The Importance of Skin Prep: Maximize Your Tan with Proper Exfoliation and Skincare

On March 25, 2025

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Spring is here, which means it’s officially glow season! Whether your clients are gearing up for spring break, weddings, or just enjoying the sunny days, achieving a flawless tan starts long before the first spray tan. Proper skin preparation, especially exfoliation, is the key to ensuring a smooth, even, and long-lasting tan.

Why Skin Prep Matters

When skin isn’t properly exfoliated, it can result in uneven or patchy tans, faster fading, and streaking. This happens because:

Dead skin cells build up, creating an uneven surface for the tanning solution or self-tanner to adhere to.

Dry patches absorb more product, leading to dark spots or discoloration.

Residues from oils, lotions, or makeup can create barriers, preventing even absorption of tanning solutions.

How to Prepare the Skin: Sjolie’s Skincare Routine

By following this simple routine using Sjolie’s products, clients can set the stage for a flawless tan every time:

Step 1 – Exfoliate:

The Sjolie Sugar Scrub is crafted to gently exfoliate, removing dead skin cells and smoothing out rough patches for a clean, even surface. Unlike over-the-counter scrubs that often contain harsh chemicals or oversized particles that can irritate the skin, Sjolie’s natural, chemical-free formula is both effective and gentle. Additionally, it features non-residual oils that won’t interfere with tanning products, ensuring a flawless, streak-free application.

Pro Tip:

Exfoliate 24 hours before tanning to allow the skin to settle after scrubbing. Pay extra attention to dry-prone areas like elbows, knees, and ankles to avoid uneven absorption.

Woman, legs and hands with epilation in skincare, grooming or hair removal waxing on a blue studio background. Closeup of female person, feet or beauty in laser treatment, cosmetology or dermatology

Step 2 – Shaving:

Shaving after exfoliating with the Sjolie Sugar Scrub not only delivers the closest shave but also removes additional dead skin cells, further smoothing the surface. However, avoid shaving after your tan, as it can lead to premature fading.

Pro Tip:

Use a razor without a soap strip to avoid leaving residues that can disrupt tanning results. Razors with soap strips are a common culprit for uneven tans when shaving is done too close to a tanning appointment.

Step 3 – Final Rinse:

A quick rinse with Sjolie’s Shower Gel helps remove any lingering residue from exfoliation or hair care products like shampoo and conditioner, which can leave a film on the skin. Unlike many over-the-counter shower gels that contain heavy moisturizers, synthetic fragrances, or sulfates that create a barrier, Sjolie’s Shower Gel is lightweight, sulfate-free, and designed specifically for use with tanning routines.

Common Tanning Mishaps from Skipping Exfoliation

If clients skip proper exfoliation, they may experience issues you’re all too familiar with, including:

Patchy or streaky tans: Uneven skin texture causes the tanning product to apply inconsistently, leaving visible streaks or patches.

Shins lacking Color: A common issue—clients notice little to no color development on their lower legs. This is often due to shaving too closely to their spray tan appointment, which can strip the skin of essential oils and leave it unprepared for proper absorption.

Faster fading: Dead skin cells naturally shed, causing a tan to fade more quickly. Without proper exfoliation, your clients may miss out on the typical 7–12 day longevity of a Sjolie tan.

Dark Pores: Improperly prepped skin can lead to tanning solution pooling in open or uncared-for pores, creating the appearance of dark spots or “freckles.”

Stubborn dark spots: Dry areas like elbows, knees, and ankles can absorb excess product, resulting in noticeable, unwanted dark patches.

Surprising Skin Prep Pitfalls to Avoid

In addition to exfoliating, remind clients to avoid common habits that unintentionally act as forms of exfoliation:

Hot baths and hot tub soaks: These soften and loosen the skin, causing premature shedding and faster tan fading.

Rubbing dry after showering: Vigorously towel-drying creates friction that can exfoliate the skin unevenly and disrupt the tan.

Tight-fitting clothing: Wearing tight clothing, especially right after a tan, causes ongoing friction that can rub off the tanning product or create uneven wear in areas like thighs and hips.

Teach Clients the Value of Skin Prep

As professionals, you have the opportunity to educate your clients on the importance of skin prep. Encourage them to invest in proper exfoliation and skincare products to maximize their tanning results and ensure their glow lasts longer. Offering Sjolie’s Sugar Scrub, Shower Gel, and Hydration Lotion as part of their tanning routine not only enhances their experience but also boosts your retail opportunities.