• If you wax, complete it at 4-7 days before your base tan. Avoid trying a new hair-removal method during competition week.

• Avoid sunburn and arrive without peeling skin.

• Moisturize regularly during the days leading up to your appointment to keep skin's surface hydrated.

• Start gentle exfoliation every other day in a warm shower.

• Finish your showers with cool water to protect pores.

• Do not apply additional self-tanner to “get a head start” unless we have specifically planned it with you.

• Soak in a hot bathtub with Epson Salts and a ½ cup Baking Soda

• WHEN TO SHAVE
  Finish your final shave at least 24 hours before your first tan. If shaving usually leaves you irritated, plan closer to 48 hours ahead and contact us about your timing.

• Do not leave your first full-body shave until the morning of your appointment.

• WHICH AREAS?
  Plan hair removal around the skin exposed by your competition suit and the appearance required for your division.

• Check your arms, shoulders, chest, abdomen, back, legs, and any exposed glute or bikini-line areas. Ask your coach about presentation expectations if you are unsure.

• You do not need to remove a beard or shave intimate areas simply to receive a spray tan. Discuss facial coverage and tanning garments with us beforehand.

• STEP 1: TRIM LONG HAIR
  If body hair is long or dense, shorten it first with a guarded body trimmer used according to its instructions. Do not force a razor through long hair.

• STEP 2: SOFTEN THE HAIR
  Use warm water to wet your skin and soften the hair before shaving. Do not dry-shave with a blade.

• STEP 3: APPLY SHAVING CREAM OR GEL
  Use a familiar shaving product. Choose one labeled for sensitive skin if appropriate. Work in sections so it does not dry before you shave.

• STEP 4: USE A CLEAN, SHARP RAZOR
  Replace a dull blade. If it tugs or requires pressure, stop and change it.

• STEP 5: SHAVE WITH THE HAIR GROWTH
  Use light strokes in the direction the hair grows. Hair may grow in different directions across your body, so check each area.

• Avoid pressing hard, stretching the skin tight, or repeatedly passing over the same spot to get an extra-close shave.

• STEP 6: RINSE THE BLADE FREQUENTLY
  Rinse after each stroke so hair and shaving cream do not clog the blade.

• STEP 7: RINSE YOUR SKIN THOROUGHLY
  Remove all shaving product. Pat dry gently. Do not finish with an aggressive scrub.

• IF YOU GET RAZOR BURN OR CUTS
  Stop shaving the affected area. Do not shave over bumps, pick ingrown hairs, or attempt to scrub irritation away.

• Let us know before your appointment if skin remains red, sore, broken, or inflamed. Persistent or worsening irritation should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

• AFTER YOUR FIRST TAN
  Do not shave again between tanning applications or before competing unless we have discussed a specific plan.

SHOWER

• Do NOT shower immediately before your Base Tan session.

• Wash with a familiar, gentle cleanser that rinses clean.

• If washing your hair, rinse out shampoo and conditioner before washing your body.

• Pay attention to underarms and places where lotion, deodorant, or conditioner may remain.

• Rinse thoroughly without harsh scrubbing.

DO NOT SHAVE OR EXFOLIATE AGAIN

• Today is for washing away residue—not another round of skin preparation.

ARRIVE WITHOUT THESE PRODUCTS ON THE AREAS BEING TANNED

• Deodorant or antiperspirant.
• Lotion, body butter, or body oil.
• Perfume or body spray.
• Makeup or tinted body products.
• Self-tanner.
• Shaving cream or conditioner residue.
• Sunscreen residue at the time of application.

DRY COMPLETELY

• Check underarms, behind knees, skin folds, and between fingers and toes. Your skin should be dry and comfortable, without sweat or dampness.

• Do not arrive directly from a workout, sauna, or hot shower while still sweating.
  

IF YOU ACCIDENTALLY APPLY SOMETHING

• Tell us when you arrive. Do not hide it or aggressively scrub your skin at the last minute.

