Preparing for Your Glow – Pre-Tan Instructions

24 Hours Before Your Appointment

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To create the perfect canvas for your custom spray tan:

• Shower or bathe and gently exfoliate your entire body using an exfoliating mitt or a gentle, oil-free body scrub (avoid Tree Hut and other oil-based scrubs).

• Pay extra attention to dry areas such as your elbows, knees, ankles, wrists, hands, and feet.

• Shave or wax at least 24 hours before your appointment to allow your pores time to calm.

• Moisturize after exfoliating to keep your skin healthy and hydrated.

• Avoid applying self-tanner for at least one week before your appointment.

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The Day of Your Appointment

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Arrive with clean, dry skin.

If you absolutely must shower the day of your appointment, finish with cool water to help your pores close before your spray tan.

Please remove all jewelry before your appointment.

Please do not apply:

• Lotion or body butter

• Oils

• Perfume or body spray

• Deodorant

• Makeup (especially on areas being sprayed)

• Sunscreen

• Any products that leave residue on the skin

These products can create a barrier that prevents your spray tan from developing evenly.

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What to Wear

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For your appointment, we recommend:

• Loose-fitting, dark-colored clothing.

• Long sleeves and loose-fitting pants are encouraged (weather permitting) to help protect your developing tan while also minimizing cosmetic bronzer transfer to vehicle seats and light-colored furniture.

• Loose shoes or flip-flops.

• Undergarments are optional. Whatever you choose to wear during your appointment may come in contact with cosmetic bronzer.

Avoid leggings, sports bras, skinny jeans, socks, or tight waistbands immediately after your appointment, as these can rub against the developing tan and affect your final results.

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Nails & Beauty Appointments

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Whenever possible, complete these appointments before your spray tan:

• Manicures

• Pedicures

• Facials

• Massages

• Lash appointments

• Waxing

If you receive a manicure or pedicure afterward, ask your nail technician to avoid exfoliating scrubs or acetone on your skin whenever possible.

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Skin Conditions

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Please let us know before your appointment if you have:

• Open cuts or wounds

• Sunburn

• Active rashes

• Recent chemical peels or laser treatments

• Severe eczema or psoriasis flare-ups

We'll work with you to determine the best timing for your appointment and ensure the best possible results.

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Medications & Skincare

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Certain medications and skincare products can affect how your spray tan develops or fades.

Please let your technician know if you are currently using:

• Prescription acne medications

• Retinoids or Retinol

• Accutane (Isotretinoin)

• Steroid creams

• Exfoliating acids (AHAs/BHAs)

• Recent antibiotics that have caused excessive skin dryness

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Planning Around Your Tan

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If you're tanning for a vacation, wedding, photoshoot, competition, or another special event:

• Schedule your appointment 1–2 days before your event for the best color.

• For weddings, we highly recommend scheduling a trial tan several weeks before your big day.

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SolFlower Favorites

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The products you use before your appointment can make a big difference in how your spray tan develops. Continuing to use these same products afterward will also help your tan last longer and fade more evenly.

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Body Wash:

⭐ Native Body Wash (Our Favorite)

• CeraVe Hydrating Body Wash

• Method Simply Nourish Body Wash

• Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash

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 Moisturizer:

⭐ Native Body Lotion (Our Favorite)

• CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion

• Vanicream Daily Moisturizer

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Choosing the Right Skincare Products

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When selecting skincare products, look for products that are:

✓ Sulfate-Free (SLS & SLES Free)

✓ Mineral Oil-Free

✓ Lightweight & Non-Greasy

✓ Gentle Cleansers

✓ Hydrating Moisturizers

✓ Lightly scented or fragrance-free whenever possible

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Avoid products containing:

✗ Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

✗ Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)

✗ Mineral Oil

✗ Petrolatum (Petroleum Jelly)

✗ Heavy oils immediately before your appointment (coconut oil, olive oil, baby oil, etc.)

✗ Retinol or Tretinoin

✗ Glycolic Acid (AHA)

✗ Lactic Acid (AHA)

✗ Salicylic Acid (BHA)

✗ Benzoyl Peroxide

✗ Harsh exfoliating scrubs or exfoliating cleansers

✗ Heavily fragranced lotions and body products (such as Bath & Body Works® or Victoria's Secret®) immediately before your appointment

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Using gentle, sulfate-free skincare before your appointment helps create the perfect canvas for your spray tan. Continuing to use these same products afterward will also help your tan last longer and fade more evenly.

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Questions?

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If you're unsure whether a product, medication, or skincare treatment may affect your spray tan, please don't hesitate to ask before your appointment.

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We're happy to help!

 

See you soon!

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