A spray tan is the perfect shortcut to flawless, glowy skin in no time, and without the sun damage, but it does require a little preparation beforehand. It can be difficult to choose a product, with so many available, so here are the best exfoliators to use before a spray tan.
Jergens Natural Glow Colour Primer In-Shower Scrub
- With a fruit extract complex, this in-shower scrub creates a perfectly polished canvas so you can achieve your most beautifully blended color
- Smooths and gently exfoliates rough patches to prepare skin for improved color absorption
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Firstly, the brand, Jergens, are known for their high-performing formulas, and this one is no exception. It works as a great primer for all types of sunless tanning, including both spray tanning and self-tanning, so you can use it for an at-home glow, too.
One of the great things about this product is that it’s included in one of Amazon’s new schemes, Climate Pledge Friendly, meaning it has been approved by Amazon to preserve the planet in some way. In this case, it has a compact design to reduces its carbon footprint of shipping and packaging.
Its unique fruit extract complex contains ingredients to help smooth your skin and gently remove any rough areas on the surface, to create the perfect canvas for a smooth, streak-free spray tan. In addition, it has a fresh scent, so you won’t feel disgusted by any chemical fumes when using it.
Tips
- The product recommendation is to use this a week before the colour is applied, but it’s best to do the same 24 hours before, too, so you’ve got a nice, soft base.
- Consider purchasing one of the moisturisers from this brand to complete your skin preparation.
Bondi Sands Coconut & Sea Salt Body Scrub
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Anyone who is an eager sunless tanner will have heard of Bondi Sands, as they are a great brand who have an impressive collection of products, which never cease to amaze their customers. Although they’re best known for their self-tanning products themselves, the brand also stocks some useful preparation and maintenance products to keep your tan looking fresh for as long as possible.
This scrub has such a pleasant smell, and it’ll remind you of sunny beach days instantly, but, if you’re not a fan, there’s always an alternative scent available: tropical rum. The scrub contains natural ingredients such as sea salt, coconut husk and walnut shell to remove any dirt clogged in your pores and smooth the skin’s surface texture.
Tips
- Use this scrub 1-2 times per week, as suggested by the product itself, and follow your smooth scrub with a good moisturiser.
- Use this scrub on damp skin, and massage it into your body using gentle, circular hand movements.
Coco & Eve Glow Figure Bali Buffing Sugar Exfoliating Body Scrub
- TONE, SCUPLT AND SOFTEN SKIN. Get the most out of your exfoliation routine with our triple-exfoliating Coco & Eve Glow Figure Buffing Sugar scrub to boost circulation and instantly smooth and renew dull, dry skin.
- PREP, SET AND GO! Packed with powerful Balinese botanicals like ultra moisturizing virgin coconut oil, coconut flower sugar and shell powder that work hand in hand with volcanic pumice to get rid of dead skin cells and revitalize skin. Softens skin whilst improving the appearance of stretch marks and cellulite. Works great as a pre-exfoliating treatment before self tanning for a smoother, softer golden glow.
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Although they’re a younger brand than many, Coco & Eve debuted their brand with the bestselling, iconic coconut ‘Like a Virgin’ hair mask. It was such a hit, and the brand have since ventured into the body world, releasing a self-tanner of their own, as well as a small collection of body care products.
As you can probably guess, one of these body products is this one – the Glow Figure Bali Buffing Sugar – and it has an unusual, vibrant red colour. This is thanks to the exotic variety of fruit it beholds, including lychee and dragon fruit. You can thank your new, smooth skin to the blend of volcanic pumice and shell powder, present in the product to remove dead skin cells and renew the skin’s appearance and texture.
It’s main, signature ingredient, virgin coconut oil, still remains in the formula, along with coconut flower sugar, another natural exfoliating ingredient. There’s no denying that this is a pot packed with fun, vibrancy and lots of ingredients you won’t find anywhere else. And it’s 100% vegan and cruelty-free.
Tips
- Use this along with the other two products in the body collection, the Bounce Body Masque and Body Moisture Whip, for a soft, smooth experience that’ll transport you to a tropical island.
- As this is suitable for all skin types, anyone can use it without the worry of irritation!
