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Looking to simplify the process of getting a spray tan? Whether you’re looking to get a tan for a vacation, event or just for yourself, this guide will help you understand the process and offer tips to make it easy. Plus, get my recommendation for the best spray tan in Chicago!

There’s something magical about a spray tan. Maybe it’s from growing up in California, but I love when my skin has a nice glow and I don’t have to worry about the damage from UV rays. Whether I’m battling the winter blues or gearing up for a big adventure, I’ve come to view my tan as an essential part of my self-care routine. In this post, I’m sharing exactly how I prep for a flawless, natural-looking glow with a routine that’s both efficient and effective. 

The Magic of Sunless Tans: Explained

Let’s start with the basics: How do sunless tans actually work? Sunless tanners use dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a special ingredient that reacts with the outer layer of your skin to create that coveted sun-kissed look, all without any harmful UV damage. When DHA comes into contact with the amino acids in your skin’s surface, it triggers a chemical reaction that gradually darkens your skin. This process is completely external, which means that proper skin preparation for a radiant tan is absolutely key.

In the past, sunless tans had a bit of a reputation for looking, well, a little too orange, blotchy or streaky. Thankfully, advancements in self-tanner formulas have come a long way. Modern sunless tanners are designed to give you a natural, even glow that mimics a real tan, without any of that unnatural color shift. With the right prep routine, the DHA can work its magic more evenly across your skin, ensuring a flawless finish.

Trust me, a little effort up front makes a huge difference. By taking the time to prep your skin, you’re setting the stage for a glow that looks as natural as it feels.

How Many Days Before My Event Should I get a Spray Tan?

Since many people get spray tans for events like weddings, girls’ trips, bachelorette parties, music festivals, or vacations, knowing when to plan for your tan is key. Schedule your appointment for one to two days prior to leaving for your event to get the best results and to allow for the formula to fully develop before you leave.

What to Do Before a Sunless Tanning Appointment

The process of getting a sunless tan can be a little overwhelming but I promise, it’s fairly simple once you get the hang of it. As part of my spray tan prep routine, I put reminders in my calendar in the days leading up to my appointment to remember which order or which day some of these preparations need to happen.

For example, last year I was traveling to Hawaii for a friend’s wedding and I counted back from the day I wanted to get a tan and added reminders in my calendar for when to shave, when to schedule my manicure and pedicure appointments, hair cut, etc.

Pro Tip: The calendar reminders are especially helpful if you’re planning for a vacation with multiple appointments leading up to your trip. For example, if you’re leaving on Friday, make sure to plan your tan for Wednesday, have your nails and waxing done by Monday and add calendar reminders.

Cleanse and Exfoliate: Start with a Clean Slate

You’ll want to take care of the following before your appointment:

Cleansing Before Your Spray Tan

I always kick off my routine with a gentle cleanse to wash away any oils, sweat, and impurities. My trusty Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is a great option so it doesn’t leave any residue on my skin, which could lead to uneven patterns with the DHA is applied. If your tan falls on your hairwashing day, wash your hair before your appointment, since you shouldn’t use any soaps after.

Related Post: If you need tips for keeping your skin hydrated, check out this post with tips to avoid dry skin in the winter.

When to Exfoliate Your Skin Before You Spray Tan

Next up is exfoliation, which is absolutely crucial for removing dead skin cells and ensuring an even tan. I use a Sud Scrub for my daily wash to help keep my skin smooth, and when I need a little extra exfoliation, I use an exfoliating mitt. I always make sure to exfoliate at least 24 hours before my appointment to avoid any irritation.

Related Post: Check out these tips for how to care for your skin before your run!

How Long Should You Wait to Shave Before a Spray Tan?

Schedule hair removal at least 24-48 hours before your tan. Whether you’re shaving or waxing, give your skin some time to settle down. This way, you avoid any unwanted irritation or open pores that could mess with your tan. Shave with a gentle cleanser like Cetaphil or CeraVe for a clean shave that won’t leave residue behind and cause uneven layering.

Tips for Hydrating Your Skin Before a Sunless Tan Appointment

Hydrated skin is happy skin, and it makes a world of difference when it comes to getting an even tan. I keep my skin soft and supple with CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion in the days leading up to my appointment. Just one important note: on the day of my tan, I steer clear of heavy creams or oils. This little hack ensures nothing blocks the DHA from bonding with my skin.

Related Post: Looking for tips for how to avoid dry skin (especially during winter). Check out this guide with tips for moisturizing your skin for a nice glow!

What to Do the Day of Your Sunless Tan Appointment

The day of your spray tan appointment should be easy! If you plan on working out, get your workout in before your appointment because you’ll want to avoid any excessive sweating. Also, if your appointment falls on your hair wash day, handle this before your appointment at the tanning salon, since you’ll only want to rinse your skin with warm water after.

How to Prep Your Skin Before Your Spray Tan Appointment

Before I head into my appointment, I take a quick shower to rinse off any residual sweat, deodorant, or makeup. Clean skin is non-negotiable if you want that flawless tan, so I keep it super simple and avoid lotions or oils immediately before my session.

