Spray tanning has evolved into a sophisticated sunless tanning method that goes far beyond bronzing your arms and legs. But when it comes to your face, clients often ask: Should I spray tan my face, or skip it altogether? The short answer?
Yes—you can absolutely spray tan your face, but it requires the right application technique, product selection, and post-tan care to get glowing results that look natural and feel good on your skin.
At goGLOW, we specialize in high-quality solutions and airbrush tans tailored to your unique facial skin needs. We know your face is often the first place to fade after a self-tan session, thanks to daily cleansing, skincare, makeup, and shaving, and it’s also the most visible. That’s why our certified technicians use finely tuned, skin-safe techniques and a custom-blend solution formulated specifically for delicate facial skin.
Whether you’re prepping for a photoshoot, special event, or just want to stun at work, this guide explains everything you need to know about getting a sun-kissed island glow without UV exposure. It covers exfoliation, choosing the right moisturizer, and what products not to use (looking at you, drugstore tanning lotions loaded with oils and alcohol).
Why Many People Hesitate to Spray Tan Their Face
Despite the popularity of airbrush tans, many clients still hesitate when it comes to facial tanning, and understandably so. The face is more sensitive, more visible, and more prone to skincare interference than the rest of the body. But skipping your face can lead to a mismatched look that no bronzing makeup or cosmetic bronzer can truly correct.
Common Concerns About Spray Tanning the Face
- Clogged pores and breakouts from poor-quality spray-tan formulas
- Patchy fading due to inconsistent exfoliation or skincare routines
- Fear of streaking or uneven application
- Overly dark or orange tones from heavily pigmented facial tanning products or lotions not designed for facial use.
Additionally, some people worry about allergic reactions or irritation, particularly when using off-the-shelf self-tan products like St. Tropez, Neutrogena, or Banana Boat, which often contain synthetic fragrances, oils, or alcohols that don’t play well with sensitive facial skin.
Why goGLOW’s Technique Solves These Issues
At goGLOW, our certified technicians are trained in facial spray tan knowledge, including the anatomy of facial skin, common skin sensitivities, and product chemistry. We use:
- Custom-blend solutions containing DHA (dihydroxyacetone) and other skin-loving ingredients that react only with the outermost proteins and amino acids of the skin’s surface.
- Ultra-fine airbrush application using advanced spraying machines in a ventilated area, ensuring your tan develops smoothly without heavy shimmers, drips, or blotches.
- Professional-grade products that are oil-free, non-comedogenic, and designed to fade evenly.
Clients are also advised to conduct a skin patch test before their first full facial application if they’ve had prior sensitivities to cosmetic bronzers or new self-tanning products.
The Benefits of Spray Tanning Your Face
Spray tanning your face, when done professionally, not only complements but also enhances your natural beauty, evens out your complexion, and reduces the need for daily makeup application. Here’s why more clients (and skincare professionals) are embracing facial spray tanning as part of their routine.
1. A Consistent, All-Over Glow
One of the most noticeable benefits is color continuity—that flawless blend from chest to chin that gives you an authentic, sun-kissed look. Without it, even the best bronzer or translucent powder can leave you looking two-toned. A professionally applied airbrush tan to the face delivers balance and symmetry, especially when using lightweight, high-quality solutions that fade evenly with the rest of your tan.
2. Safe, UV-Free Radiance
Facial skin is thinner and more prone to long-term sun damage. Using self-tanning lotion or spray tanning instead of sunbathing avoids UV radiation exposure while still giving you that radiant Caribbean sunshine glow. Our DHA-based solutions react only with the outer layer of the skin, with no penetration or long-term harm.
Plus, with facial tanning, you don’t have to rely on heavy, pigmented facial tanning products or multiple layers of bronzing makeup to achieve that post-vacation radiance. A soft, subtle glow means less makeup, more confidence.
3. Skin-Loving Ingredients That Nourish
goGLOW’s custom solutions for facial skin often include gentle hydrators and a moisture-locking finishing spray.
Unlike drugstore tanning lotions, these products are designed for facial use and tested for both skin hydration and non-comedogenic performance.
4. Quick Confidence Boost
There’s something undeniably powerful about a fresh, even glow on your face. A professional facial spray tan smooths the appearance of uneven skin tone and camouflages minor blemishes or redness. It gives you that radiant “just back from the islands” look without needing to touch your makeup bag.
