GETTING IT RIGHT: THE SECRET TO A FLAWLESS TAN
When it comes to getting the perfect tan, great skin prep is key. You've probably heard this advice a hundred times—and for good reason! We’ve all seen (or experienced) the consequences of poor skin prep: patchy tans, uneven color, or even a green or ashy reaction. No matter how great the tanning solution is or how skilled your spray technician, poor skin prep is impossible to hide.
If you’ve spent weeks, months, or even years working hard on your body, you’ll want your tan to be the perfect finishing touch—reflecting all the effort you’ve put in. A smooth, even spray tan can make all the difference under stage lights, so now is definitely not the time to skip this vital step in your preparation.
How to Prep Your Skin for the Perfect Tan
Preparation is everything! Your skin is the body’s largest organ, and just like your other vital organs, it needs to be taken care of. That means cleansing, nourishing, and keeping it hydrated.
The earlier you start your skin care routine, the better. We recommend using our skincare products year-round so that by the time competition day arrives, you’re not scrambling over dry patches or uneven textures. However, it’s never too late to start—if you’re reading this just a few days before your show, there’s still plenty of time to make a noticeable difference.
Turn Your Shower into a Home Spa Experience
Why not turn your daily shower or bath into a mini spa retreat? Take 30 minutes out of your day, lock the bathroom door, and relax. Pampering yourself is an essential part of your prep!
Start with exfoliation. This process is fantastic for dry skin, helping to slough off dead skin cells. Pay special attention to areas prone to dryness, such as elbows, knees, and ankles. If left unaddressed, these spots can cause your tan to build up unevenly, leaving darker, muddy patches. Not exactly the look you’re going for! Other common problem areas include where your sports bra or weight belt sits. These can cause skin damage, which might not be immediately visible but can affect the evenness of your tan. Waist trainers are another culprit, so make sure to rinse them regularly to avoid sweat buildup. When exfoliating, take extra care around these areas to prevent any uneven texture.
Exfoliating not only helps your tan go on smoothly, but it also allows your moisturizer to penetrate deeper, leaving your skin nourished. We recommend using our NEW Charcoal Sugar Scrub on damp skin in a circular motion, always moving toward your heart. Rinse thoroughly before moving on to the next step.
Cleanse and Balance Your Skin’s pH
After exfoliating, use a body wash to cleanse your skin. We suggest using our Hydro Exfoliating Towel paired with our PH Balancing Body Wash, which helps neutralize your skin’s pH while continuing the exfoliation process. All LSR products are designed to work seamlessly with our tanning solutions, ensuring no unwanted reactions when you apply your tan. If you prefer to stick with your usual products, make sure they are oil- and fragrance-free, and consider switching to our specific products for the days leading up to your tanning appointment.
Hydrate for Healthy, Happy Skin
Once you’re out of the shower or bath, moisturize immediately. This helps lock in the moisture from your wash, keeping your skin hydrated and happy. Hydrated skin is always a better canvas for your tan, ensuring an even and long-lasting result.
Trust the Experts
Our dedicated tanning teams are highly skilled professionals with decades of experience and expertise in tanning. When it comes to tanning and skin prep, trust us—we know what works. We understand the nuances of skin prep, and we’re here to help you achieve the flawless tan you deserve!
