Why Exfoliation Is the Secret to a Flawless, Long-Lasting Spray Tan
Let’s cut to the chase: If you’re skipping exfoliation before your spray tan, you’re sabotaging your glow before it even begins. This one simple prep step can be the difference between an airbrushed goddess look and a blotchy, uneven fade.
What’s the Big Deal With Exfoliating?
Spray tans develop on your skin’s surface.
That top layer of skin—called the stratum corneum—is made up of dead skin cells that your body naturally sheds every few days. If you don’t exfoliate, your tan is clinging to those old cells. As they slough off, so does your spray tan.
Patchiness, streaking, and weird fading?
You can almost always trace that back to one thing: improper exfoliation. A smooth, even canvas allows the tanning solution to absorb uniformly and develop seamlessly. A rough, uneven surface leads to a tan that looks like it’s melting off day three. Not cute.
Here’s How to Exfoliate Like You Mean It:
Exfoliate 24 to 48 hours before your appointment. This gives your skin time to calm and your pores time to close, reducing the risk of any irritation or product buildup.
Use a dry exfoliating mitt. Skip the oily scrubs, body washes with residue, or anything that leaves behind a film. You want clean, bare skin—not moisturized, not sticky, not slippery.
Pay special attention to trouble zones. Ankles, elbows, knees, hands, and feet—these areas tend to be drier and can absorb more solution, leading to dark spots. Buff them well.
Do NOT moisturize right after exfoliating. Yes, we know it feels weird. But any product you apply to the skin before your tan can block the solution or cause streaking. Your skin should be dry and product-free when you arrive.
Why This Step Matters—A Lot
Exfoliation isn’t optional—it’s the foundation of your entire tan. When you skip it, your results suffer. When you do it right, your tan lasts longer, fades more evenly, and gives you that flawless, believable glow you came to AfterGlow for in the first place.
Put simply: Great tans start with great prep. So exfoliate like a pro, and your skin—and your tan—will thank you.
