How to Exfoliate before Spray Tan & Best Exfoliator Body Scrubs to use

“To get the most amazing and long lasting spray tan, exfoliate and prepare your skin with care”.

Being a spray tan lover, you might have come across this advice at least once in your life. Indeed it is the most important piece of advice to keep in mind.

Exfoliation is the key to the most successful spray tan results. How do you exfoliate before a spray tan and how well you get that dark sun-kissed glow are directly related.

As known, proper exfoliation not only remove the dead cells but also create a perfect canvas for the tan to stick on.

But the main concern regarding the same is how to exfoliate? What all products to use? Which is the best exfoliator for a spray tan? And how to care for?

Today I’m going to guide you through the entire procedure of exfoliating right before spray tan to get a gorgeous golden tan.

Top Three Spray Tan Exfoliators

Before we start, I have something for you!

In case you are in a hurry or are familiar with the procedure, without further ado I would like to present our top picked exfoliators available in the market.

You can choose from these according to your need and convenience. Look for the most gentle scrub so that your skin remains healthy as possible.

ArtNaturals Himalayan Salt Body Scrub
Dry Skin Body Brush
California Tan Body Buffer Exfoliator
  • A natural scrub for fresh healthy and younger looking skin.
  • Contains Himalayan Pink Salt with amazing health benefits.
  • Improves your skin tone and texture.
  • Loaded with antioxidants which will fight against premature skin aging.

Check the price on Amazon

  • 100% natural bristles of high grade.
  • Improves blood circular circulation and sheds dead skin cells.
  • Eliminates clogged pores.
  • Reduction in cellulite appearance.

Check the price on Amazon

  • Promotes even tanning.
  • Fine-grained volcanic stone for gentle scrubbing.
  • Provides soft and even fresh skin.
  • Aloe vera as the moisturizing agent.
  • Red tea protects the skin from free radicals.

Check the price on Amazon

Why Should You Exfoliate Before Spray Tan?

You care for your skin no matter what isn’t it?

Many are much concerned regarding piling up a set of creams and lotions over skin without considering the fact that skin cells are not permanent.

Every single second your skin cells die and new cells are generated. This is a natural process. Then why is exfoliation recommended?

For Smoother And Fresh Looking Skin

Even though falling of dead cells is natural, it won’t take place with consistency. As we use a lot of products on our skin, the dead cells will stick to the skin rather than falling away. So artificial, yet gentle scrubbing and exfoliation are needed to regain the fresh and young skin.

There are many ways to get the exfoliation done. From the basic sugar and oil mixture to chemical scrubs or a soft cloth to dry brush, the options are splendid and handy.

To Unclog The Pores

Our skin pores are always clogged by the various products we use. Makeup, deodorants, creams, and sweat become so greasy and sticks to the skin. This is to be removed periodically to avoid chances of getting skin irritation, blemishes or acne.

Gentle scrub once or twice in a week will do the job. Choose the scrub according to your skin type. The more sensitive your skin is the gentler and natural you are supposed to be.

To Create a Base For Spray Tan

Spray tan is the quickest and efficient way to grab the caramel hue. However if not prepared properly you will end up with orangey, patchy and streaky color.

The more even and smoother your skin is before application of tan, the better and perfect the results will be. If you had read our article on spray tan tips, you might already know how important is exfoliation while going for a spray tan session.

By exfoliation, we are removing the dry and dead skin cells and keeping the skin as fresh as possible for the session.

Spray tan sticks less to oily skin and more to dry skin. You might have seen that more color is deposited in the areas covered with dry dead skin cells and at the same time it is not holding to the moist areas.

You need to balance the texture of your skin and thereby make it more even for the procedure. So you need to be aware of the best exfoliating body scrub for a spray tan.

When Not To Scrub

Along with the analysis of how to scrub, you must be aware of when not to exfoliate. Exfoliation is to be done with much patience and care. You are removing your dead cells and not ripping your skin off!

If you are recovering from sunburn then do stay away from any exfoliation. If your skin is irritated and super sensitive or is having any cuts or wounds better not to consider exfoliation. The more you are concerned about the health of your skin, the more beautiful you look!

How To Exfoliate Before Spray Tan

The act of exfoliation is no rocket science. But when it comes for preparation of your skin for a spray tan session there are a couple of things which you must keep in mind.

Our aim is to grab the gorgeous tan through even reaction of the active ingredient in the tan solution all over our body. So it is an even and smooth skin is a must-have for proper tan results.

Here I’m guiding the things to consider and steps to follow on exfoliating right before the spray tan.

It is recommended to have a shave before every sunless tanning session. You can opt to tan after exfoliation or just after a shower. Consider doing the whole procedure the night before the tanning appointment.

