Preparing for your GLOW
I want you to get the best results possible. In order to do so, I need a little help from you before your appointment.
The day before your appointment make sure you wax (give at least 24 hrs if you do so), get your pedicure/manicure, shave as normal making sure to wash off any residue from the moisture strip, no dove or moisturizing soaps (think natural as possible...local oatmeal soap bars from the health food store, Dr Bonners castile soaps, or even cetaphil gentle cleansing bar soap), exfoliate with a non-oil based product; a loofah or exfoliating towel/mitt work perfect. This is so important! Any leftover residue or oils will act as a barrier causing an uneven tan, or none at all. Not good. If you forget to exfoliate, you're just going to be getting color on dead skin that will sluff off unevenly.
The day of, make sure you don't use any soap bars, high ph shower gels, and products on your skin. Have no make-up, perfume, deodorant, oils, or moisturizers on. No showering within four hours of your session.
This will ensure a nice even color.
After your session
No sweating, exercising, saunas or showering for at least 8 hours.
Wear loose comfortable, dark, cotton clothing once skin is dry.
Take a quick rinse in lukewarm water (read lukewarm, not HOT!), with NO soap for the first shower. Also, do not shampoo your hair during this shower either. It can strip your tan. Gently pat dry after your first shower.
Avoid shaving too frequently as shaving has an exfoliating effect. Avoid fragrance body washes and soaps like bath & body, VS, etc., as they will strip your tan right off due to the harsh, drying ingredients. Use the same products I suggested in your prep.
Moisturize daily to keep skin hydrated, which will extend the life of your tan (approx 7-10 days). I personally love coconut oil on my skin. Avoid mineral oils, lotions with alcohol, perfumes, and anything you can't pronounce. Read your ingredients! Shea Moisture has a great line of natural products. I don't say that just because I'm a curly girl, too.
Anti-acne products have ingredients that will strip your spray tan. Be aware of that. Anti-aging products will cause your tan to exfoliate faster as well.
Above all, don't forget your SPF!!! Spray tan doesn't protect you from the rays. You can still burn. Alba Botanica makes a great, natural, frangrance-free option (make sure you get the one that isn't the mineral oil one). Hempz makes a two-in-one moisturizing lotion with SPF. Both options spray tan safe, paraben-free and wont strip your tan like some harsh SPFs!
Swimming, sweating, hot tubs, hot baths, saunas will all cause premature fading. Just beware. =)
