🌷 How to Prep Your Skin for the Perfect Spring Tan
Spring is the season of fresh starts — lighter layers, brighter days, and glowing skin. But after months of winter dryness and built-up old tan, your skin needs a proper reset before applying your first tan of the season.
If you want your spring tan to look smooth, natural, and long-lasting, it all starts with preparation. Here's your complete guide to prepping your skin for a flawless spring glow.
🌞 Why Spring Tan Prep Matters
During winter, skin tends to become drier and rougher, and leftover tan can cling to dry patches. Applying fresh tan without prep often leads to streaks, uneven colour, and patchy fade.
Proper preparation helps:
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Create an even base for smooth application
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Achieve a more natural, sun-kissed colour
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Extend the life of your tan
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Ensure it fades evenly
Think of prep as the foundation for your glow ✨
🧴 Step 1: Remove Old Tan & Start Fresh
Before you even think about applying new tan, it's essential to remove any leftover colour from previous applications.
Using a dedicated tan remover helps lift old tan without harsh scrubbing, leaving skin clean and ready for the next step.
👉 Use: Tan off Remover & Mitt
How to use:
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Apply to dry skin
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Leave on for the recommended time
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Gently remove with an exfoliating mitt
This step alone can completely transform how your next tan applies.
🧼 Step 2: Exfoliate for a Smooth, Even Base
Once old tan is removed, exfoliation helps buff away dead skin cells and smooth rough areas like elbows, knees, and ankles.
👉 Use: Exfoliation Mitt
Spring exfoliation tips:
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Exfoliate 24 hours before tanning
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Focus on dry areas
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Avoid over-scrubbing — gentle is best
Smooth skin = streak-free results.
💧 Step 3: Hydrate & Balance Your Skin
Hydrated skin holds onto tan longer and fades more evenly. After exfoliating, focus on moisturising your skin — especially in the days leading up to tanning.
Lightweight hydration works best in spring. Avoid heavy oils right before tanning, as they can create barriers and cause uneven development.
✨ Step 4: Choose the Right Tan for Spring
Spring tans should look fresh, soft, and natural — not overly dark. This is the perfect time to switch to buildable or gradual formulas that enhance your skin rather than overpower it.
👉 For a natural glow: Gradual Self Tanning Water
👉 For deeper colour: Dark Self Tan Mousse
Pro tip: Build your colour gradually rather than applying too much at once — especially as skin is more exposed in spring.
🌟 Step 5: Apply Like a Pro
Using the right tools makes all the difference.
👉 Use: Velvet Tanning Mitt
Application tips:
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Apply in long, sweeping motions
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Use less product on hands, feet, elbows, and knees
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Blend thoroughly for seamless results
Allow your tan to develop fully before showering and avoid tight clothing while it sets.
🌸 Step 6: Maintain Your Glow
To keep your spring tan looking fresh:
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Moisturise daily
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Avoid harsh exfoliation
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Pat skin dry after showering
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Top up with gradual tan or tan water as needed — try Gradual Tan Cream
A little maintenance goes a long way when it comes to longevity.
☀️ Your Spring Tan Prep Checklist
✔ Remove old tan
✔ Exfoliate gently
✔ Hydrate consistently
✔ Choose a spring-appropriate shade
✔ Apply with the right tools
When your skin is properly prepped, your tan will look smoother, last longer, and fade evenly — giving you that effortless spring glow all season long.
✨ Ready to Glow?
Explore the full Solaris Tan prep and glow range here.