Step 1

Moisture is needed for smooth and effective dead cells removal if not doing the dry brushing.  Sock yourself in a warm bath for 20 minutes. Use essential oils of salts in the water for more relaxation. Get your shaving done using a sharp razor. Shaving before spray tan is a must and you can read about it here.

Steam up using the water from the shower. This with soften your skin and ease the process of unclogging.

Step 2

Exfoliation! You can use your favorite scrub, loofah, sponge or scrubbing gloves and start the action. Since we need to reduce the oil build up for better tanning, avoid using oil-based exfoliators whether homemade or store brought.

You can use sugar, salt or coffee to make it extra-natural. Work from bottom up. Consider the dry areas like elbows, knees, and bottom of the feet. Scrub in the circular motion and work up.

Be gentle and softer with sensitive areas of the chest, bikini area, and underarms. Use long brushes to reach your back. Stay away from harsh scrub products to prevent micro damaging.

Step 3

Once you are done with the exfoliation, cleanse your skin with a mild product to take away all the product residues and keep the skin clean.

Step 4

Pat dry your skin gently. Avoid rubbing your skin. Apply a good and hydrating moisturizer generously all over the body right away.

You should stay away from products containing parabens, mineral oils or alcohol. Use a thick moisturizer in your most dry areas like joints.

Step 5

Wear long sleeves and full pants to protect and conceal the moisture in your skin. This will take the protection to next level.

On the day of the appointment avoid using further moisturizer and definite NO to deodorant. Get the spray tan done on your fresh and supple skin and enjoy the even bronze glow.

Best Exfoliator before Spray Tan

We have seen the importance of exfoliating for spray tanning. I have even covered the various steps for proper exfoliation

Is there anything left? Yeah, the most important one – which are the top exfoliators to use?

Once you know what to do, all that remains is with which to do. Let me ease you by mentioning our top 7 exfoliating products for the spray tan.

#1. ArtNaturals Himalayan Salt Body Scrub

Check the price on Amazon

Pros
Cons
Features
  • Chemical free and all natural.
  • With the goodness of essential oils.
  • Smoothens and heals your skin.
  • Contains antioxidants which fight against premature skin aging
  • Might not be the best choice for sensitive skin.
  • The goodness of Himalayan salt and oils.
  • Non-greasy yet moisturizing.
  • Apt for deep unclogging and exfoliation.
  • With anti-skin aging properties.

We didn’t have to think twice for placing this salt body scrub as the best exfoliating body scrub for spray tan.

We all are familiar with the health benefits of pink Himalayan salt. When the same formula is available as a body scrub you can simply guess its benefits. This is a chemical free product loaded with moisturizing oils like jojoba, Argan and sweet almond oils.

This product will detoxify your skin and make it soft and supple. Regular usage on your neck, feet, hands, and body help in reduction of wrinkles and pore size, while improving skin’s overall texture and moisture level.

#2. Dry Skin Body Brush

Check the price on Amazon

Pros
Cons
Features
  • Results from the very first use.
  • All natural and effective.
  • Travel-friendly and convenient.
  • Made out of smooth and polished wood.
  •  Can give you rashes if used carelessly.
  • Helps in reduction of cellulite appearance.
  • Unclogs the skin for better nutrient absorption.

This dry skin body brush is the second best spray tan exfoliator in our list. I am sure that it will become your best pal if you are looking for natural bristles for the removal of dead skin cells.

With its finest quality bristles, this dry brush will help you to get the perfectly smooth skin appropriate for the spray tan. The product improves your blood circulation and keeps the skin healthy.

If you are not a big fan of spending much time being wet then the dry brush technique is the most suitable for you. You will let your skin breathe by clearing your clogged pores using the brush. The product is convenient and handy.

Skin brushing using the finest brush like this will help you to tighten the skin in long run. Along with that properly brushed skin will releases toxins and thereby improves the lymphatic system.

#3. California Tan body Butter Exfoliator

Check the price on Amazon

Pros
Cons
Features
  • Creates balanced skin.
  • Promotes both sunless and UV tanning.
  • Non-greasy yet hydrating.
  • Pleasant smell.
  • Consistency is a bit thinner than a normal product.
  • Fine material for deep exfoliation.
  • Presence of red tea protects the skin from free radicals

Specially designed to meet the needs of a spray tan. Very apt for sunless tanning as the product will provide even skin for smooth application and coverage. Finely grained volcanic stone is the basic ingredient which will cleanse your skin without harming it.

Along with proper exfoliation, the product won’t dry up your skin. The presence of aloe vera and red tea enhances the hydration and thereby quality of your skin.

The product comes from a company which focuses on tan related commodities and thus you can grab one with trust.

