How to Prep Your Skin for a Spray Tan

beginner questions Jun 19, 2026

Woman exfoliating her skin with an exfoliating mitt before an at-home spray tan to prevent streaks and uneven fading.

One of the biggest misconceptions about spray tanning is that the magic happens during the application.

In reality, a flawless spray tan starts long before you ever pick up the spray gun.

If you've ever wondered why one person's spray tan looks smooth and natural while another person's turns out streaky, patchy, or uneven, the answer is often preparation.

The good news? Proper spray tan prep isn't difficult.

In this guide, I'll walk you through exactly how I prepare my skin before every spray tan after more than 10 years of spray tanning myself at home.

Why Spray Tan Prep Matters

Spray tan solution develops by reacting with the outermost layer of your skin.

If your skin is dry, flaky, covered in product residue, or unevenly exfoliated, your spray tan will develop unevenly too.

Proper prep helps:

Create more even color
Prevent patchy fading
Reduce streaks
Minimize dark elbows, knees, hands, and feet
Extend the life of your spray tan

Think of prep as creating a smooth canvas before painting.

The better the canvas, the better the final result.

My Spray Tan Prep Timeline

If possible, I recommend starting your prep about 24 hours before you plan to spray tan.

Here's my typical routine.

Step 1: Exfoliate 24 Hours Before Your Spray Tan

If you're only going to do one prep step, make it this one.

Exfoliation removes dead skin cells and helps create a smooth surface for the spray tan to develop on.

I prefer using an exfoliating mitt or glove rather than harsh or oily scrubs.

Pay special attention to:

Elbows
Knees
Ankles
Feet
Wrists
Areas where skin tends to be dry

You don't need to scrub your skin raw.

The goal is simply to remove loose, flaky skin that could cause uneven development.

Step 2: Shave or Wax Before Your Spray Tan

If you shave, do it before you spray tan.

My recommendation:

Shave 24 hours before tanning
Use a sharp razor for a close shave

This 24 hour window gives your natural skin barrier a chance to recover and even out, and also allows any pores to close.

Shaving exfoliates the skin too, so if you apply your spray tan too soon after shaving, the tan will almost always develop less evenly.

If you wax, try to wax at least 24-48 hours before your spray tan.

Step 3: Moisturize Daily Leading Up to Your Tan

This is the prep step that surprises most people.

Many people think dry skin helps a spray tan stick better.

It doesn't.

Healthy, hydrated skin tends to hold a spray tan more evenly and fade more naturally.

I recommend moisturizing consistently in the days leading up to your spray tan, especially if you're prone to dry skin.

Pay extra attention to:

Hands
Elbows
Knees
Ankles
Feet

The goal is balanced hydration, not greasy skin.

Step 4: Avoid Heavy Products on Spray Tan Day

On the day you spray tan, your skin should be clean and product-free.

Avoid:

Body oils
Lotions
Deodorant
Perfume
Makeup
Residual spray tan

These products can create barriers that interfere with spray tan development.

If you're unsure whether a product is okay to wear, it's usually safest to skip it until after your first rinse.

Should You Moisturize Right Before a Spray Tan?

This is one of the most common questions I get.

For most of your body, I recommend applying your spray tan to clean, dry skin.

However, if you have extremely dry areas (especially elbows, knees, ankles, hands, or feet), a very small amount of lightweight moisturizer that's rubbed in thoroughly can sometimes help prevent those areas from absorbing too much color.

The key word is small.

Too much moisturizer can prevent the spray tan from developing properly.

Step 5: Wear the Right Clothing

Before spraying, wear loose-fitting clothing to avoid creating creases or dents in your skin which can affect how the spray tan goes on and develops.

My favorites include:

Oversized t-shirts
Loose pajamas
Baggy sweatpants
Loose shorts

What Happens If You Skip Spray Tan Prep?

Can you still get a spray tan?

Absolutely.

Will it look as good?

Usually not.

The most common issues I see when prep is skipped include:

Dark knees and elbows
Patchy fading
Streaks
Dry patches grabbing extra color
Uneven development
Spray tans that don't last more than a few days

When people tell me their spray tan "turned out weird," prep is often the first thing I investigate.

Common Spray Tan Prep Mistakes

Over-Exfoliating

More is not always better.

Aggressive scrubbing can irritate your skin and create uneven texture.

Applying Too Much Lotion

Hydrated skin is good.

Greasy skin is not.

Forgetting About Dry Areas

Elbows, knees, ankles, hands, and feet almost always need extra attention.

Wearing Deodorant

Many deodorants contain ingredients that can interfere with spray tan development.

If possible, skip deodorant until after your first rinse.

The Best Spray Tan Prep Products

You don't need an elaborate routine.

Most people can get excellent results with:

An exfoliating mitt
A gentle body wash
A lightweight moisturizer
Plenty of water

Simple is often better.

Prep Is Only Half the Battle

Once your skin is properly prepared, the next step is choosing the right spray tan solution and applying it correctly.

If you're still deciding which solution to use, check out my guide:

What Spray Tan Solution Should I Use?

If you're brand new to at-home spray tanning, start here:

How to Spray Tan Yourself at Home

And if you'd like step-by-step video demonstrations showing exactly how I prep, spray, rinse, maintain, and troubleshoot my tans, that's exactly what I teach inside the At-Home Spray Tan Course.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to exfoliate before a spray tan?

Yes. Exfoliation is one of the most important steps in preparing your skin and helps create a smooth, even surface for the tan to develop on.

Should I shave before a spray tan?

Yes. Ideally shave several hours before tanning, or the day before if possible.

Can I moisturize before a spray tan?

Yes, but not immediately before applying your tan. I recommend moisturizing regularly in the days leading up to your spray tan and applying the tan to clean, dry skin. If you have to use lotion or moisturizer on the day of application, do so several hours before application, and rub it in well. Try to limit lotion or moisturizer to the most dry areas.

Can I wear deodorant during a spray tan?

No! It interferes with development and sometimes cause discoloration (usually turns your armpits green).

What should I avoid before a spray tan?

Avoid oils, heavy lotions, deodorant, perfume, makeup, and anything that may create a barrier between your skin and the spray tan solution.

Final Thoughts

The best spray tan prep routine isn't complicated.

Exfoliate, shave, keep your skin hydrated, avoid products on tanning day, and pay extra attention to dry areas.

Those simple steps will dramatically improve your results and help your spray tan develop more evenly, last longer, and fade more naturally.

If you're willing to spend just a little extra time preparing your skin, you'll be rewarded with a spray tan that looks significantly more natural and professional.