Think of your skin like the perfect canvas before a glam photoshoot—we want it smooth and prepped, not irritated or oily. The wrong exfoliation right before a spray tan is like using the wrong primer before foundation… it can ruin the finish.
Here’s exactly what to avoid exfoliating with right before your spray tan 👇
🚫 1. Oil-Based Scrubs (BIG no, babe)
- Sugar scrubs with coconut oil, shea butter, or heavy oils
- “Moisturizing” exfoliators
💖 Why:
These leave a slippery film on your skin that blocks the spray tan from absorbing evenly → hello streaks and patchiness.
🚫 2. Chemical Exfoliants (AHAs, BHAs, Retinols)
- Glycolic acid
- Salicylic acid
- Lactic acid
- Retinol/Retinoids
💖 Why:
They keep working after you apply them, meaning your tan can develop unevenly or fade faster in certain areas.
It’s like your skin is still “processing” while your tan is trying to settle in.
🚫 3. Harsh or Abrasive Scrubs
- Anything with large, rough particles (like walnut shells or super gritty scrubs)
💖 Why:
They can cause micro-tears and irritation → your tan grabs unevenly and can look darker in random spots.
🚫 4. Loofahs or Used Shower Tools
- Old loofahs
- Bacteria-filled exfoliating gloves
💖 Why:
Not only can they irritate your skin, but buildup = uneven exfoliation = uneven tan.
🚫 5. Bar Soaps with Residue
- Dove beauty bars or super creamy soaps
💖 Why:
They leave behind a moisturizing film that acts like a barrier to your tan.
✨ What you SHOULD use instead:
Think: clean girl, fresh skin energy 💅
- Oil-free exfoliating mitt (like a Norvell Exmitt)
- Gentle, fragrance-free body wash
- Light pressure → smooth, not aggressive
💡 Glow Girl Rule:
Exfoliate 24 hours before your tan
Not right before — we want your skin calm, balanced, and ready to soak up that glow like a sponge ✨
-Let's Glow Girls PSU
