Should I Get a Spray Tan Before or After a Facial? The Best Pre-Event Glow Routine

If you're getting ready for your wedding, a vacation in Mexico, or a special event in San Diego, combining skincare with a spray tan is a must. But here's a question we hear often at BlushTan San Diego: Should you schedule your facial before or after your spray tan?

The answer makes a big difference in how smooth, even, and long-lasting your tan will be—especially with the sun, salt air, and dry climate we have here in Southern California.

Facial Before Spray Tan – San Diego Glow Prep at BlushTan

Facial First, Then Tan

The best results happen when you schedule your facial 24 to 48 hours before your spray tan appointment. During a facial, your skin is exfoliated and treated with active ingredients like acids, enzymes, and hydrating serums. If done after a tan, these treatments can strip away color and create uneven fading.

Giving your skin time to settle before applying a tan ensures the color develops evenly and lasts longer.

Why This Matters in San Diego

With the local climate and outdoor lifestyle in San Diego, many clients experience dry or sun-exposed skin. Prepping properly is key for achieving a flawless tan. Whether you're walking down the aisle in La Jolla, heading to a destination wedding, or booking a last-minute spray before flying out on a trip, the order of services matters.

For example:

  • Brides should schedule their facial on Monday or Tuesday, and their tan by Wednesday or Thursday.

  • Vacationers traveling over the weekend should get their facial earlier in the week and their tan the day before departure.

Wedding Spray Tan for San Diego Brides – BlushTan Bridal Glow

Skin Prep Checklist

To get the most out of your tan:

  • Exfoliate 24 hours before with a mitt or gentle scrub

  • Avoid oil-based skincare and makeup removers

  • Do not apply lotion, deodorant, or perfume before your spray tan

  • Shave or wax at least 24 hours before

BlushTan Products to Use Before and After

To prep and maintain your glow, we recommend these:

BlushTan™ Exfoliating Mitt – Ideal for prepping the skin pre-tan.
BlushTan™ Hydrating Body Lotion – Apply daily after your post-tan shower to extend the color and keep skin soft.

Natalie LewisBlushTan