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THE PREP BIBLE

To help you get the most out of your Tan with Sam experience, this prep bible (as named by TWS clients), has been created to ensure there are no mishaps with your spray tan. 

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A spray tan works by creating a natural chemical reaction with your skin. If there is any barrier due to incorrect products used, your tan will not develop. 

These guidelines and recommendations are provided for your benefit and in your best interest.

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PLEASE ENSURE ALL MEMBERS OF YOUR GROUP BOOKING READS THIS PREP
 

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All product recommendations are at the bottom of this page.
 

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PLEASE NOTE: 

YOUR TAN APPOINTMENT WILL NOT BE CARRIED OUT IF YOU HAVE ENCOUNTERED SUNBURN/SKIN DAMAGE OF ANY KIND WITHIN THE LAST 6 WEEKS! 

THE PEEL AND HEEL PROCESS TAKES A TOTAL OF 6 WEEKS FOR YOUR SKIN TO RECOVER. 

IF YOU ARE IN THIS POSITION, PLEASE NOTIFY PRIOR TO THE CANCELLATION POLICY TIME LIMIT. 

FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN THE FULL AMOUNT BEING CHARGED.

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TAN WITH SAM HAS THE RIGHT TO CANCEL & REFUSE ANY APPOINTMENTS

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THE DAY BEFORE

Hair Removal

- Remove any unwanted hair at least 24hrs before to allow your pores to close over.

- If waxing, this MUST be done 48hrs before. Tan sticks to open pores and you don’t want a dotty finish.
- If shaving, avoid using a razor with a moisture strip, as this will create a barrier on your skin and the tan won't take.

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Spa Services
(pedicure, nails, massage, facial etc)
- These should all be done before your spray tan (2 days prior is my recommendation) as the oils leave a barrier and prevent the tan from developing.
- Ensure that your Tan with Sam is the last beauty treatment, to prevent anything damaging your tan during and after development.

- DO NOT put anything on top of your nails eg vaseline - this will only result in white fingertips. The tan solution used will NOT stain your nails.


EXFOLIATE, EXFOLIATE, EXFOLIATE!
- Exfoliating is the key to a flawless Spray Tan!
- Buff away any dead skin and old tan you may have on, so that you have a clean & smooth canvas for a fresh new tan.
- Using a loofah does not exfoliate your skin - an exfoliating scrub and mitt is r
equired.
- If using a sugar or salt scrub, do this 48HRS BEFORE, as they leave a residue on your skin that act as a barrier to the tan.

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NO CREAMS

- Do NOT apply any moisturiser, creams or lotions 24 hours before your tan (other than on your face, stopping at your jaw line)
- A specific barrier cream will be applied to any dry patches at your appointment, to prevent the tan sticking to these areas.

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TODAY'S THE DAY!
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Lotions/Make Up
- DO NOT apply any deodorant, perfume, moisturiser or lotions.
Not only do they act as a barrier, they will prevent your tan from developing properly. This includes using "moisturising body washes" eg Dove/Nivea and also using a razor with a moisture strip/shaving cream.

- If you did not shave 24 hours before, wait until after your tan has developed, rather than ruining it. If you require to shave after, use a basic razor and conditioner on your legs with a one stroke motion.

- You can put moisturiser & spf on your face, the day off. Just don't drag it down further than your jaw (for this time only!)

- Remove all makeup before your spray tan as this will also act as a barrier on your skin and will give uneven results. Even if you don't want your face sprayed, cleansing your face after a tan risks ruining the tan.

- No moisturisers or creams until AFTER you've rinsed.


Showering
- Please DO NOT shower right before your tan appointment.
- You should shower a MINIMUM of 2 hours before your appointment. 4 hours is best, where possible.
- Avoid using any cream shower washes eg Dove/Nivea.
- Water can change the pH level of your skin and having a shower can negatively affect the end results of your tan, so plan your shower in plenty of time.

- If needs must, use baby wipes prior to the appointment.

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Clothing
Avoid wearing any tight clothing straight after your tanning session. This includes gym clothing and leggings.
- Loose dark clothing is best to allow the air to circulate around your body.

- For overnight tans, you should wear long sleeves and long trousers.
- You can even wear long sleeve pj's to your appointment, so you don't have to change again.


DO NOT GET WET!
This includes sweating, so no working out until AFTER your first rinse.

