The Ultimate Pre & Post Tan Checklist

Your glow starts before the tan… and lasts well after

A flawless tan isn’t just about the formula you use — it’s about how you prepare your skin and how you look after it.

If you’ve ever had a tan go patchy, fade unevenly, or not quite look right, it usually comes down to skipping the basics.

This is your go-to checklist for getting that smooth, natural, sun-kissed glow every single time.

Pre-Tan Checklist

1. Exfoliate properly

This is the most important step.

Removing dead skin ensures your tan applies evenly and develops smoothly. Pay extra attention to areas like elbows, knees, ankles and hands, where tan tends to build up.

For best results, exfoliate 24 hours before your tan.

2. Keep your skin completely clean

On the day of your tan, your skin should be free from anything that could act as a barrier.

That means no:

• Moisturiser
• Oils
• Deodorant
• Perfume

Clean, dry skin gives you the most even result.

3. Plan hair removal in advance

Shaving or waxing is fine, but timing matters.

Do it at least 24 hours before your tan to avoid irritation and ensure your pores have time to close.

4. Wear loose, comfortable clothing

After your tan, you want to avoid anything tight that might rub or mark the skin.

Loose, dark clothing is always the safest option.

5. Choose a tan that fits your lifestyle

One of the biggest shifts in tanning has been speed.

With rapid solutions, you no longer need to leave your tan on for hours. You can have your tan done, go about your day, and rinse when it suits you.

It’s about making tanning work around your schedule, not the other way around.

Post-Tan Checklist

1. Rinse at the right time

Always follow the recommended development time for your tan.

When rinsing:

• Use lukewarm water
• Avoid soap for the first rinse
• Don’t scrub

Let the bronzer wash off naturally.

2. Let your tan develop fully

After rinsing, your tan will continue to develop over the next 8 to 24 hours.

It’s important to be patient during this stage — the final colour will deepen naturally.

3. Moisturise daily

Keeping your skin hydrated is key to maintaining your tan.

Daily moisturising helps:

• Extend the life of your tan
• Prevent patchiness
• Keep your skin looking smooth and healthy

4. Avoid excess moisture and heat early on

For the first 24 hours, try to avoid:

• Heavy sweating
• Swimming
• Long, hot showers

This helps your tan settle evenly.

5. Be gentle with your skin

After showering, always pat your skin dry instead of rubbing.

Harsh friction can cause your tan to fade unevenly.

6. Keep your routine simple

To maintain your tan:

• Use gentle body wash
• Avoid harsh exfoliants until you’re ready to remove your tan
• Keep showers short and warm, not hot

Getting the Best Result

The best tan comes down to three things:

• Proper preparation
• The right formula
• Consistent aftercare

When all three are done properly, the result is a natural, even tan that fades beautifully.

At Naked Tan, solutions are designed to create a natural brown finish without orange tones. With multiple professional solutions available, and the ability to customise and mix them, each tan can be tailored to suit the individual.

Because no two skin types are the same, and your tan shouldn’t be either.