Must Do Pre-Tanning Steps
Exfoliate before you go in for a spray tan; no oil-based products.
The spray tanning solution affects only the dead skin cells. Your skin has a buildup of dead skin cells on top of it. The thicker the layer, the sooner it will rub off. If you exfoliate, the layer will be very shallow, and it will take awhile for the new dead skin to build up. Your tan will last longer with proper exfoliation. It is very important to use either exfoliating gloves or products that DO NOT contain any oils, otherwise the oily barrier can stop the spray tanning solution from getting through. You must wash any oils off thoroughly.
Do not wear and deodorant, moisturizer, or makeup before a spray tan
Many deodorants will stop spray tanning solution going through. Some others will turn the armpits green. Some moisturizers and makeup products can act as a barrier, not letting the full amount of the solution to attach itself to the skin. It is important to moisturizer the week before spray tan but not on day of.
Wax or shave your legs before you spray tan
If you need to wax your legs definitely do it 24 hours before and make sure that you wash your legs after waxing to remove any wax residue. If you shave your legs after spray on tan, you will take off some of your tan with the hair, so also shave prior to tanning. Do not use oil based products. Hands, feet, elbows, and knees seem to take on more spray tanning solution than the rest of the body, because they have more dry skin on them. It is important to exfoliate those places extra carefully before you have your spray tan.
Bring or wear loose clothing for after your tanning session
Although you dry out in front of a fan, the tan needs to "set", and the process will take about an hour. It is best to bring clothes and shoes as loose as possible to wear after your spray tanning session; to make sure nothing rubs off.