Prep & Aftercare

Before and after your appointment.

Smooth, hydrated, well-prepared skin helps your tan apply evenly and fade consistently. Here's exactly how to prepare, and how to care for your colour afterwards.

Skin Prep

Before your tan.

24–48 hours before

Exfoliate thoroughly, paying extra attention to elbows, knees, ankles, hands and feet.
Remove old self-tan completely if possible.
Wax or shave before the appointment rather than immediately afterwards.
Keep skin well moisturised in the days before, but arrive with clean, dry skin.

On the day

Shower before your appointment and allow skin to cool and dry fully.
Avoid body oils, heavy moisturiser, perfume, deodorant or makeup immediately before your tan where possible.
Wear loose, dark clothing after your appointment to reduce rubbing while the tan develops.
Avoid fresh skincare actives or strong exfoliants immediately before tanning.

Why prep matters

Smooth, hydrated and evenly prepared skin helps the solution apply more evenly and can support a more consistent fade. Dry patches and heavy product residue can interfere with the finish.

Aftercare

Protect your colour.

During development

Follow the personalised wash-off/development instructions given at your appointment. Development time can vary by formula and desired result, particularly with express solutions.

II.

After your first rinse

Rinse with lukewarm water until the guide colour has washed away, pat skin dry rather than rubbing, and begin moisturising regularly once instructed. Avoid long, hot baths, saunas, swimming and vigorous exercise immediately after.

III.

To extend your tan

Moisturise daily, keep showers warm rather than hot, and avoid harsh scrubs and exfoliating acids while you want to maintain the tan. Remember a spray tan does not contain SPF, so continue normal sun protection.

Simple routine

Moisturise regularly while wearing your tan. When you're ready for your next appointment, gently exfoliate the old colour and arrive with clean, dry skin. If your skin is sensitive, always follow the product label and stop using any product that causes irritation.

Bespoke Aftercare Package: £5

A little extra care for your tan.

Add an Avéleine bespoke aftercare package, designed to make maintaining your tan simple at home. The package includes an Aveeno moisturiser and an Aveeno body scrub, selected to support a simple cleanse, moisturise, exfoliate routine between tans.

Moisturise: Aveeno Baby Daily Care Moisturising Lotion, a fast-absorbing, fragrance-free lotion with prebiotic colloidal oatmeal.
Exfoliate: Aveeno Skin Renewal Gentle Body Scrub, with prebiotic oat, PHA and exfoliating beads. Use when ready to remove or refresh your tan.