How To Remove a Spray Tan

Looking to get that sun-kissed glow before the summer or just give your skin the glow it needs to feel your best? Self-tanning or spray tans have your back and are some of the safest ways to do it. Achieving perfect bronzed skin involves a few steps before the tan to ensure a smooth seamless glow. Applying a self-tanner is quite simple, but improper application and removal can leave you with uneven patches on your skin. Follow these steps to prepare for a tan and no one will ever know it is faux. 

How Can I Prep My Skin For Self-Tan Through Exfoliation?

To ensure your tan lasts as long as possible it is crucial to use an exfoliating body scrub to prepare and remove the tan. Preventing the look of a blotchy tan is more difficult than it seems, therefore making it that much more important to use an exfoliating tool and body scrub. 

Use a Body Rock

Pairing an exfoliating tool and body scrub will leave you with silky smooth skin and ready for a tan. Use the pumice stone in a circular motion to remove an unwanted tan left around difficult areas such as the knees, ankles, and elbows. Some call this tool the magic eraser for the incredible results it gives when buffing the skin. The porous holes in a pumice stone provide gentle exfoliating properties on the skin, which helps remove layers of dead skin instantly, leaving behind smooth, and radiant skin. 

 

Use a Natural Exfoliating Sugar Scrub

Using an exfoliating scrub gently on the other areas of the skin to gently exfoliate and smooth the skin. It will gently polish your skin to provide an even finished look. Incorporating a body scrub 2-3 times a week into your routine will lightly polish the skin to keep your tan always flawless. 

Do I Need To Remove Body Hair Before a Spray Tan? 

Should you choose to remove body hair between tanning, it is important you shave, trim, wax, sugar, or laser at least 24 hours before applying tanning products. This allows enough time for your pores to close back up resulting in less streaky results. Removing body hair will also contribute to removing any unwanted tanning products. Don’t forget to mention to your esthetician when you last applied self-tanner or received a spray tan.

 

 

How To Apply Self Tanner

Applying your self-tanner strategically is essential to achieving your seamless glow. 

Application

Apply the product in a circular motion all over your whole body using a self-tanner mitt. Take extra time to blend at your wrist and ankles to get tanning products in the creases. Give your skin some time to dry wearing loose bag clothing to prevent any streaking or smudging. 

 

Rinse Tan

After allowing the tan to develop and dry for 6-12 hours, rinse the tan in cool water without using soaps or scrubs to prevent fading. You should refrain from shampooing your hair as the shampoo could also streak your freshly tanned skin.

Moisturize

Applying a natural moisturizer after rinsing your tan will leave you with a flawless finish. Moisturizing your skin every day is the key to a longer-lasting tan as it prevents the tan from cracking and flaking. Locking in your hydration with the Tush cream or a soothing oil will keep your skin fresh and bright. These moisturizers are formulated with ingredients your skin loves like shea butter and tea tree oil that nourish and replenishes the skin. 

Achieving a sun-kissed glow year-round for some is the ultimate dream. Using self-tanners or spray tan is the healthiest way without exposing your skin to strong UV rays for hours. The confidence a subtle glow gives is undeniable. Achieving that glow requires some time, products and patience. Developing a routine that includes exfoliation, hair removal and a moisturizer will be the perfect recipe for the glowing skin you've always wanted. 

 

How To Remove a Spray Tan

While it may seem easy and tempting to just reapply your faux tan, it’s crucial to remove any previous colour from the product before applying another layer. This will ensure an even colour that looks beautiful. It will also prevent patchiness and streaks on your skin. To remove your spray tan jump in a warm shower and start exfoliating your skin with a natural sugar scrub. If that does not fully remove your tan, gently use a Body Rock. This exfoliating body rock should only be used as needed in problem areas where the skin needs help restoring the self-tan and the natural tone and texture of the skin.

“Don’t forget that skin prep and properly exfoliating is how you go darker for longer and look less splotchy” TikTok’s self-tanning pro Sophie Anne Smith

How To Use a Body Rock

Step 1: Clean and soak your skin

Take a warm bath or shower to cleanse and soak the skin's rough patches. Ensure you are using a gentle pH-balanced cleanser that won’t further irritate or dry out your skin. Once you are done cleaning your skin, let the skin soak in the warm water. This will make the process easier by loosening up rough, dead, bumpy, or callused skin. It will also soften the pumice stone's texture, which will make it feel less rough and easier to use.

Step 2: Exfoliate with a natural pumice stone

Once you are done prepping your skin by cleaning and soaking it, grab your pumice stone and begin exfoliating. To do this, gently rub the stone on the area needed in a circular motion. Continue to rub the stone in a circular motion for two to three minutes. It is normal to start seeing dead skin flake off. Make sure you occasionally rinse off the area and the stone to keep track of how much skin you’re exfoliating. It is important to never over-exfoliate while using a pumice stone.

 

VIEW THE MAGIC TAN ERASER HERE

Step 3: Check your skin for more rough patches

After exfoliating in a circular motion for a few minutes, check the softness of your skin using your hand. If there are areas of your skin that still feel dry, hard, or bumpy, continue using the stone for an additional one or two minutes. Once your skin feels smooth and bump-free, you are done. It may take a few times to get a bump-free feeling. Be patient with your results and add exfoliating to your weekly skincare routine.

There are many benefits to using a pumice stone. Some benefits you will notice include:

• Removes dead skin cells
• Improves the texture of the skin
• Improves the look of rough, bumpy skin
• Skin looks visibly younger
• Reduces ingrown hairs
• Reduces razor burn and bumps
• Helps improve dry, rough patches on the skin

 

*It is possible to experience negative side effects while using a pumice stone if your skin is irritated or extremely sensitive. Do not use a pumice stone on irritated, broken, or sunburned skin, or on your face.

What To Expect After A Spray Tan

You may experience dry skin after self-tanning as some products that are used in the formula can be quite drying. Once your self-tan starts to fade away your skin may appear on the dull side. It’s very important to moisturize your skin with an ultra-hydrating product and give it lots of care post-tan removal. Try soothing your skin with a natural oil, or hydrating cream like Tush Cream.

 

What is The Difference Between Doing a Self Tan at Home or Paying For A Spray Tan?

The biggest difference between spray tanning and self-tanning is that spray tanning relies on equipment and self-tanning involves products and tanning accessories you can easily purchase at your local drug store. It is more costly to do spray tanning over time as it ranges from $25-$60 per session. Self tanning at home will cost you $40-$100 to get started. However, these products can be used for up to 1 year depending on how frequently you use them. Spray tans are a great option for special occasions or for those who aren't so confident in their self-tanning abilities. Self tanner can be a learning curve but can easily replace spray tans once you get the technique down. Both are great options and ultimately depend on your skin needs and preference.