#4. Ebanel Ultimate Brightening Peeling Gel

Check the price on Amazon

Pros
Cons
Features
  • Cool and soft gel.
  • Pleasant Odor
  • Peels off pretty easily
  • Non- sticky
  •  Results depend on the quality of your skin.
  • It is applied as a facial wash and not as a peel-off mask.
  •  Ideal for treating oily or acne prone skin.
  • Works on all skin types.
  • With peptides, tomato, hollyhock and mushroom extract

With active new cell generation formula, this product will uncover a smooth and radiant complexion. This is a product that particularly focuses on the face. As our face is always loaded with a number of products, the rate of clogging of pores is obviously more on our face.

This is one of a kind smooth and gentle gel which will treat your skin with utmost care. For people with dehydrated skin, the presence of antioxidants in the gel will retain the hydration and brings out the radiance in them.

#5. C.S.M. Body Brush for Wet or Dry Brushing

Check the price on Amazon

Pros
Cons
Features
  • Easy to use and travel-friendly
  • Efficient exfoliation.
  • Quick removal of dead cells.
  • Can be used both as a dry and wet brush.
  • With canvas strap for easy usage.
  • A bit too long strap which may be inconvenient for some users.
  • Round and palm-sized.
  • With natural bristles.
  • Soft massage nodules sooth the muscles and avoid too much pressing.

With its gentle massage nodes, this body brush is equally useful in both dry and wet brushing. Along with the improvement in blood circulation, this brush leaves your skin free of dead cells and cellulitis.

The shape and size of the brush head are so comfortable and the product is travel-friendly.

The body brush will boost your skin to produce new cells for a youthful appearance by removing old, dead skin and ingrown hair to leave you looking fresh and radiant.

The product is designed with softly rounded massagers which will not only relax your muscles but also avoid all the chances of aggressive brushing. Those who don’t want to use chemicals will find this body brush very handy.

Make sure that you use this during the morning shower before spray tanning.

#6. Brooklyn Botany Arabica Coffee Scrub

Check the price on Amazon

Pros
Cons
Features
  • Organic and gentle.
  • Moisturizing scrub.
  • Helps in reduction of cellulite appearance.
  • Soothing aroma.
  •  The presence of oils can make the bathroom slippery.
  • Need a cleanser afterward.
  •  The coffee grounds in the product removes dead skin cells and reveal your inner beauty
  • With Shea Butter, Olive oil, Almond Oil, Dead Sea Salt, and Grapeseed Oil.

Your skin loves coffee just the way you love a cup of it. If you are looking for a very hydrating scrub with coffee grounds, coconut oil, Shea butter, and Dead Sea salt, then you can grab this product without any doubt.

Brooklyn Brown Sugar scrub is an organic scrub. It is meant for all body parts including under eyes. Yes, you read it right. If used under your eyes, the caffeine will reduce your puffed eyes. Yeah, this is an additional advantage you will enjoy. The antioxidants present in the product will fight against signs of premature aging like wrinkles and fine lines.

This is a multipurpose organic scrub that can be used as a face scrub, foot scrub, body scrub, lip scrub and many more.

#7. Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting Exfoliant

Check the price on Amazon

Pros
Cons
Features
  •  Gentle and mild on skin.
  • Fragrance-free and non-irritating.
  • Provides long-lasting hydration along with dead cells removal.
  • Works on dry, rough and sun-damaged.
  • With an optimal pH range.
  •   Not suitable for sensitive skin.
  •  Weightless gel formula.
  • Fights discoloration.
  • Contains skin-soothing plant extracts, like chamomile flower, and powerful antioxidants, like green tea.

The last one on our list is a wonderful gel exfoliant from Paula’s Choice. This is a completely non-abrasive leave-on exfoliant with skin perfecting 8 %AHA gel.

The product naturally helps shed built-up layers of dead skin. The product works magically on dark spots and discoloration. It will increase your skin firmness if used consistently.

The unique formula has the ability to go deep and remove the layers of dead cells, keeping skin supple and soft for the spray tan.

With exfoliating benefits of glycolic acid with a sheer weightless gel formula, the product provides long-lasting hydration and dramatically improves the smoothness of skin. It contains skin-soothing plant extracts which can help minimize the look of discolorations and age spots.

Wrapping Up

Well begun is half done! Once you prepare well for each tan session you will never get that disappointed face ever. All you need to consider is the state of your skin and the most appropriate product for exfoliation.

Remember, exfoliation is one of the most important steps you should follow before a spray tan. This article says it all: https://tanninggirl.com/before-a-spray-tan/

We have gone through everything you needed to know on how to exfoliate before spray tan. Always have your hair removal session at least 24 hours before the spray tan appointment via waxing and before 8 hours if by shaving.

Soak yourself in the merry of dead cell removal and come up with the smoothest skin ever and thereafter with the bliss of color. Don’t forget to use one of those best rated exfoliators we have listed above right before spray tanning to get amazing results.

Scrub away the dry dead cells and get that bronzed look in no time.

Happy tanning!