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The Most Important Thing to Do Before a Spray Tan | Bristol Spray Tan Preparation Guide
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If you've booked a spray tan for a wedding, holiday, party or special event, you've probably heard people say:
"Just exfoliate the day before."
Well... that's only half the story.
The secret to a beautiful, natural-looking spray tan actually starts several days before your appointment, not the night before.
EXFOLIATE! 🤖
Looking for a professional spray tan in Bristol?
At Jax-Glam Beauty in Lyde Green, I specialise in natural-looking spray tans using premium Sienna X and Nouvatan tanning solutions. Proper preparation makes all the difference, and this guide explains exactly how to get the best possible results.
Why exfoliating is so important
A spray tan only develops on the very top layer of your skin.
If that layer is covered in old, dry skin cells, your tan can develop unevenly, look patchy, or fade much faster than it should.
Proper exfoliation helps to:
- create a smooth, even canvas
- reduce dry patches
- prevent darker elbows, knees and ankles
- help your tan develop evenly
- make your tan fade more naturally
- help your glow last longer
Think of it like decorating a wall.
You wouldn't paint over peeling wallpaper—you'd prepare the surface first.
Your skin is exactly the same.
Start exfoliating several days before your appointment, ideally once a week.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that you only need to exfoliate once, the evening before your spray tan.
In reality, if your skin is quite dry (especially after winter or before a holiday), you'll get much better results by starting a few days beforehand.
Start gently exfoliating every couple of days if your skin feels dry or flaky.
Pay particular attention to: knees, elbows, ankles, feet, backs of arms & anywhere you naturally get dry skin
Don't scrub aggressively—gentle and consistent works far better.
24 hours before
This is when you should give your skin its final, thorough exfoliation.
Use:
✔ An exfoliating mitt
or
✔ An oil-free body scrub
Not sure what happens during your appointment? Click Here
Remove as much old tan as you can, if you have any remaining.
Avoid oily products - This is one of the biggest reasons spray tans don't develop properly.
Oil-based body scrubs and rich body oils leave an invisible barrier on the skin.
That barrier can stop the tanning solution developing evenly.
If possible, choose an oil-free exfoliator before your appointment.
Moisturise... but at the right time
Keeping your skin hydrated in the days leading up to your appointment is a great idea.
Healthy, hydrated skin usually gives a more even result.
However...
Don't apply moisturiser on the day of your appointment, as fresh moisturiser can act as a barrier and affect how your tan develops.
For the best results, also remember to:
- shower before your appointment (but not immediately before)
- avoid deodorant, perfume and body lotion on the day
- wear loose, dark clothing afterwards
- remove jewellery before your appointment
- tie long hair up
The better your preparation, the better your tan
A professional spray tan can only work with the skin it's applied to.
The better you prepare your skin beforehand, the more even, natural and long-lasting your results will be.
For
How To Look After Your Spray Tan Click Here
If you remember just ONE thing before your appointment...
🤖 EXFOLIATE!
At Jax-Glam Beauty in Lyde Green, Bristol, I specialise in natural-looking spray tans that are tailored to your skin tone and the occasion—whether you're heading on holiday, attending a wedding or simply want a healthy glow.
Every appointment includes a consultation, personalised shade selection and aftercare advice to help your tan look its very best.
Ready for your glow? Book your spray tan online today and let me help you achieve a beautiful, even, confidence-boosting tan.
FAQs
How Often Should I Exfoliate?
our skin naturally sheds dead skin cells every day, but regular exfoliation helps reveal smoother, healthier-looking skin and allows your moisturiser to absorb more effectively.
For most people, I recommend exfoliating your face and body once a week as part of your normal skincare routine.
If you're preparing for a spray tan, start paying a little extra attention to dry areas such as your elbows, knees, ankles and feet 5–7 days before your appointment, with a final thorough exfoliation around 24 hours beforehand.
What Brands Do you Use?
At Jax-Glam Beauty, I use premium Sienna X and Nouvatan professional tanning solutions, carefully chosen to create natural-looking, even, long-lasting results.
Whether you're looking for a subtle glow or a deeper bronze, I'll recommend the most suitable solution and shade for your skin tone and the occasion.
Find out more about my professional spray tan treatments on my Spray Tan page.
How many days before a spray tan should I exfoliate?
Start looking after your skin around 5–7 days before your appointment if it's particularly dry, with a thorough final exfoliation around 24 hours before your spray tan.
Can I exfoliate on the day of my spray tan?
It's best to avoid exfoliating on the day. Exfoliate thoroughly about 24 hours beforehand to give your skin time to settle.
Can I Exfoliate Too Much Before a Spray Tan?
Yes. While exfoliation is important, over-scrubbing can irritate your skin. Gentle exfoliation every couple of days in the week leading up to your appointment, followed by one final thorough exfoliation around 24 hours before your spray tan, is usually the ideal routine.
Should I moisturise before a spray tan?
Keep your skin moisturised in the days leading up to your appointment, but avoid applying moisturiser on the day unless you've been advised otherwise.
What happens if I don't exfoliate before my spray tan?
Your tan may develop unevenly, cling to dry patches and fade more quickly.