The Body Shop Satsuma Body Polish
- Gel-textured body scrub, with invigorating, citrus scent
- Gently exfoliates, refines, smooths and softens skin
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The Body Shop have been a great brand, pioneering the beginning of a cruelty-free beauty industry, and always coming out with products that your face and body will certainly adore. Of course, this body polish is no exception, and it captures the perfect fruity, satsuma scent just like any other product from the Body Shop.
This formula also contains crushed walnut shells, just like the one from Bondi Sands, but pairs this with ground rice, a less common exfoliating agent in the industry. The satsuma peel essential oil, along with fair trade shea butter will deeply moisturise and revitalise your skin all at once, whilst the other ingredients get to buffing it smooth.
You can see that this product has all of its ethics in line, and the product is equally as brilliant. Plus, the scent makes it the perfect option for anyone who loves the smell of satsumas!
Tips
- Gently use this body polish to buff at the skin, gradually removing any dead skin cells and improving the texture.
- Use this as a part of your shower routine 1-2 times a week and consider doing so alongside some other satsuma-scented products in the same line.
St Morit Skin Primer Advanced Pro Formula
- HELP YOUR SELF TAN LAST LONGER: To achieve an even, flawless, longer-lasting tan, start your tanning regime with this deep cleansing, foaming body exfoliator. A must-have for smoothing the skin surface, removing dead skin cells & any remaining old, faded self tan. Includes one 200ml container.
- CREATE THE PERFECT BASE FOR SELF TAN: This primer is the secret to achieving a professional, natural looking glowing tan. Ideal for both beginners and self tanning experts, this self tan primer is super easy to apply and helps to create a beautiful, glowing, streak-free tan.
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If you’re on a budget, it’s instantly clear to see that this is the perfect prepping body scrub for you to use before a spray tan, as St. Moriz are known for finding a great balance in price, without compromising on quality. Not to mention, this product lasts for a very long time, as you don’t need to use a huge amount of it at once in order to reap the benefits.
One of the more unique quirks about this product in particular is that it’s equipped with its very own mood enhancing fragrance technology, meaning the scent is designed to improve your mood. Of course, this is great on any occasion, but it’ll help to deepen the spa experience in this case!
Tips
- Use 24 hours before your tanning appointment, and after a while of having your spray tan, to remove any patchiness or streaks, as well as potential built-up product.
- For an even deeper exfoliating experience, purchase an exfoliating glove and use this to apply the product.
FAQ
When should I use an exfoliating body polish for spray tanning?
It’s clear that an exfoliating body polish or scrub is required if you want to achieve a flawless base for your spray tan, but it’s not necessarily clear when you should be using it. However, the best choice is to use it at least once, or perhaps twice a week before your tanning appointment, and then to have one final use around 12-24 hours before the application.
What other preparation steps should I take before getting a spray tan?
While exfoliating your skin is a very important step to remember before getting your spray tan, it’s not the only thing to keep in mind, and there are a few other steps which need to be planned before the application. This includes shaving, if you do shave your skin, and doing so 12-24 hours before the appointment also. This time allows for any micro-cuts to heal and pores to close before the tan is applied, leaving the skin much smoother to look at.
Also read: How to Apply Self-Tanner Evenly? (Step-By-Step)
Should I moisturise before getting a spray tan?
Many people wonder whether they should moisturise before getting a spray tan, as it’s an important step in most body care routines, but it’s not always clear whether or not to. The truth is, you’ll need to moisturise your skin as you normally would in the days leading up to the appointment, but it’s best to avoid doing so on the day of the appointment, as long as your skin isn’t too dry, as moisturiser can create a barrier and prevent the pigment from being able to set into your skin.
What if I prepare my skin too close to the appointment?
Of course, it’s true that many people will be in a rush, and won ‘t have enough time to leave for their preparation before their spray tan appointment, so what happens then? It’s recommended that you leave time between your tanning appointment and prepping the skin so that there’s enough time for the pores to close, and any micro-cuts in your skin a s result of shaving can heal.
However, if you’ve left it too late, remember to still prepare your skin, but then take a cold shower for a few minutes. This will close your pores and leave your skin ready for its bronze.
Final thoughts
Once you’ve prepared for your spray tanning session, you can be sure that you’ll have a relaxing experience, and your skin will be perfectly smooth. As long as you follow the tips above, and use some well-recommended products, there’s nothing to worry about, and you’ll finish with flawless, soft and bronzed skin.
