Why You Shouldn’t Shower Right Before Your Spray Tan: The Glow-Boosting Prep Guide

When it comes to getting the perfect sunless glow, prep is everything. While most people know they should shower and exfoliate before a spray tan, when you do it is just as important as how you do it.

At Sunny Daze Sunless, I’ve seen firsthand how just a few small tweaks in your pre-tan routine can make a huge difference in the final result. So, let’s talk timing—and why you shouldn’t hop in the shower right before your tan.

✨ Why Showering Too Soon Can Be a Problem

It might seem like a good idea to shower and scrub right before your appointment, but here’s the truth: your skin needs time to rebalance after a hot shower or exfoliation session.

When you shower—especially with hot water, exfoliants, or shaving products—you’re not just cleansing; you’re:

• Opening your pores

• Removing natural oils

• Altering your skin’s pH balance

• Leaving skin temporarily more sensitive

All of these things can interfere with how the spray tan solution develops, leading to patchy, uneven color, or even poor absorption altogether. Not ideal when you want to glow evenly from head to toe.

🛁 So, When Should You Shower and Exfoliate?

The magic number: 24 hours before your tan.

• Exfoliate and shave the day before your tan to give your skin time to calm down and allow your pores to close back up.

• Use an oil-free, spray-tan-safe exfoliator (nothing that leaves residue).

• Avoid body washes or bar soaps with moisturizers, which can create a barrier on the skin. (Check out my full list of ingredients to avoid here if you’re unsure!)

• Skip heavy lotions or deodorants after your final shower—your skin should be clean and product-free for the tan to stick evenly.

⏰ What If You Have to Shower the Day Of?

Life happens. If you absolutely must shower the same day as your appointment, here’s how to do it without sabotaging your results:

• Use cool to lukewarm water

• Skip exfoliating

• Avoid soaps with oils, fragrances, or moisturizers

• Rinse well, and don’t apply lotion or deodorant after

• Make sure your skin is completely dry before your tan

🌞 The Bottom Line

Showering and exfoliating too close to your spray tan appointment can seriously impact how well your tan develops. Give your skin at least 12–24 hours to rebalance for the best results.

At Sunny Daze Sunless, I want you to feel confident, glowing, and streak-free every time. A little prep goes a long way—and I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

💬 Questions?

Shoot me a DM on Instagram @sunnydaze_sunless or text me at 918-938-2868 — I’m happy to walk you through your custom prep plan!