
Spray tanning is a popular option for people who want to get a dark, sun-kissed look without spending hours in the hot sun. The downside of this beauty treatment is that it can leave your skin feeling dry and irritated after you use it.
A common solution to this problem is baby powder, which helps soothe your skin while providing an extra layer of protection against moisture loss. In today’s blog post we’ll discuss how using baby powder after a spray tan can benefit your health and appearance!
How Baby Powder Helps After Spray Tan (Baby Powder After A Spray Tan)- Some Notes
The spray tan is a popular treatment for the body. It can give you a healthy glow and it’s a very quick way to get a deep, dark tan without having to spend time in the sun or at a salon.
- As with anything else, there are some potential pitfalls to watch out for when getting your spray tan done professionally. One problem is that the tanning solution can sometimes leave you feeling sticky and icky. As good as it looks, nobody likes to go home with a layer of grime on their skin!
- Another thing to watch out for if you get spray tans done very often (or even if this is your first time) is that your pores can become clogged with the tanning solution. This can cause breakouts on your face, back and chest.
- After you get a spray tan done, it’s always good to shower as soon as possible after leaving the salon. Follow up with an exfoliating scrub to help loosen some of the dead skin cells that have built up on top of your skin.
After your shower, you should apply some baby powder or a talc-based dry shampoo on areas where you tend to sweat a lot. This will help absorb the sweat and keep you feeling fresh all day long. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before getting dressed so that you can avoid getting any tanning solution on your favorite outfit.
The baby powder can help prevent the build-up of bacteria on your skin, which can cause you to break out. It’s also great for absorbing excess oil that might otherwise clog your pores.
- Try not to apply too much baby powder, though. You should only use about half a teaspoon in areas where you tend to sweat a lot (e.g., your armpits). Too much baby powder can turn you a bit pasty-looking.
- If you have a Hollywood or European style tan, it’s best to avoid applying too much baby powder on your face. This is because the tanning solution tends to stay longer in areas where there are more oil glands. You don’t want to dull your tan.
- It’s best to use unscented baby powder wherever you plan on applying it to your skin. This way, the natural scent of the perfume won’t compete with the smells coming from your cologne or perfume. If you want a good Hollywood/European style tan, go for a tinted dry shampoo instead of a typical baby powder product.
- The tint of the dry shampoo will help blend away any unsightly streaks on your skin and it will also serve as a natural sunblock for your overall skin tone. If you want to avoid sunscreen products, this is a great alternative.
- If you’re going to use baby powder, make sure that it’s talc-free. Talc can sometimes cause problems with your respiratory system if it’s inhaled, so always make sure that the product you’re using is safe to use on your skin.
- For those of you who have had a spray tan before and want to avoid getting too sticky or oily from sweat, using baby powder as a dry shampoo is definitely one way to go.
However, if you want a better way to get a full-body tan without any of the discomfort that comes with sitting in a tanning bed for hours on end, there’s always self-tanning lotions and sprays.

Tips For Achieving a Perfect Spray Tan
The best advice I’ve ever received is to use baby powder before and after my spray tan session. By far, one of the greatest methods for achieving a beautiful, uniform glow is to use baby powder before and after your spray tan procedure, but there are a few more handy hints to remember if you want to make the most of your appointment!
- Avoid using oil – I recommend exfoliating the day before your tan and moisturizing after you shower, but definitely avoid applying any oil-based lotions or moisturizers directly before or after your session. The oils can create a barrier that prevents the spray from taking to your skin, plus it’ll help extend the wear of the color by days longer! Using high quality, oil-free products will ensure the process is as smooth as possible for you.
- Take a shower before your appointment – I know, this one might seem obvious, but it’s really an important step that helps improve the overall quality of your tan. The spray has to adhere to clean skin! If you have a busy schedule or just need a time to unwind before your session, showering beforehand will allow you to relax and air out any unwanted scents.
- Shave – Shaving your legs, armpits and other areas before you tan helps the solution take to your skin easier and will give you a smoother finish. If you’re new to spray tans and haven’t had one done before, definitely shave as completely as possible regardless of what area you’re getting colored.
- Prevent Stains – Protect your clothes during the session. Using a brown paper or cloth towel (like the kind you’d find in a barber shop) over your clothing can help reduce staining, however if you’re wearing lighter colored fabrics like white or cream it might darken them slightly. Luckily there are some good alternatives that won’t harm your clothes at all like shower caps and plastic wrap!
- Ditch the socks – If you can, try not to wear any socks during your spray. It’ll help avoid the solution from staining the top of your shoes or rubbing across your feet. Being barefoot is also recommended since you’ll be walking on a towel before moving to the bed, so your feet will definitely be exposed.
- Clean your feet – It’s a good idea to clean your feet before applying the tan. If you have calluses, dry skin or other problems on the soles of your feet it’ll show through in the color if they aren’t even and smooth.
- Protect your ears – Spray color on the ears is difficult to remove from clothing and furniture, plus ear hair can prevent the solution from getting close enough to color your skin. Clean your ears carefully before your session or if you need to avoid coloring them, ask your technician for assistance!
- Lighten your face – Milk masks can be used to reduce the intensity of your tan. If you think you have a too deep tan, try using a milk mask. To curdle milk, add a slice of lemon to a glass of milk.

- Use ice – Before applying the spray tan, apply ice to your face to prevent breakouts. The ice is there to keep the spray tan from absorbing too deeply into your pores, clogging them up, and causing breakouts.
- Stay away from the pool – Avoid swimming in a pool for at least 24 hours after your spray tan, even if you’re tempted to show off your new tan by going over to the pool. Chlorine-based chemicals will strip the tan from your skin and leave you with streaks and patches after a spray tan.
- Use tanning gloves – I recommend using tanning mitts after showering to help apply self-tanner or a spray tan easily. You’ll be able to tell if you missed a spot, and your fingers won’t have any color on them after!
- Coat once – There is no need to perform a second application of self-tanner or a spray tan at home. The second coat will most likely wash away or, in the worst case, darken parts of your skin and make your tan seem uneven. Don’t squander the product; one coat is enough to give you golden, radiant skin.
- Moisturize – To keep your skin moisturized, drink plenty of water after you get your spray tan! If you don’t stay hydrated, the dryness may cause itching and could even make you look like an alligator if too much color washes off.
- Use petroleum jelly – Dab a thin layer of Vaseline or petroleum jelly on any areas that you wish to keep a tan color. This prevents the tan from being washed off after you shower for a few days.
- Tan before bedtime – If you have a spray tan before going to sleep, it is important not to shower until morning so the excess color does not rub off on your bed sheets.
These tips will help you get the perfect tan every time! They are great tips to keep in mind when wanting some color. I personally am all about the tan. Whether it be self tanner or an airbrush tan, I love it all!
But for those who aren’t used to having that color on their skin, these tips can help you avoid common mishaps and mistakes that could leave your tan looking less than great!
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