Should I Get a Spray Tan Before or After a Facial? The Best Pre-Event Glow Routine
If you're getting ready for your wedding, a vacation in Mexico, or a special event in San Diego, combining skincare with a spray tan is a must. But here's a question we hear often at BlushTan San Diego: Should you schedule your facial before or after your spray tan?
The answer makes a big difference in how smooth, even, and long-lasting your tan will be—especially with the sun, salt air, and dry climate we have here in Southern California.
Facial First, Then Tan
The best results happen when you schedule your facial 24 to 48 hours before your spray tan appointment. During a facial, your skin is exfoliated and treated with active ingredients like acids, enzymes, and hydrating serums. If done after a tan, these treatments can strip away color and create uneven fading.
Giving your skin time to settle before applying a tan ensures the color develops evenly and lasts longer.
Why This Matters in San Diego
With the local climate and outdoor lifestyle in San Diego, many clients experience dry or sun-exposed skin. Prepping properly is key for achieving a flawless tan. Whether you're walking down the aisle in La Jolla, heading to a destination wedding, or booking a last-minute spray before flying out on a trip, the order of services matters.
For example:
Brides should schedule their facial on Monday or Tuesday, and their tan by Wednesday or Thursday.
Vacationers traveling over the weekend should get their facial earlier in the week and their tan the day before departure.
Skin Prep Checklist
To get the most out of your tan:
Exfoliate 24 hours before with a mitt or gentle scrub
Avoid oil-based skincare and makeup removers
Do not apply lotion, deodorant, or perfume before your spray tan
Shave or wax at least 24 hours before
BlushTan Products to Use Before and After
To prep and maintain your glow, we recommend these:
BlushTan™ Exfoliating Mitt – Ideal for prepping the skin pre-tan.
BlushTan™ Hydrating Body Lotion – Apply daily after your post-tan shower to extend the color and keep skin soft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I get my facial before or after my spray tan? You should always schedule your facial before your spray tan. Treatments during a facial—such as acids, enzymes, and deep exfoliation—can strip away the tan’s color if done afterward, leading to an uneven or patchy result.
How far in advance should I book my facial before my tan? It is best to schedule your facial 24 to 48 hours before your spray tan appointment. This gives your skin time to settle and ensures a smooth surface for the tan to develop evenly.
What is the recommended timeline for a wedding or special event? For a weekend event, brides should aim to have their facial on Monday or Tuesday, followed by their spray tan on Wednesday or Thursday. This allows the tan to reach its peak "favorite day" look about 2–3 days after application.
What skin prep is necessary before the spray tan? Exfoliate 24 hours before your session with a gentle scrub or an exfoliating mitt, and arrive with clean skin free of makeup, lotions, or deodorant. Ensure all other beauty services, like waxing or massages, are completed before your tan.
Can I use skincare products immediately after my tan? Avoid applying any products, including oil-based skincare or makeup removers, until after your designated first rinse. Once you've rinsed, daily moisturizing with a tan-safe, oil-free lotion is recommended to keep your skin hydrated and extend the color.