By Ashley Wottring, California Tan Sunless

Environmental elements play a huge role in the success of your spray tan. A client can perfectly prepare by exfoliating, shaving, cleansing the skin of lotions/oils, etc. but still have less than perfect results all because of where they live. So here are some factors to consider when advising your customers.

Do you live in a dry climate?

Living in a dry climate means dry air, which means dry skin. Dry skin increases the likelihood of the spray tan fading more quickly and unevenly, the best option to combat this is to moisturize!

Product Recommendation: Encourage your customers to use a Tan Extender daily to restore hydration in your skin that the environment removed. Also important is using a Maximizer to hydrate skin prior to the spray tan, while supporting maximum spray tan absorption.

Do you live in a humid climate?

High humidity usually brings on the perspiration. Even if someone showers prior to a spray tan but sweats when getting in a hot, humid car, that sweat can create a barrier on the skin preventing full sunless absorption.

 Product Recommendation: Customers should use an Exfoliator to slough off dead skin cells and other sunless inhibitors. It’s a great idea for salons to carry exfoliating towelettes for those customers who need a little extra cleanse right before the actual spray! Always use a towelette prior to your spray tan. Even if the client “just” showered!

Is rain in the forecast?

This may seem like common sense, but it’s important to consider! When it’s raining post-spray, it requires full coverage clothing to protect it. You don’t want an inch of skin exposed!

Product Recommendation: If it does happen to rain on your spray tan parade, encourage your customer to purchase an at-home retail product to touch up any color that may have washed off or faded from the rain.

The environment can mess up a good spray tan, but retail products can help fix/prevent issues! Always remind your customers of the “basic care” practices and why retail products are so important.