SOAPS, BODY WASH & LOTIONS | WHAT TO USE & AVOID

Your skin should be hydrated during prep, then clean, dry, and free of product residue when you arrive. Follow these product guidelines before your first competition-tanning appointment.

BODY WASH: WHAT TO USE

Choose one of these accessible options:

• Vanicream Gentle Body Wash.
• Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash — Fragrance Free.

Choose the exact product listed. Different formulas within the same brand may contain different ingredients.

BODY WASH: WHAT TO AVOID

For Built Bronze competition prep, do not use Dove body washes or beauty bars. Also avoid soaps and cleansing bars that leave a creamy, waxy, oily, or lotion-like film.

Skip these products before your appointment:

• Dove body washes and beauty bars.
• Moisturizing beauty bars or lotion bars that leave residue.
• Oil-based soaps that leave a coating.
• Shower oils and bath oils.
• In-shower lotions and body conditioners.
• Sugar or salt scrubs suspended in oil.
• Washes containing shimmer, bronzer, or self-tanner.

“Moisturizing” on a label does not automatically make a cleanser unsuitable. The concern is the coating left behind. When unsure, use one of the specific body washes listed above.

ANTIMICROBIAL / ANTIBACTERIAL SOAP

Antimicrobial soap is not required for tanning prep.

If you choose to use it, our prep guideline is to use it 2–5 days before your first tanning appointment, then switch to a recommended gentle body wash. Do not use it during the final 48 hours before tanning.

If an antimicrobial wash is prescribed, follow your clinician’s instructions and let us know. Do not change prescribed care solely for your tan.

LOTION: WHAT TO USE

Use a light layer of Vanicream Moisturizing Lotion during the days leading up to your appointment. Choose the lotion rather than the thick cream.

Apply after bathing, paying attention to dry elbows, knees, ankles, hands, and feet. Allow it to absorb without leaving a heavy coating.

Do not deliberately dry out your skin by avoiding moisturizer all week.

WHEN TO STOP APPLYING LOTION

You may moisturize the day before your appointment. Wash away remaining residue during your final pre-tan shower.

After that shower, do not reapply lotion, body oil, or body butter—even if it is a recommended product.

Your artist will assess dry areas and apply any targeted protection needed before spraying.

LOTIONS & BODY PRODUCTS TO AVOID

Before your appointment, do not apply:

• Thick body butters or heavy creams.
• Coconut oil, baby oil, or other body oils.
• Petroleum jelly or heavy ointments on areas being sprayed.
• Shimmer lotions or body makeup.
• Gradual-tanning lotions, tanning drops, or additional self-tanner.

Do not introduce new exfoliating lotions, acid treatments, or body peels during competition week. If you use prescribed skincare or treatments for a skin condition, contact us about your routine without stopping prescribed care on your own.

YOUR FINAL PRE-TAN SHOWER

1. Wash and condition your hair first.

2. Rinse shampoo and conditioner out completely.

3. Wash your body last with a recommended cleanser to remove hair-product runoff and other residue.

4. Pay attention to underarms, shoulders, back, chest, and skin folds.

5. Rinse thoroughly without aggressive scrubbing.

6. Dry completely and allow your skin to cool.

7. Do not apply lotion, deodorant, perfume, body spray, or oils afterward.

If your skin still feels coated, or you accidentally apply a product, tell your artist. Do not try to strip your skin with harsh soap or extra exfoliation.

AFTER TANNING BEGINS

Do not resume lotions, oils, or your usual shower routine between competition-tanning sessions unless instructed.

Permission to rinse between coats does not automatically mean permission to use soap or apply lotion.

After your final stage appearance, follow your shower instructions, then resume gentle cleansing and moisturizing when cleared to do so.

NOT SURE ABOUT A PRODUCT?

Send us a photo of the front label and ingredient list before your appointment. Please show the exact product—not just the brand name.