a fresh glow longer
Nécessaire The Body Wash & Body Serum
Minimalist, fragrance-free formulas designed to support skin health without interfering with spray tan development or fading.
Why I Recommend It:
It layers beautifully into a simple, effective routine that keeps skin hydrated without irritation.
Best For:
✔ Clean beauty routines
✔ Sensitive skin
✔ Spray tan-safe skincare layering
PRO TIPS FROM YOUR SPRAY TAN ARTIST
Skip skincare before your appointment—clean skin only
Start moisturizing 12 hours AFTER your first rinse
Hydrate daily to extend your results
Avoid oils if you want your tan to last longer
When in doubt: simple, clean, and hydrated wins every time.
WANT MY FULL PRODUCT LIST?
Looking for all of my go-to spray tan safe products?
Check out my full Spray Tan Essentials list.
What I Tell Every SunSpray Client
After performing thousands of spray tans for clients throughout Perrysburg, Toledo, and the surrounding Northwest Ohio area, I’ve noticed a clear pattern: the difference between a spray tan that lasts 5 days and one that lasts 10+ days almost always comes down to prep and aftercare—not the solution itself.
When clients follow a simple routine—proper exfoliation before their appointment, arriving with completely clean skin, and consistent daily moisturizing after their first rinse—their results are noticeably smoother, more even, and longer lasting.
On the other hand, the most common issues I see (patchiness, fast fading, or uneven wear) usually come from a few avoidable mistakes like using oil-based products, skipping moisturizer, or showering too hot.
My goal at SunSpray by Kathryn is always to help clients get the most out of every tan so they feel confident and glowing for as long as possible. That’s exactly why I recommend the prep steps, aftercare routine, and product list included in this guide.
Common Spray Tan Mistakes That Can Shorten Your Results
Even if you get a flawless spray tan application, a few small habits can dramatically shorten how long your color lasts or cause it to fade unevenly. These are the most common mistakes I see from clients in my Perrysburg and Toledo studio—and how to avoid them.
Applying Lotion, Oils, or Skincare Before Your Appointment
One of the biggest mistakes is arriving with product still on the skin. Lotions, body oils, deodorant, perfume, and heavy skincare can create a barrier that prevents the solution from absorbing evenly. This often leads to streaks, patchiness, or lighter areas.
Not Exfoliating Properly Before Your Tan
Skipping exfoliation—or doing it too close to your appointment—can result in dry patches that grab more color than others. The goal is smooth, even skin so the tan can develop uniformly. Always exfoliate at least 24 hours before your appointment using an exfoliating mitt.
Taking Hot Showers After Your First Rinse
Hot water is one of the fastest ways to break down your spray tan. It strips moisture from the skin and accelerates fading. Lukewarm showers are always best if you want your tan to last longer and fade evenly.
Using the Wrong Body Wash or Lotion
Products that contain sulfates, alcohol, or harsh exfoliating acids can significantly shorten the life of your tan. Even some “hydrating” products can cause fading if they include oils or strong active ingredients. Stick to gentle, fragrance-free, spray tan-safe formulas whenever possible.
Skipping Daily Moisturizer
Hydration is one of the most important factors in how long your spray tan lasts. When skin becomes dry, it naturally sheds faster, which causes uneven fading and patchiness. Moisturizing at least once or twice daily helps lock in your glow.
Wearing Tight Clothing Too Soon After Your Appointment
Tight clothing immediately after your spray tan can rub against developing color and cause streaking, especially in areas like underarms, waistlines, and thighs. Loose, breathable clothing is always the safest choice right after your appointment.
Over-Exfoliating
Many clients over exfoliate before their spray tan appointment, but exfoliating too aggressively or too soon can lead to blotchy results. Using a scrub and a mitt and shaving all at the same time is too much for your skin. I prefer using a mitt gently and shaving the night before your spray tan appointment so your skin has time to recover and settle down before your spray tan is applied.
Ignoring Your Skin Type and Environment
Dry skin, frequent workouts, swimming, and hot climates can all shorten your tan’s lifespan. Understanding your lifestyle helps you adjust your aftercare routine so your glow stays more consistent.