- Water/sweat marks will ruin your tans development and it cannot be fixed.
- Wait at least 8 hours before showering to get the best result from your tan, unless advised otherwise.

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- Please do not allow your pet to lick or jump on you. As much as we love them, they can ruin your tan and we don't love that!! 

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THE DAY AFTER
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FIRST THINGS FIRST - RINSE!
- Rinse before doing anything. 
- Avoid any activity that will result in sweating and refrain from swimming and getting wet.

- Leaving your tan "on for longer" will not change the final colour, so rinse first. 


If you had a tinted spray tan:
- During your first rinse you will notice a layer of bronzer wash down the drain..
- Don’t worry, this is normal. Your golden glow is hiding underneath. Rinse with lukewarm water until the water runs clear.
- No soap, shower gel or shampoo should be used in your first rinse, only water. 

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If you had a clear spray tan:

- During your first rinse, you won't see much shower off, this is completely normal, because there was no cosmetic bronzer in the solution.

- As any other tan, no soap, shower gel or shampoo should be used in your first rinse, only water.

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Showering
- After your first initial rinse, you can then shower as usual, using a tan friendly body wash.

- Do not use any abrasive products/loofah's/scrubs during the time of having your tan, as these will all contribute to stripping the tan.
- Avoid anything exfoliating or using any harsh chemicals including bar soaps and mineral oils etc.

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- Always pat dry after your shower – don’t rub.
- This seals your tan without ruining it and allows you to then lather on moisturiser


MOISTURISE, MOISTURISE, MOISTURISE!!!
- You were warned to avoid it the night before, now you can’t apply enough! This is the key to a fabulous long lasting tan!! 
- Moisturising morning and night ensures you have a healthy glow to your skin and keeps your tan looking beautiful. 

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MAINTAINING YOUR GLOW

- Drink plenty of water and moisturise your skin daily to keep your skin hydrated and your tan lasting.

​- Gently exfoliate your skin around 4-5 days after your spray tan without scrubbing. This will encourage an even fade all over and is encouraged if your lifestyle has caused the tan to fade quicker in certain areas (eg wearing sports bras)

​- Following the advised aftercare can result in your tan lasting 7-10 days.

​- Spa Treatments are not recommended less than 24-48hrs before your tan and during the timescale of your spray tan.

- Swimming & Hot tubs will fade your tan.

- Dove/Nivea/Vaseline/Aveno products are NOT RECOMMENDED at any point during your tan.

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For your next spray tan appointment, follow the instructions from the top again!

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PRODUCTS TO AVOID
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Please refrain from the following products as they are known to fade and ruin a sunless tan:

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Loofahs, washcloths, baby oil, mineral oil, massage oils, bug sprays, anti aging products that exfoliate, Dove/Nivea/Vaseline products (creates skin barriers and your tan will not take) alcohol based toners, astringents (cleansing agents). Any products containing AHA’s or BHA’s or RETIN, accutane and salicylic acids can cause issues, as these are exfoliants and products tan can not work with.

Avoid long swims in pools and oceans as the chlorine and salt water can cause rapid fading.​

- A spray tan does not protect you from the sun, so make sure you use a sunscreen that does not contain oil.
- Baby safe products are the best option if you are unsure.

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Please consult with me if you are not sure if a product is safe for your tan.

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Some medications as well as woman menstrual cycles and hormones can effect the tan development and longevity.

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POOR PREPARATION WILL RESULT IN A POOR TAN. You may be refused if the prep has not been followed.

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PREPPING FOR AN EVENT?

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Make sure you to book your skin treatments in @ SKN with Sam in advance. 3-5 days before your tan appointment is best, unless advised otherwise following a consultation.

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RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS

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https://shoplist.us/tanwithsam
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Use the code LFTFTANWITHSAM to get extra £ off these products!

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Tan Remover & Skin Prep Spray

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A list of recommended products for prepping, maintaining and topping up your tan are available to purchase via this affiliate link. I do earn a small commission from the purchase of these products. Please drop me a message if you would like any additional product recommendations or any specifically for your skin.

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Other Products:

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- pH Balanced Shower Gels

 

- Sanez Zero % Shower Gel Sensitive (not the cream based one)

- Femfresh (or equivalent)

 

 

If you are unsure about using a specific product, please just ask.
It's better to be safe than sorry and ruin your tan!

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