Self Tanner Prep Tips | Bare Organic Tan

How do I prep my skin before using a self tanner so it goes on evenly?

For the most even, natural self tan, start with clean skin and skip heavy oils or lotions right before application. Shower, then gently cleanse with Bare Body Wash—it’s pH-balanced and made without harsh sulfates, so it won’t over-strip or leave residue that can cause patchiness. If you exfoliate, do it earlier (not right before), and make sure skin is completely dry. Pay extra attention to dry zones like elbows, knees, ankles, and hands: keep them clean and lightly moisturized earlier in the day so they don’t “grab” excess DHA. If you’re using a DHA tanning mousse, apply in sections and avoid applying product directly onto very dry areas.

Should I exfoliate before I self tan, and when is the best time to do it?

Yes—gentle exfoliation helps your vegan self tanner fade more evenly and reduces dark, patchy areas. The key is timing: exfoliate 12–24 hours before you apply your organic self tanner, not minutes before. Freshly exfoliated skin can be extra reactive and prone to uneven absorption, especially on elbows, knees, ankles, and wrists. After exfoliating, rinse well and keep skin hydrated (avoid thick, oily body butters right before tanning). When it’s time to tan, apply your DHA tanning mousse with Tanning Mitt so product distributes smoothly and you don’t end up with orange palms. Let skin be fully dry before dressing to reduce streaks.

What should I do about dry patches (elbows, knees, ankles) before tanning?

Dry patches are where self tanner can develop darker because DHA (from plant sugars) grabs onto rough, dehydrated skin. The best fix is consistent moisture leading up to tanning—not a heavy lotion layer right before. Hydrate those areas daily, then on tanning day keep them clean, dry, and product-light. When applying, blend remaining mousse from your mitt over elbows, knees, ankles, and hands instead of pumping fresh product directly there. After you rinse, maintain softness with Eternal Sunshine Tan Extender, a paraben-free, DHA-enriched moisturizer with shea butter, aloe vera, jojoba oil, and sweet almond oil designed to prolong and even out your natural self tan for up to 2 weeks.

Can I shave or wax before self tanning, or should I wait?

You can shave or wax before self tanning, but timing matters for the smoothest, most natural self tan. Waxing is best done 24–48 hours before tanning so skin calms down and hair follicles close—this helps prevent tiny dark dots or irritation. Shaving should be done at least 8–24 hours before applying your vegan self tanner for the same reason. On tanning day, avoid deodorant, perfumes, and heavy lotions that can create a barrier and lead to streaks. If you want a professional, customized finish, our airbrush tan team can help you prep properly for your skin type at our Del Mar salon (2690 Via De La Valle, Del Mar, CA 92014).

How should I prep for a spray tan appointment in Del Mar so it lasts longer?

For the longest-lasting airbrush tan in Del Mar CA, arrive with clean, dry skin and no product buildup. Shower beforehand and avoid lotions, oils, deodorant, perfumes, and makeup on the areas being sprayed—these can block even absorption and shorten wear. If you exfoliate, do it the day before (not right before your appointment) and avoid anything abrasive that can irritate skin. Wear loose, dark clothing and open-toe shoes to prevent rubbing while your spray tan develops. For touch-ups between appointments, you can maintain a natural-looking glow at home with Mystic Glow Mist, an ultra-fine, fragrance-free mist with DHA + erythrulose and aloe vera for a professional-looking finish.