When clients avoid these common mistakes, their spray tans consistently last longer, fade more evenly, and maintain a natural-looking glow throughout the week.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spray Tan Prep & Aftercare
Follow the rinse instructions provided by your spray tan artist. Most traditional spray tans require 8–12 hours of development time before the first rinse, while rapid rinse solutions may allow you to shower sooner. Rinsing too early can affect the depth and longevity of your results.
No. It’s best to arrive with completely clean skin and avoid deodorant, lotions, oils, perfumes, makeup, and skincare products. These products can create a barrier on the skin and may cause uneven development.
Yes. Shaving should be completed at least 24 hours before your spray tan appointment whenever possible. This gives your pores time to close and helps create a smoother, more even canvas for your tan.
Wear loose, dark-colored clothing and avoid anything tight that may rub against your skin immediately after your appointment. Loose dresses, oversized shirts, and comfortable clothing are ideal.
The best lotion after a spray tan is one that is fragrance-free, hydrating, and free from ingredients that may strip the skin. Products like CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion, BYOMA Sensitive Body Lotion, and La Roche-Posay Lipikar Body Lotion are excellent options for maintaining hydration and extending the life of your tan.
For best results, moisturize at least once or twice daily after your first rinse. Keeping your skin hydrated helps your spray tan fade more evenly and can extend its lifespan by several days.
Uneven fading is usually caused by dry skin, lack of daily moisturizing, excessive sweating, hot showers, exfoliation, or products that contain oils and harsh cleansing ingredients. Consistent hydration is one of the best ways to promote an even fade.
Yes. Tree Hut Sugar Scrub can be an option for exfoliating before a spray tan, but it should be used at least 48 hours before your appointment. Avoid using exfoliating scrubs on the day of your spray tan.
To help your spray tan last longer, try to avoid products that contain sulfates, mineral oil, retinol, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and other strong exfoliating ingredients. These ingredients can accelerate fading and shorten the life of your tan.
It’s best to avoid sweating, workouts, swimming, and excessive moisture until after your first rinse. Sweat can interfere with the development process and may lead to uneven results.
I tell my clients a spray tan lasts between 7 and 10 days, depending on your skin type, lifestyle, prep routine, and aftercare habits. Daily moisturizing and gentle cleansing can help maximize longevity.
Absolutely. First-time clients often achieve beautiful results when they follow proper prep and aftercare instructions. Arriving with clean, product-free skin and following your artist’s recommendations will help ensure the best possible outcome. What to expect at your first spray tan
If you’re still deciding what service is right for you, explore my bridal spray tan guide for more inspiration.
Ready To Book Your Spray Tan in Perrysburg or Toledo
If you’re in the Toledo or Perrysburg area and want a flawless, even spray tan that actually lasts, I’d love to take care of you at SunSpray by Kathryn.
Every spray tan is fully customized based on your skin tone, lifestyle, and the result you’re looking for—whether that’s a soft natural glow, a deep bronze, or something in between.
When you follow the prep and aftercare steps in this guide, you’ll get the best possible results from your appointment and extend your glow for as long as possible.
What You Can Expect at Your Appointment:
✔ Custom-blended spray tan based on your skin tone
✔ Even, natural-looking application (no orange tones)
✔ Professional guidance on prep + aftercare
✔ A comfortable, clean, private studio experience
✔ Confidence-boosting results designed to fade evenly
New to Spray Tans?
If this is your first time, don’t worry—I walk every client through exactly what to expect so you feel comfortable and confident from start to finish.
Most first-time clients are surprised by how easy the process is and how natural their results look when proper prep and aftercare are followed.
Book Your Appointment
📍 Serving: Perrysburg, Toledo, and Northwest Ohio
📞 Call or Text: 419-290-7027
Reach out to schedule your appointment directly and I’ll help you choose the perfect shade and timing for your event, trip, or special occasion.
Want Your Tan To Last Longer?
Make sure to follow the prep and aftercare steps in this guide—your results truly depend on it. A great spray tan doesn’t end in the studio; it continues with how you care for your skin afterward.