Ever notice how a beautiful spray tan can sometimes look uneven or fade too fast? That perfect sun-kissed glow shouldn’t be a guessing game! Many people struggle to find the right exfoliator before their spray tan. It’s frustrating when you spend time and money on a tan only to have it look patchy a few days later. The wrong scrub can be too harsh, or it might leave behind residue that blocks the tanner.
Choosing the perfect exfoliator is the secret weapon for a flawless, long-lasting spray tan. This post cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly what features matter most in an exfoliator designed for tanning prep. Learn how to pick the best one so your tan applies smoothly and fades beautifully, not awkwardly!
Top Exfoliator For Spray Tan Recommendations
- Pre-Tan Body Scrub: ormulated with natural exfoliators, plant extracts, and vitamins that are exclusively designed to maximize and enhance your sunless tanning results while helping to balance out your skin’s pH level.
- Gentle Formula: This gentle, smooth action scrub softens your skin’s texture, leaving it feeling fresh and clean while our fresh blend of Tropical Mangos and Papaya will leave your senses refreshed and your skin deliciously fragrant.
- Enhances Tan: When used prior to the initial application of any of our sunless tanning formulas, Get Buffed assures a deeper, darker, and longer-lasting tan.
- ✔️HIGH QUALITY: This tan remover exfoliating mitt is trusted by sunless tanning professionals all over the world. This exfoliator mit will remove dead skin and old tanning mousse or lotion like a pro with this exfoliation glove.
- ✔️REVITALIZE YOUR SKIN PRIOR TO YOUR SUNLESS TANNING SESSIONS: The Bronze Tan self tan exfoliator and tan remover glove prepares your skin for an even and streak-free tan. This tan exfoliating mitt works by removing dry and dead skin cells and any old self tan residue. Use our exfoliate mitt before your self-tanning session for best results!
- ✔️NOT JUST FOR SUNLESS TANNING: This tanning exfoliator can do so much more than sunless tanning removal! Remove blackheads, unclog pores, reduce acne.
- ✔️USE IN THE SHOWER BEFORE TANNING: This tanning glove is meant to be used to remove dead skin cells in the shower to ensure smooth and even application of self tanning mousses, lotions, and creams.
- ✔️REUSABLE AND DURABLE: Our Bronze Tan Self Tanner Remover & Skin Exfoliating Glove is not only effective but also built to last. It's reusable, easy to clean, and retains its exfoliating properties over time. Make it a part of your regular self-tanning routine for consistent and effective results.
- TAN REMOVER SCRUB. a body wash + scrub to erase that old tan so you can do it all again. buff away old tan and dead skin cells with gentle exfoliation & wash that stuff right down the drain. the body wash combo leaves you clean + smellin' oh so fresh. you'll be perfectly clean with your skin primed just in time for your next tan session
- STEP 1 IN YOUR TAN ROUTINE. use me as part of your regular self tanning routine and you’ll never look back
- 2-IN-1. the body wash combo leaves you feelin' + smellin' clean as can be
- BEST PRACTICE. to make your old tan go away wait at least 3 days after applying your self tan before using. apply generously & gently rub into a rich lather. makes your old tan go away, cleanses & preps your skin for the next bangin' tan.
- VEGAN FRIENDLY. i love animals so im cruelty free, vegan friendly, and free of nasties like parabens
- ORIGINAL TAN ERASER - Our double sided spray & self tan exfoliating mitt is the original tan remover recommended by salon professionals since 2014. Not only does it make removing fake tan easy, it is also the perfect pre tan preparation exfoliator.
- WORKS WITH SELF TAN AND PROFESSIONAL SPRAY TANNING PRODUCTS - Our tan remover mitt can be used with ANY tanning products. Use the pink side for light exfoliation and the black side for stronger exfoliation to tackle those more stubborn areas like the elbows and ankles.
- NO ADDITIONAL PRODUCTS REQUIRED - You don’t need any additional products to use our Tan Eraser mitt. In fact, it’s recommended to use it with water only in the bath or shower.
- REUSABLE - You can use our tan remover mitt multiple times. It usually lasts about a year before needing replaced, depending on how often you use it.
- MACHINE WASHABLE - You can wash the mitt by rubbing with some hand soap after each use. But whenever it needs it, you can machine wash at 40C.
