Prep & Aftercare
Get the most from your glow
Your tan is only as good as your prep and aftercare. Here's the full playbook — what to do, when to do it, and why it matters — so your color comes out flawless and fades beautifully.
Before your tan
24–48 hours before
Exfoliate & smooth
- Exfoliate head to toe with an oil-free scrub or exfoliating mitt.Sloughing off dead skin gives the solution a fresh, even surface to grip — this is the single biggest thing you can do for a streak-free tan.
- Shave or wax at least 24 hours ahead.Freshly shaved pores can trap solution and leave tiny dark dots. Waxing needs the extra time so pores fully close.
- Get any manicures, pedicures, facials, or massages done beforehand.The oils, scrubs, and water involved in these can lift or blotch a fresh tan.
The day of
Arrive with a clean canvas
- Come with completely clean, product-free skin.No lotion, oil, makeup, deodorant, perfume, or sunscreen — these create a barrier that blocks color and causes patchiness.
- Shower and fully dry off before you come.Damp skin dilutes the solution unevenly.
- Wear loose, dark clothing and open-toed shoes or sandals.Tight straps, waistbands, and closed shoes can rub off developing color before it sets.
- Remove jewelry and skip the gym right before.Sweat and metal both interfere with an even application.
After your tan
First 6–8 hours
Let it develop
- Keep the guide color completely dry — no water, no sweat.The DHA is still developing. Any moisture in this window is what causes streaks and light spots.
- Avoid tight clothing, seatbelt rub, and long car rides if you can.Pressure and friction lift color while it's setting.
- Don't touch your face or wash your hands more than necessary.Hands and faces get washed most, so they fade first — be gentle early on.
- No pools, hot tubs, or swimming for the first 18 hours.Chlorine and soaking while the color is still setting will strip it and leave patchy spots. Wait the full 18 hours before any water beyond your first rinse.
Your first rinse
Rinse, don't scrub
- Rinse in lukewarm water only — no soap, no washcloth, no scrubbing.You're just washing away the cosmetic bronzer guide color; the real tan stays underneath.
- Gently pat dry with a soft towel.Rubbing drags color off unevenly and creates streaks.
Days 2–10
Hydrate to make it last
- Moisturize morning and night with a fragrance-free, oil-free lotion.Hydrated skin sheds slowly and evenly, which is what keeps your tan from going patchy.
- Take shorter, cooler showers and pat dry every time.Long hot water speeds up how fast your skin — and your color — sheds.
- Pat, blot, and go easy on high-friction areas like hands and feet.
What to avoid while your tan lasts
- Pools, hot tubs, and swimming for the first 18 hours — then chlorine and soaking still break color down, so keep it minimal after that too.
- Exfoliating scrubs, loofahs, and dry brushing until you're ready to fade.
- Retinol, acids, acne treatments, and pimple patches — they lift color wherever used.
- Heavy sweating, saunas, and hot yoga in the first several hours.
- Oil-based lotions, makeup removers, and shaving cream — oils dissolve your tan.
Have a question about your specific skin or a big event coming up? Just text, call, or email me and we'll make a plan so your glow peaks right on time.
Book Your Glow
Request your appointment
Send a request with your preferred time and I'll confirm your spot by text. Same-day? Call or text and I'll do my best to fit you in.
Booking hours
- Monday – Friday6:00–7:00 AM & 4:30 PM or later
- SaturdayAnytime — by appointment
- Sunday11:30 AM or later
Call or text: (303) 910-3077
Fastest for same-day requests