We all love a gorgeous golden glow, but let’s be honest: not every tanning experience goes exactly as planned. Uneven color, patchy Spray Tans, fading too quickly… sound familiar?
The good news? Some of the most common tanning mistakes are surprisingly easy to avoid.
Whether you love controlled UV Tanning or are obsessed with the effortless glow of a Sunless Spray Tan, knowing the dos and don’ts can make all the difference.
At Plush Tan, we know a thing or two about that bronzed look. With 12 locations across the UAE, we offer controlled UV Tanning in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah, plus our organic, fully automated VersaSpa PRO Spray Tan experience in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Ready to glow smarter? Let’s spill the tea on the tanning mistakes you might be making. 💅🏾
Part 1: UV Tanning Mistakes You Might Be Making ☀️
Love your controlled UV Tanning sessions? Then you know understanding your skin, following session guidance, and maintaining a good skincare routine are all important.
Here are a few common UV Tanning mistakes worth avoiding.
❌ Thinking Longer Sessions Mean Better Results
More tanning time equals a better tan, right? Not quite.
One of the biggest tanning mistakes is assuming that longer sessions automatically mean better results.
Your skin’s response to UV light depends on several factors, including your natural skin type. And more exposure doesn’t necessarily mean more color.
✅ The Glow-Up Fix: Always follow the recommended exposure time for your skin type and the equipment.
When it comes to tanning, knowing your limits is always a good look!
❌ Ignoring Your Skin Type
Your bestie’s tanning routine might be her thing, but that doesn’t mean it’s yours.
We’re all beautifully different, and our skin responds differently to UV light.
Some skin types develop pigment more readily, while others are more prone to burning. Certain medications and skincare products can also make skin more sensitive to UV exposure.
✅ The Glow-Up Fix: Get to know your skin type and understand how it responds to UV light, so you can make informed choices about your tanning sessions.
Because understanding your skin? That’s the ultimate beauty power move. ✨
❌ Forgetting About Sun Protection
Let’s clear up a little tanning myth, shall we?
Having a tan doesn’t mean you can skip sunscreen.
A UV Tan offers very little protection from further sun exposure, and living in the UAE means we’re no strangers to strong sunshine.
✅ The Glow-Up Fix: Make broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher part of your daily outdoor routine, especially when heading to the beach, lounging by the pool, or enjoying a sunny brunch.
And yes, you still need sunscreen even if your skin already looks bronzed.
Protecting your skin never goes out of style!
❌ Skipping Exfoliation
Dry, flaky skin? Babe, your skincare routine is calling!
One of the most overlooked tanning mistakes is skipping a little TLC for your skin.
A buildup of dead skin cells can leave your skin looking dull and rough, and dry patches can make your tan look less even as it naturally fades.
✅ The Glow-Up Fix: Keep gentle exfoliation in your regular skincare routine. Avoid aggressive scrubbing or exfoliating immediately before UV exposure, as freshly irritated skin can be more sensitive.
Smooth, soft skin? Yes, please! ✨
❌ Forgetting to Hydrate Your Skin
If your moisturizer has been collecting dust on your bathroom shelf, consider this your official reminder.
Hydration is a skincare essential, darling!
Dry skin can look dull, flaky, and uneven. Moisturizing helps keep your skin feeling soft and looking its best.
✅ The Glow-Up Fix: Show your skin some love with a gentle, hydrating body lotion as part of your daily routine.
And don’t forget to drink enough water!
Because a fabulous skincare routine doesn’t stop when your tanning session ends. 💖
Part 2: Spray Tan Mistakes You Might Be Making ✨
Now, let’s talk about the fabulous world of Sunless Spray Tanning!
Plush Tan’s organic, fully automated VersaSpa PRO Spray Tan is all about convenience, beautiful bronzed color, and that fresh-from-holiday look.
But even a fabulous Spray Tan needs a little prep and aftercare to look its best.
Here are a few Spray Tanning mistakes that might be getting in the way of your glow goals.
❌ Skipping Your Pre-Tan Exfoliation
Showing up for your Sunless Tan with dry, flaky skin?
Oh, honey. We need to talk!
One of the biggest Spray Tan mistakes is skipping exfoliation before your appointment.
Dead skin cells and rough patches can cause tanning solution to develop unevenly, particularly around your elbows, knees, and ankles.