- Gentle Exfoliation: Walnut scrub particles gently exfoliate dead skin cells for a smoother texture. Reveals fresh, radiant skin by buffing away roughness and promoting cellular renewal.
- Nourishing Ingredients: Enriched with moisturizing agents to deeply hydrate and replenish the skin. Leaves your skin feeling supple, soft, and revitalized after each use.
- Invigorating Fragrance: Enjoy the refreshing and uplifting scent of grapefruit for a spa-like experience. Stimulates your senses and enhances your mood during your skincare routine.
- Enhances Radiance: Unclogs pores and promotes a more even skin tone for a healthy, glowing complexion. Improves the appearance of dull, tired skin, revealing a brighter and more radiant look.
- Deep Hydration: Locks in moisture to keep your skin hydrated and nourished throughout the day. Helps prevent dryness and flakiness, leaving your skin silky-smooth and touchably soft.
- PREP YOUR SKIN FOR A GORGEOUS TAN: Our Pre-Tan Exfoliator is designed to gently exfoliate your skin & prepare it for the perfect self tan!
- GOOD FOR YOUR SKIN: Naturally-exfoliating, ground Apricot and skin-soothers like Acai Berry & Vitamin E will leave your skin feeling smooth & ready for one of our award-winning self tanners.
- AMAZING SCENT: Be whisked away to a tropical vacation on the beach! Our fresh coconut scent is universally-loved by both women and men alike
- EASY TO USE: Our exfoliator is designed to be used in the shower or bath. Easy application and just wash off when done!
- #1 RATED BEST SELF TANNER - Tanceuticals has received numerous awards by beauty editors worldwide including: #1 by SelfTanning authority blog, Shape Magazine, Good Morning America, ranked in Marie Claire’s “10 Best No-Streak Self Tanners” and many more. Trusted by over 1,000,000 self tanners!
- PREMIUM QUALITY: Body Wash in a Sponge! Each sponge is infused with an exquisite blend of ingredients to make your skin look and feel better with every wash. Comparable to a loofah.
- DUAL-TEXTURED: Exfoliating body scrub. Use the buffer to exfoliate and soften skin. Use the soft side to cleanse and moisturize.
- SUPERIOR HYDRATION: Contains a moisturizing blend of olive oil and Vitamin E to keep your skin hydrated and healthy all day long.
- AT-HOME SPA EXPERIENCE: The refreshing and bright scent of coconut in this premium sponge helps create a sumptuous spa experience at home.
- THE ETHICAL SKINCARE CHOICE: Spongeables are always paraben-free, cruelty-free, gluten-free, and vegan friendly. They contain no silicones, phthalates, or polyunsaturated oils, and they are always required to meet high standards for quality and durability.
- Dual-Sided Tanning Prep Design: This single-use, dual-sided prep wipe features a textured side to gently exfoliate dead skin and lift leftover self-tanner, plus a smooth side to cleanse away sweat, deodorant, lotion, and residue—creating a fresh, even canvas for sunless tanning.
- Essential Skin Prep With Nourishing Ingredients: Designed to prep skin before self tanner, spray tan, tanning lotion, or mousse, this wipe is infused with aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E to help hydrate while cleansing—supporting smoother application and more even-looking results.
- Designed For Skin Balance: The cleansing side helps refresh skin by removing surface buildup while cooling the skin before tanning. This balanced prep supports more uniform color development and an even fade without harsh stripping or over-drying.
- Travel-Ready Convenience: Individually wrapped, this one-step tanning prep wipe is easy to use at home, at the gym, or while traveling. No water or rinsing required—just wipe, prep, and apply your sunless tanning product.
- Clean Ingredients Made Simple: Vegan, cruelty-free, and non-clogging, this prep wipe is thoughtfully formulated without unnecessary additives. Designed to suit most skin types, it offers a reliable approach to sunless tanning prep that supports even application.
Choosing the Best Exfoliator for Your Spray Tan
A great spray tan looks amazing. You want that perfect sun-kissed glow to last as long as possible. An exfoliator is your secret weapon! It gets your skin ready for the tan. It also helps the tan fade evenly. This guide helps you pick the right one.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, check these important things:
- Grit Size: Some exfoliators have big, rough bits. Others have very fine, gentle grains. For spray tan prep, you need medium-fine grit. This removes dead skin without making your skin too raw or red.
