Can You Put Lotion on Before a Spray Tan? What to Avoid
Quick Answer
In most cases, you should avoid putting lotion on immediately before a spray tan. Lotions, body oils, deodorant, makeup, and other products can create a barrier between your skin and the tanning solution, potentially causing uneven development.
For best results, arrive at your spray tan appointment with clean, dry, product-free skin, unless your BlushTan artist gives you different instructions.
Should You Put Lotion on Before a Spray Tan?
One of the most common questions first-time spray tan clients ask is whether they should moisturize before their appointment.
After all, we're usually told that hydrated skin is important for maintaining a beautiful spray tan.
That's true—but timing matters.
Moisturizing regularly in the days leading up to your appointment can help keep your skin hydrated. But applying lotion immediately before your spray tan may interfere with how evenly the tanning solution develops.
That's why it's generally best to arrive with clean, dry skin without freshly applied lotion.
Why Can Lotion Affect a Spray Tan?
Professional spray tanning solutions are applied directly to your skin, where DHA reacts with amino acids in the outermost layer to produce your sunless color.
Ideally, you want an even surface without unnecessary barriers between the tanning solution and your skin.
A layer of lotion may affect how the solution contacts certain areas, potentially contributing to:
uneven development
lighter areas
streakiness
inconsistent color
patchy results
This is especially important if you've applied a thick moisturizer, body butter, or oil immediately before your appointment.
When Should You Moisturize Before a Spray Tan?
You don't need to stop moisturizing altogether.
In fact, maintaining hydrated skin between spray tan appointments is an important part of good skincare and spray tan maintenance.
The goal is simply to avoid applying a full layer of moisturizer immediately before your appointment.
If you're preparing for an upcoming tan, follow the specific instructions provided by your BlushTan artist.
For our complete preparation recommendations, read:
What to Do Before a Spray Tan: Complete First-Time Guide
What Products Should You Avoid Before a Spray Tan?
Lotion isn't the only product that can create a barrier.
On the day of your appointment, you may be instructed to avoid:
body lotion
body oils
perfume
deodorant
makeup
heavy skincare products
sunscreen
These products may leave residue on the skin that can interfere with an even application.
Your goal is to give your spray tan artist a clean canvas.
What About Body Oil Before a Spray Tan?
Body oils are particularly important to avoid immediately before your appointment.
Oil can leave a coating on the skin, making it more difficult for the tanning solution to develop consistently.
This includes traditional body oils as well as moisturizers containing a large amount of oil.
If you've applied oil earlier in the day, showering before your appointment may be appropriate—but follow your artist's preparation instructions.
Can You Wear Deodorant Before a Spray Tan?
It's generally best to arrive without deodorant unless your spray tan artist tells you otherwise.
Deodorant can leave residue under the arms, potentially affecting how the tanning solution develops in that area.
If you're coming to your appointment after work or another activity, ask your BlushTan artist what they recommend.
Can You Wear Makeup to a Spray Tan Appointment?
Ideally, your skin should be clean and product-free anywhere the tanning solution will be applied.
If you're having your face sprayed, makeup can create a barrier just like lotion.
Removing foundation, concealer, and other complexion products beforehand helps provide a cleaner surface for application.
What About Sunscreen Before a Spray Tan?
If you're outdoors before your appointment, protecting your skin from UV exposure is more important than protecting your future spray tan.
However, sunscreen can leave product residue on your skin.
If you've been wearing sunscreen, follow your BlushTan artist's instructions about cleansing your skin before your appointment.
And once your spray tan has developed and you've completed your first rinse, continue wearing sunscreen normally. A spray tan does not replace SPF.
Read our complete guide:
Can You Wear Sunscreen With a Spray Tan?
Should You Moisturize Dry Areas Before a Spray Tan?
This is where things get a little more nuanced.
Very dry areas such as the elbows, knees, hands, ankles, and feet can sometimes absorb tanning solution differently.
Your spray tan artist may use a small amount of barrier cream or moisturizer strategically on certain dry areas as part of the professional application process.
That's different from covering your entire body in lotion before arriving.
When in doubt, leave this step to your spray tan artist so they can prepare your skin appropriately.
When Should You Moisturize After a Spray Tan?
Moisturizing becomes particularly important after your tan has developed and you've completed your recommended first rinse.
Hydrated skin can help your tan maintain a smoother appearance and fade more evenly.
BlushTan's Hydrating Moisturizer is formulated for use as part of your sunless tanning routine.
BlushTan Hydrating Moisturizer
We're also publishing a dedicated guide to Can You Moisturize After a Spray Tan?, which will go deeper into when and how to moisturize after your appointment.
What Else Should You Do Before Your Spray Tan?
Lotion is only one part of preparation.
Before your appointment, you'll also want to think about exfoliation, shaving or waxing, clothing, skincare products, and appointment timing.
For example, shaving too close to your appointment may leave your skin more sensitive.
We cover shaving in detail here:
Can You Shave Before or After a Spray Tan?
Our main preparation guide brings all of these individual steps together:
Complete Spray Tan Preparation Guide
Professional Spray Tan Preparation Makes a Difference
One advantage of choosing a professional airbrush spray tan is having someone guide you through the entire process.
At BlushTan San Diego, every tan is customized based on your skin tone, undertones, desired depth, and individual needs.
Your BlushTan artist can also explain how to prepare your skin and when to rinse afterward.
Book Your Spray Tan in San Diego
A beautiful spray tan begins before the tanning solution ever touches your skin.
Proper preparation helps create the smooth canvas needed for natural-looking, even color.
BlushTan offers custom airbrush spray tanning at our Bankers Hill, La Jolla, and Encinitas studios.
Book your spray tan in San Diego and follow the preparation instructions provided by your BlushTan artist for your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put lotion on before a spray tan?
It's generally best to avoid applying lotion immediately before a spray tan because it can create a barrier between your skin and the tanning solution. Arrive with clean, dry skin unless your spray tan artist instructs you otherwise.
How long before a spray tan should I stop using lotion?
Follow the preparation instructions provided by your spray tan artist. The important thing is to avoid arriving at your appointment with freshly applied lotion or other products that may leave a barrier on your skin.
Can I put lotion on dry areas before a spray tan?
Your spray tan artist may apply a small amount of barrier cream or moisturizer to particularly dry areas such as elbows, knees, hands, ankles, or feet. It's usually best to let your artist determine where this is needed.
Can I wear deodorant before a spray tan?
It's generally best to arrive without deodorant because it can leave residue on the skin. Follow any specific preparation instructions provided by your spray tan artist.
Can I wear makeup before a spray tan?
If your face will be spray tanned, it's best to arrive without makeup or remove it before application so the tanning solution can be applied to clean skin.
Should I moisturize after a spray tan?
Yes. Once your tan has developed and you've completed your recommended first rinse, regular moisturizing can help keep your skin hydrated and encourage a smoother, more even fade.