Your pre-tanning skin preparation checklist

Get your skin ready for an incredible tan with our pre-tanning skin preparation checklist.

Preparing your skin is the best way to ensure your tan is even and beautiful – find out how with our tanning to-do guide.

It really is absolutely crucial to prepare your skin if you want an even, flawless tan. Whether you are spray tanning or self-tanning, any professional technician will tell you that your skin should be adequately prepped before tanning formula is applied if you want to get the best results.

Firstly, plan a suitable time in your schedule to tan. It is best to select a quiet evening so that you can leave your tan to develop overnight. As it is always essential to wear loose fitting clothes, it’s not advisable to hit the town straight after your spray tanning session. Choose a night where you can lounge around and relax – that way you won’t risk removing any colour.

Set aside time for hair removal treatments before your tan so that your skin is perfectly smoothed and settled in advance of your tanning application. Leave at least 48 hours for any waxing treatments and 24 hours if you are shaving before your tan. Waxing can leave tell-tale dots if the pores aren’t given adequate time to close.

Exfoliate your skin 24 hours before and replenish the skin’s moisture levels with a generous application of body lotion. On the day of your tanning treatment, leave time to remove any product residue that might be on the skin from moisturiser and deodorant.

With a little forward prepping, not only will you be left with gloriously smooth skin but you will have an even, natural-looking tan that lasts longer.