Spray Tan Tips

You’ll find all your most pressing spray tan questions answered below. We dispel popular spray tan myths and have advice on how you can embody your true colors for even longer. But if there’s anything we missed, make sure to reach out to your local Tanning Experts - they’ll be happy to help!

Let’s Spray Those Myths Away

Let’s be real: there can be some negative preconceptions around spray tanning. From orange anxiety to worries about smell, spray tanning hasn’t gotten the best press. But we’re here to tell you that at PBT, with our exclusive Premier Collection® sunless solutions bronzers and fragrances, you’ll leave looking fabulous and smelling great. So buckle up and get ready—we’re about to blow away some spray tan myths.

Closeup of tanned legs weaing gold high heels

Out With the Orange.

Spray tans at PBT are formulated to counter orange undertones. They’re customized to match your skin and meet your tan goals. You can breathe easy—with our Premier Collection sunless products, you’ll have complete control of your look.

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All Chic, No Streak.

Some self-tanners (not ours!) can leave unsightly streaks. But when you spray at PBT, you’ll receive a flawless, even tan. You’ll have to do a little prep before: exfoliate, shave and make sure your moisturizer is designed for sunless tanning. If you’re looking for a moisturizer, the Premier Collection® by Palm Beach Tan has you covered!

Woman with dark hair and bangs wearing a sparkly top holds a yellow retro-style telephone receiver near her face

Let’s Talk Scents.

Add a fragrance to your spray tan session and say goodbye to that post-spray smell. You’ll step out of the booth feeling great and smelling like… Well, that depends on what fragrance you choose!

Closeup of a tanned woman in a floral skirt sitting near a pool

Naturally Stunning.

Dihydroxyacetone (DHA for short) is the active ingredient in all sunless tanners. It’s a colorless, natural, plant-derived compound that has been approved by the FDA for external application for over 50 years. Palm Beach Tan uses only eco-certified DHA solutions, and we provide protective eyewear, nose filters and lip balm. Additionally, all of our spray tan systems are cleaned and sanitized immediately after each session.

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Before

Closeup of a collarbone with a cream applied

Prepare Your Skin for a Spray Tan

Exfoliating your skin before a spray tan session is a must. Focus on the driest areas: elbows, knees, hands, feet and the backs of your ankles. The Premier Collection® by Palm Beach Tan has a variety of exfoliants to choose from. Also, you’ll want to avoid using moisturizers (unless they’ve been specifically formulated for sunless tanning), waxing or other spa treatments on spray day.

A woman with dark hair and a patterned tunic stands with her hand near her face

What To Wear to a Spray Tan

Wearing dark, loose-fitting clothes to your spray tan is best. If possible, wear nail polish—even if your nail polish is a clear coat, it’ll help protect your nails from discoloration.

Avoid wearing perfumes, deodorant or makeup that can create a barrier for absorption. Tight-fitting clothing and shoes such as boots, socks or tights might rub off some of the spray tan and cause uneven results—it’s best to be safe and avoid these!

During

Two women with towels wrapping their hair and sunglasses clink classes while sitting in a large bathtub.

The Naked Truth

When you’ve been tucked away into your own private tanning room, feel free to get as naked as you like. If you decide not to spray tan nude, you’ll want to wear a swimsuit or undergarment that you don’t mind staining. If you’d prefer, your Tanning Experts will happily supply you with a disposable undergarment. Make sure to remove all your jewelry and remember to wear a protective hair cap. And don’t forget to apply your favorite Premier Collection® Sunless Primer!

Two hand of different skin tones link pinkies.

Prep and Protect

Barrier cream is critical! Apply a light layer in areas where skin tends to be rougher: hands, fingers, feet, toes, the sides of your feet and your cuticles. These areas soak up more spray solution. For your protection, Palm Beach Tan provides hair caps, protective eyewear, nose filters, lip balm and cotton balls—just ask your Tanning Expert.

After

A woman in a burgundy bikini lays on her back and stares into the camera from a set of pool steps

Wait for It ...

Avoid bathing, swimming or engaging in activities that work up a sweat for at least 4 hours. Because chlorine can quickly break down a spray tan, we recommend avoiding it entirely if possible.

PBT Black Label Sunless products

Keep Your Shine Longer

Moisturize daily with a post-sunless product, like one of these from the Premier Collection®. Just remember to use an oil-free lotion like those in the Premier Collection®—lotions with oils can seriously shorten the life of your spray tan.

You’ll also want to avoid using pore strips, bandages or exfoliants, and any body washes that contain harsh soap or oils. We recommend a body wash from the Premier Collection®—like this daily body wash.

Sunless Tanning FAQ