How to Dress for a Spray Tan Appointment

After my shower, I slip into loose, dark clothing (think joggers and a dark t-shirt). Overall, you’ll want to avoid anything that may cling or rub against your skin (including your bra and underwear). Pack a pair of comfy flip-flops with you if the ground is dry after your appointment. Depending on the time of year, you may have to wear boots instead of flip flops, so bring boots that are loose and avoid socks for your trek home. 

Dark clothing will help after your appointment to ensure the formula doesn’t stain light clothing. Loose clothes help protect your developing tan to avoid excessive rubbing, and you’ll want to be comfortable. 

Questions to Ask Your Spray Tan Specialist

If it’s your first time getting a spray tan or if you are trying a salon for the first time, here are some helpful questions to ask:

• Share your expectations on how light or dark you’d like to be as a final result. Be really specific so that the expectations of your radiant glow will develop correctly.
• Share why you’re getting your tan (attending a wedding, going on vacation, or just because it’s winter are a few suggestions).
• Confirm if you’d like to tan your face. You can request not to include your face, or only one pass with the airbrush tanning spray gun or two passes to match your body.
• Clarify any questions you have about the post-visit care to ensure you process and develop correctly.

The Best Spray Tan in Chicago

I can’t rave enough about Glowout in Chicago. I found this salon after a friend had recommended how much she loves their service and I saved it in my phone for when I’d need it. When we were attending a wedding in Hawaii last year, I signed up for the express tan service.

Their express tan is an absolute lifesaver and perfect for a busy schedule like mine. The whole process was smooth, quick, and the results? Absolutely amazing. The service is only $10 more than the regular service and you can shower roughly two hours after (your technician will provide you with an exact time customized to your experience). Some self-tanners require 6-8 hours to develop, so this is a game-changer! 

As part of your appointment, you’ll get a consultation where you can share expectations on shade. They’ll customize a formula just for you and keep notes for your next visit. I love that I get a consistent tanning experience every time. 

Glowout also offers packages for brides and subscription packages if you want to go regularly! Join their mailing list and you’ll get information on new offerings or their apprentice tan for specialists-in-training.

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Why Glowout is the Best Sunless Tan in Chicago

At Glowout, you get more than just a spray tan. The atmosphere, the competitive spray tan prices, and the convenient membership deals make every visit feel like a treat. If you’re in Chicago and need a top-notch spray tan, do yourself a favor and check them out and follow them on Instagram!

Disclosure: I received a gift tan from Glowout to try the Black Car service in exchange for my feedback on the experience.

Post-Tan Care: Keeping That Radiant Spray Tan Glow

To ensure you get the most out of your experience, here are simple spray tan tips for how to care for your tan after you leave the salon. 

Immediate Aftercare for a Sunless Tan

After I leave Glowout, I follow the salon’s advice and wait until my custom time before taking a shower (I set an alarm in my phone to ensure I don’t under or over develop). This waiting period is key for the tan to fully set into my skin. Also, the salon recommended I avoid crossing my legs while sitting in the development phase to ensure I didn’t get creases or blotches.

When it’s time to shower, I rinse using only warm water until the water runs clear. For the rest of the day, I avoid lotions, body wash and bar soaps since my tan is still developing. Make sure to pat your skin dry after the appointment to avoid patches.

Long-Term Sunless Tan Maintenance

To keep that gorgeous glow going strong, I stick to gentle cleansers that cleanse without stripping my skin. Harsh soaps and exfoliating body washes can cause a sunless tan to fade unevenly, leading to patchiness or streaks. Instead, I opt for gentle cleansers that maintain my skin’s moisture barrier.

Hydration is another key factor in extending the life of a sunless tan. I apply a lightweight, non-oil-based moisturizer and focus on areas prone to dryness like elbows, knees, and ankles, which tend to fade faster. Keeping my skin well-hydrated prevents the tan from cracking or flaking and helps it fade naturally and evenly.

How to Make a Sunless Tan Last Longer

To further prolong the color, I avoid long, hot showers and excessive sweating, as these can accelerate fading. When drying off, I pat my skin gently with a towel rather than rubbing, which can lift the color.

Lastly, I’m mindful of certain skincare ingredients that can shorten the life of a sunless tan. Retinol, AHAs, and BHAs are great for exfoliation but can cause premature fading. If I’m using these in my skincare routine, I apply them sparingly and focus on areas where I don’t mind the tan fading faster.

By following these steps, I can enjoy my sunless tan for up to a week or longer while keeping my skin soft, radiant, and healthy.

Related Post: Looking for tips to care for your skin after your run? You need to read this post to get the tips for post-run skin care!

Final Thoughts: Getting a Radiant Glow

Getting the perfect spray tan isn’t about complicated routines or fancy gadgets! It’s all about keeping it simple and doing what works for you. With a little planning and the right products, you can achieve a flawless, natural glow that boosts your confidence, whether you’re treating yourself in the winter or getting vacation-ready.

I hope my personal tips and experiences inspire you to embrace the art of the spray tan. And visit the team at Glowout for the best spray tan experience!

Have any questions, simple spray tan prep tips or stories of your own? I’d love to hear them—drop a comment below and let’s chat about all things tanning!

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