✅ The Glow-Up Fix: Gently exfoliate around 24 hours before your VersaSpa PRO appointment, paying extra attention to dry areas.
Think of it as preparing the perfect canvas for your gorgeous glow.
A little prep goes a long way, babe!
❌ Arriving With Lotion, Oil, or Deodorant on Your Skin
We love a good body lotion as much as the next girl, but there’s a time and place for everything.
And right before your Spray Tan? Not necessarily the moment.
Heavy moisturizers, body oils, deodorants, and perfumes can interfere with how evenly the tanning solution develops.
✅ The Glow-Up Fix: Arrive at your Spray Tan appointment with clean, dry skin and follow the preparation instructions provided.
Save your moisturizing routine for after your tan has developed and you’ve completed your first rinse.
Trust the process, gorgeous!
❌ Showering Too Soon After Your Spray Tan 🚿
We know, we know. You’ve got places to be, outfits to wear, and a fabulous glow to show off.
But rushing into the shower after your Spray Tan?
Not so fast, babe!
Your VersaSpa PRO tanning solution needs time to develop, and rinsing too early can affect your final color.
✅ The Glow-Up Fix: Follow the recommended development time for your specific VersaSpa PRO formula (6-8 hours minimum).
When it’s time for your first rinse, use lukewarm water, avoid scrubbing, and gently pat your skin dry.
Patience is a virtue. Especially when there’s a gorgeous glow involved!
❌ Wearing Tight Clothes Right After Your Spray Tan
Fresh Spray Tan and your tightest leggings?
Girl, let’s rethink that outfit.
Tight clothing can rub against freshly applied tanning solution, potentially leaving marks or affecting how evenly your color develops.
And nobody ordered a waistband-shaped tan line!
✅ The Glow-Up Fix: Choose loose, dark, comfortable clothing for after your Spray Tan appointment.
Think oversized T-shirts, flowy dresses, relaxed trousers, and flip-flops.
Comfortable AND fabulous? We love a multitasking outfit.
❌ Neglecting Your Spray Tan Aftercare
You’ve got your gorgeous glow. Now what?
Well, babe, the glow-up doesn’t end when you leave the salon!
One of the most common tanning mistakes is forgetting about aftercare.
Dry skin, harsh exfoliation, and excessive scrubbing can make your Spray Tan fade faster or unevenly.
✅ The Glow-Up Fix: Once you’ve completed your recommended first rinse, moisturize daily (ideally twice a day) with a gentle, spray-tan-friendly lotion.
Avoid harsh body scrubs, aggressive exfoliation, long hot showers, excessive sweating, saunas, hot baths, and frequent dips in the pool or sea, as these can cause your gorgeous glow to fade faster.
With proper care, your Spray Tan can typically last around 5–7 days, depending on your skin and routine.
A little love goes a long way!
❌ Booking Your Spray Tan at the Last Minute
Big event tomorrow? Dress ready? Hair appointment booked?
And you’ve just remembered your Spray Tan?
Classic!
While a VersaSpa PRO Spray Tan is wonderfully convenient, giving your color enough time to develop can make your beauty prep feel a whole lot smoother.
✅ The Glow-Up Fix: Plan your Spray Tan session around your event and the development time of your chosen formula.
For weddings, holidays, birthdays, or glamorous nights out, booking a day or two ahead of time is a great option.
That way, your tan has time to develop, you’ve completed your first rinse, and you’re ready to step out looking fabulous.
Because last-minute panic is definitely not part of the beauty routine! 💃
Your Glow-Up Starts at Plush Tan UAE 🤎
And there you have it! Common tanning mistakes that might be standing between you and your best tanning experience.
From understanding your skin type and staying hydrated to mastering your Spray Tan prep and aftercare, the little details often make the biggest difference.
At Plush Tan, we believe your tanning routine should feel like a little moment of luxury in your day.
With 12 locations across the UAE, we’re making it easier than ever to fit that feel-good beauty ritual into your schedule.
Explore our controlled UV Tanning in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah, or experience our organic, fully automated VersaSpa PRO Spray Tan in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Whichever service you’re exploring, we’re here to help you feel informed, comfortable, and confident in your choices.
Ready to ditch tanning mistakes and upgrade your glow routine?
Find your nearest Plush Tan location and let the glow-up begin!
Because babe, fabulous is a lifestyle. ✨
