Best spray tans start the day before your appointment. Sometimes 48 hours before.
Here's the exact pre-spray-tan protocol we use at Alesca Aesthetics in Lancaster, PA. Follow this and you'll get an even, streak-free, natural-looking tan every time.
The 48-hour window: exfoliate + shave
48 hours before your appointment:
Full-body exfoliation — the most important single step.
Best methods (ranked): 1. Exfoliating gloves with body wash in the shower — best coverage 2. Sugar or coconut oil-free scrub (avoid oil-based scrubs 48h prior — they leave residue) 3. Dry brush before shower — great for stubborn dry spots 4. Konjac sponge — gentle option
Focus areas (most prone to uneven tan): - Elbows + knees (dark, thicker skin absorbs more solution — over-tan risk) - Ankles + feet (crevices trap solution) - Hands + fingers (visible imperfections) - Behind knees + inner elbows (sweat + creases) - Décolletage (uneven skin from years of sun)
AVOID oil-based scrubs at this window — oil residue prevents even solution adherence.
Shave or wax 24-48 hours before (never day-of): - Wax: 48 hours minimum for skin to calm - Shave: 24 hours minimum (12h ok if you're not sensitive) - Never day-of: Fresh pores absorb solution unevenly + burn/sting during application
24 hours before
Skip products with oil: - Body butter - Coconut oil - Bio-Oil - Baby oil - Face oils on décolletage
Oils create a barrier between skin + solution = uneven tan.
Continue moisturizing but with lightweight, water-based lotion: - Cerave Daily - Vanicream lotion - Aveeno Daily - Anything unfragranced + water-based
Test-run makeup removal: - If you plan to keep face makeup ON during appointment, apply what you normally wear - Actually the best move: come with clean, makeup-free face - Our custom-blended solution is designed for facial application
Nail care: - Manicure + pedicure 2-3 days before (never day-of — polish smell can transfer) - Trim + file nails yourself if no professional appointment - Cuticle oil OK 48h before, avoid within 24h
12 hours before
Skip lotion entirely starting 12 hours before appointment. Skin should be clean, dry, and unproducted.
No sun exposure if avoidable — burning right before tanning = flaky tan.
Sleep + hydrate: - 8+ hours sleep = smoother-looking skin - 60+ oz water = hydrated cellular base for tan to adhere to
Set out your appointment outfit: - Dark, loose clothes - No jeans (tight, transfer risk) - No underwire bras - No tight elastic bands (leaves marks on developing tan) - Flip-flops or sandals for shoes (no socks, no sneakers)
2 hours before appointment
Final shower: - Warm (not hot) water - Skip cleanser on body (removes any lotion residue) - OR use a very gentle unfragranced cleanser - NO scrub at this point — done 48h ago
Pat dry — don't rub
No skincare products applied: - No moisturizer - No deodorant - No perfume - No makeup on body - Yes to face makeup ONLY if you want a specific face color match
Immediately before
Wear: - Dark loose-fitting outfit - Flip-flops - Robe if you have one (bring)
Bring: - Water bottle (post-appointment hydration matters) - Change of clothes if plans after
Arrive at Alesca
Total appointment: 15-20 minutes.
- Consultation on desired shade (customized per skin tone + occasion)
- Optional pre-tan barrier cream on hands, feet, knees, elbows
- Airbrush application in private booth
- Air-dry 2-3 minutes
- Post-appointment care instructions
What to expect immediately after
- Slight bronze color visible — this is the "guide color" that helps stylist see coverage. Develops darker over 8-12 hours.
- May feel slightly sticky — normal, wears off in 30-60 min once dry
- Solution may transfer to first outfit — that's why we said dark loose clothes
- Some clients feel slight tingle — DHA solution is body-temperature but sensation varies
First 8 hours after
DO NOT: - Shower - Sweat aggressively - Get rained on - Apply lotion/perfume/deodorant - Wear tight clothing - Sleep in tight underwear
DO: - Wear loose clothes - Drink water - Take it easy - Sleep on a dark pillowcase - Sleep in loose PJs
First shower
8-12 hours post-tan (or per your artist's specific instructions):
- Lukewarm water only — no hot water, no cold
- Gentle rinse — no soap on body
- No exfoliating gloves or scrubs
- Pat dry — never rub
- Solution will rinse off — that's your body's excess. Actual tan is set into skin cells beneath.
Maintenance — extending your tan
Daily: - Water-based lotion (unfragranced) - Avoid: hot water showers, exfoliating scrubs, hot tubs, sauna - Pat dry, never rub
Every 3 days: - Very gentle exfoliation - Extends tan life 5-7 days
Avoid: - Chlorine pools (dulls color rapidly) - Salt water (accelerates fade) - Hot showers (fades faster) - Body oils - Retinoids on tanned areas (exfoliates tan)
What ruins spray tans
Timing mistakes: - Shaving/waxing same day as tan → streaks - Applying lotion 12h before → uneven absorption - Wearing tight clothes right after → pressure marks
Product mistakes: - Bar soap on body → strips tan fast - Anti-aging products with acids → fades tan - Oil-based moisturizers → uneven fade - Deodorants with aluminum → creates yellow-green tint under arms
Activity mistakes: - Hot tub within 24h → rapid fade - Chlorine pool → immediate fade - Aggressive workout with heavy sweating → uneven fade - Sleeping without loose clothes → transfer + patches
Common questions
Can I get a spray tan on my period? Yes. May want to schedule around your cycle if you're sensitive.
Can I get one pregnant? Yes — DHA solution stays on skin surface, doesn't systemically absorb. Not contraindicated.
Can I shower before my spray tan? Yes, encouraged — 2 hours before, water only, no lotion/products.
What if I sweat during my appointment? Air-conditioned booth prevents this. If you tend to sweat, avoid caffeine 2 hours before.
Do you have organic/natural options? Our custom-blended solution is DHA-based (industry standard) with natural aloe and antioxidants. We can discuss ingredient preferences at appointment.
How long does it last? 5-10 days average. Prep + aftercare determine which end of that range.
Book your spray tan
Book online or call 717-584-4912. See our our spray tan service for full details.