Fake Tan Prep: How to Prepare for Self Tan or Spray Tan
A sun-kissed glow does not need to come from time spent in direct sunlight. With the right fake tan prep, self tan can apply more evenly, fade more smoothly and leave skin looking softly radiant.
Preparation helps minimise common tanning concerns such as streaks, patchiness and colour clinging to dry areas. Whether you are applying tan at home or preparing for a salon spray tan, the aim is to create a smooth, clean and comfortable base before application.
Your Fake Tan Prep Timeline
For best results, begin preparing your skin 12 to 24 hours before tanning.
The day before tanning
- Shave or wax, if needed
- Exfoliate gently
- Moisturise dry areas
- Avoid heavy oils that may leave residue
On the day of tanning
- Shower before application
- Make sure skin is fully dry
- Avoid deodorant, perfume, body oil and heavy body lotion
- Use a small amount of moisturiser only on dry-prone areas
This gives skin time to settle while still ensuring it feels smooth and well prepared.
Why Fake Tan Prep Matters
Fake tan develops on the surface of the skin. If there is rough texture, old tan or product residue left behind, colour can catch unevenly and appear darker in certain areas.
This is most common around the elbows, knees, ankles, wrists, hands and feet, where skin tends to be drier or more textured.
Preparing skin in advance helps tan glide on more evenly and fade in a softer, more natural-looking way.
Should You Exfoliate Before Fake Tan?
Yes. Exfoliation is one of the most important steps before applying fake tan because it helps remove dead skin cells, dry patches and old tan.
The key is to be gentle. Skin should feel smooth and comfortable, not irritated or overworked.
Transforming Body Exfoliant helps smooth the feel of rough, dry or bumpy skin while supporting skin comfort, making it well suited to pre-tan preparation.
For areas that tend to hold onto tan, such as elbows, knees, ankles and wrists, Exfoliating Body Mitt can be used with light circular motions to buff away remaining build-up.
Avoid exfoliating immediately before tanning if your skin feels sensitive, warm or freshly shaved.
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Should You Moisturise Before Fake Tan?
Moisturising before fake tan is all about timing. Well-hydrated skin can help create a smoother-looking finish, but applying a rich body lotion immediately before tanning may stop the colour from developing evenly.
The best approach is to moisturise fully the day before tanning, especially if your skin feels dry.
Just before application, keep moisturiser light and targeted. Focus only on areas that tend to absorb more tan, such as:
- Elbows
- Knees
- Ankles
- Wrists
- Hands
- Feet
This helps soften dry areas without creating a barrier across the rest of the body.
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Spray Tan Prep: What to Do Before Your Appointment
Spray tan prep follows the same principles as at-home tanning, but clean, product-free skin is especially important.
The day before your appointment, shave or wax if needed, exfoliate gently and moisturise dry areas.
On the day of your spray tan:
- Shower before your appointment
- Avoid deodorant, perfume, body oil and heavy lotion
- Wear loose, dark clothing afterwards
- Follow any aftercare advice from your tanning professional
This helps ensure the colour applies evenly and develops without being disrupted by residue on the skin.
What to Do Right Before Applying Fake Tan
Before applying self tan, skin should be cool, dry and free from product build-up.
Shower beforehand to remove deodorant, SPF, fragrance or leftover moisturiser. Avoid tanning straight after a hot shower, as heat can make skin feel more sensitive and pores more visible. Ideally, wait at least one hour after showering before applying tan to allow the skin to cool fully and ensure it is completely dry.
Once skin is ready, apply tan carefully and use less product around hands, feet, elbows and knees. These areas usually need a lighter touch for a more natural-looking finish.
Can You Moisturise After Fake Tan?
Yes. Once your tan has developed and any guide colour has been rinsed away, you can moisturise over fake tan to help keep skin soft, comfortable and more even-looking as it fades.
Choose a lightweight body moisturiser and apply it daily once your tan has fully developed. Illuminating Glow Transforming Body Lotion is a good option for maintaining hydrated, comfortable-feeling skin while adding a subtle tint and light-reflecting pearl particles for an instant healthy-looking glow.
For feet that feel particularly dry or rough, Transforming Foot Therapy can help condition the skin as part of your routine before or after tanning.
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Fake Tan Prep for Dry Areas
Dry areas need extra care because they can absorb more tan and appear darker.
Focus on gentle exfoliation and targeted hydration before tanning. Avoid applying too much tan directly onto dry patches, and blend carefully to soften edges.
Hands can also be prone to dryness, especially around the knuckles and cuticles. A small amount of moisturiser in these areas before application can help tan blend more naturally.
Aftercare for a Longer-Lasting Glow
Once your tan has developed, keep your routine gentle. Avoid long hot baths, harsh scrubbing and anything that may encourage uneven fading.
A simple aftercare routine can include:
- Gentle cleansing
- Daily moisturising
- Avoiding aggressive exfoliation
- Reapplying tan as needed, following product instructions
It is also important to remember that fake tan does not protect skin from UV exposure, so continue to apply SPF when your skin is exposed to the sun.
Final Thoughts
Good fake tan prep does not need to be complicated. The best results come from preparing skin in advance, keeping dry areas softened and applying tan to skin that is clean, calm and dry.
With the right preparation and aftercare, self tan and spray tan can look smoother, feel more comfortable and fade more evenly.
Josie is an Online Beauty Editor with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism. Her passions involve all things skincare and beauty and in her free time she likes to travel, read and get her beauty sleep.