- Moisturizing Agents: Look for ingredients like shea butter or coconut oil. These keep your skin soft. Dry skin grabs the spray tan unevenly. Moisturized skin welcomes the color nicely.
- Rinse Quality: The exfoliator must rinse off completely. Any leftover oils or residue will block the spray tan solution. You need a clean canvas!
- Scent: Since you are using this right before tanning, a very strong scent might mix badly with the tanning solution smell. Choose something light or unscented.
Important Materials Matter
The material in the scrub is key to how it works. You will see two main types:
Physical Exfoliators (Scrubs)
These use small particles to scrub the skin away. Good materials include:
- Sugar or Salt: These are natural and dissolve well. Sugar is usually gentler than salt.
- Ground Apricot Kernels or Walnut Shells: These are effective but can be sharp. Use these very carefully, especially on delicate areas like the neck or chest.
Chemical Exfoliators (Acids)
These use acids to dissolve the dead skin cells gently. They don’t involve scrubbing.
- Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs): These are often found in lotions or body washes. They offer a smoother exfoliation.
Tip: For best results before a spray tan, a gentle physical scrub is often recommended for immediate smoothness.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality isn’t just about price. It’s about what the product does for your skin.
Quality Boosters:
- Natural Enzymes: Some products contain fruit enzymes (like papaya or pineapple). These gently break down dead cells, which improves the final tan color.
- pH Balance: A good pre-tan exfoliator should not drastically change your skin’s pH level. If the pH is too off, the tan might turn orange.
Quality Reducers:
- Heavy Oils: If an exfoliator leaves a thick, oily film on your skin after rinsing, it will absolutely ruin your spray tan. The tan solution cannot stick to oil.
- Harsh Abrasives: Overly rough particles cause micro-tears in the skin. This leads to patchy color development.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the exfoliator changes the experience.
Prep Work (The Most Important Time)
Use the exfoliator 12 to 24 hours *before* your spray tan appointment. This gives your skin time to calm down after scrubbing. Focus on dry areas like knees, elbows, and ankles. These spots need extra attention to avoid “tanning dots.”
Maintenance (Fading the Tan)
After your tan starts to fade (usually day 5 or 6), you can use a very light touch with a mild exfoliator. This helps remove the last bits of tan evenly. Gentle sweeping motions work best here.
The Feel:
A good experience feels smooth and refreshed, not tight or stinging. You should feel clean when you step out of the shower after using it.
10 FAQs About Exfoliators for Spray Tans
Q: Why do I need a special exfoliator for a spray tan?
A: You need one that cleans thoroughly but leaves no oily residue. Oils block the tanning solution from sticking evenly to your skin.
Q: Can I use my regular shower scrub?
A: Maybe, but be careful. Many regular scrubs contain moisturizing oils, which are bad for spray tan prep. Check the ingredients!
Q: When should I exfoliate before my tan?
A: The best time is 12 to 24 hours before you get sprayed. This lets your skin recover from scrubbing.
Q: Should I exfoliate right before I get tanned?
A: No. You should shower and dry completely after exfoliating right before the tan. Residue from the scrub or the shower soap can interfere.
Q: What grit level is best?
A: A medium-fine grit is ideal. It removes dead skin without causing irritation or redness.
Q: Are chemical exfoliators (like acids) good for spray tan prep?
A: They can be, but use them cautiously. If you use an acid product, make sure you rinse your skin very well afterward.
Q: What areas need the most scrubbing attention?
A: Pay extra attention to dry spots like elbows, knees, ankles, and hands. These areas soak up more color.
Q: How hard should I scrub?
A: Scrub gently! You want to lift the dead skin, not scratch your skin raw. Gentle circles work best.
Q: What happens if I don’t exfoliate enough?
A: Your tan will look patchy, uneven, and might fade quickly in spots where the dead skin was heavy.
Q: Can I use an exfoliator to help my spray tan fade faster?
A: Yes, once the tan is a few days old, using a gentle scrub will help it wear off more evenly, preventing that dreaded leopard spot look.