The key to getting an even, golden tan is to prepare your skin before undergoing a spray tan. Use an exfoliating body gel or cream or scrub to slough off dead skin, leaving behind a clean surface for the spray tan to work with. Shaving should also be done at this point, as it’s advised not to shave for 24 hours after the spray tan is applied. Pay close attention to areas of skin that are prone to dryness such as the elbows, knees and ankles. After exfoliating and shaving, towel dry skin and apply moisturizer to keep the surface smooth and soft.

All spray tanning features Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), the active ingredient that darkens the skin’s pigment. DHA is derived from sugar cane and works with dead skin cells that sit on the surface to “stain” skin, leaving behind a dark color. DHA is FDA approved and does not contribute to premature aging or skin cancer.