Clients often report feeling more confident with minimal makeup after a well-executed spray tan face session. For busy mornings, no-makeup days, or photo-heavy events, that boost can be a game-changer.
When paired with the right moisturizer or a touch of translucent powder, your glow looks polished and photo-ready, with zero sun damage required.
Preparing Your Face Before a Spray Tan
To get the most out of your facial spray tan, or any sunless tanning treatment, proper skin prep is essential. Facial skin is more delicate and reactive than body skin, so skipping preparation steps can lead to uneven absorption, patchiness, or premature fading.
Here’s how to prime your skin for a flawless, long-lasting glow:
Step 1 – Exfoliate Gently
Exfoliation is a must, but gentle is the key word. Harsh exfoliating scrubs or grainy cleansers can irritate facial skin or cause microtears, which may lead to uneven application of your spray tan or self-tanner. Instead:
- Use a soft exfoliating mitt, like the goGLOW EXFOLIATE, or a gel-based exfoliant 24 hours before your spray tan face session.
- Focus on common buildup areas: the T-zone, chin, and along the jawline.
- Avoid any exfoliators that contain oils or harsh acids. These can interfere with the reaction between the DHA (dihydroxyacetone) in your tanning solution and your skin’s amino acids and proteins.
- Use goGLOW CLEANSE to clean and hydrate at the same time. It’s also great to shave with before a goGLOW session.
This light exfoliation clears away dead skin cells, balances skin texture, and allows your tan to “cling” to fresh, even skin.
Step 2 – Moisturize Smartly
Hydration is crucial for a smooth, natural-looking tan. However, timing and product choice matter:
- Apply a mineral oil-free moisturizer, like the goGLOW HYDRATE butter, the night before your appointment.
- Steer clear of heavy creams, facial oils, or serums that may block the absorption of the spray tan solution.
Avoid applying most moisturizers that aren’t HYDRATE immediately before your spray tan appointment. Even the best products, like a serum or detoxing cream, can interfere with how the custom-blend solution interacts with your skin.
Step 3 – Prepping with pH-Balancing Spray
Before the tanning solution is applied, goGLOW technicians use a pH-balancing spray to prime your skin. This professional step is designed to:
- Remove any remaining residue from face wash, oils, or shaving products
- Restore your skin’s natural pH, optimizing DHA absorption
- Create an even surface so the spray tan develops smoothly and evenly
This pH-balancing action enhances the bonding process between the solution’s components and the proteins in your skin, delivering a smoother tan with longer-lasting results, especially across sensitive areas like the nose, chin, or forehead.
No barrier cream is required in most cases, as the solution is designed to work harmoniously with facial skin without over-depositing color.
How Professionals Apply a Facial Spray Tan
The facial spray tan application is an art form. At goGLOW, we take extra care to ensure that every spray tan face session enhances your natural skin tone without looking heavy, patchy, orange, or overdone. Whether you’re getting a spray tan for a special event or maintaining a natural glow year-round, our goal is to create a natural looking glow that complements your complexion without irritating sensitive skin. Here’s how we deliver airbrush perfection with every session.
The Airbrush Technique
Using a precision airbrush spraying machine, your certified goGLOW technician mists your face with an ultra-fine layer of tanning solution specifically formulated for facial skin. This customized sunless tanning technique involves:
Multiple directional passes—vertical, horizontal, and cross-over motions—to ensure even coverage from forehead to chin and avoid any tan lines or uneven coloring.
Extra care around contour zones like the sides of the nose, jawline, and under the chin, where spray tans can pool or appear darker.
Minimal layering, with just enough solution to create a natural looking tan without masking your natural skin tone, clogging pores, or creating fake tan buildup.
Each spray tan face session is done in a well-ventilated booth, allowing your technician to spray your entire body comfortably while giving your face the precision needed for a flawless, long lasting tan.
Positioning for Perfect Application
You’ll be asked to:
Close your eyes and relax your facial muscles to prevent creasing.
Slightly lift your chin for optimal neck and jawline coverage, ensuring the tan transitions smoothly from face to body.
Rotate your head gently left and right as the technician works, helping avoid missed areas, white lines, or uneven patches.
This ensures a smooth application and eliminates the risk of buildup around the hairline, blue-toned shadows, or darker areas near the wrists, ankles, and collarbone.
Finishing Touches and Dry Pass
Once the application is complete, your technician may:
Use a dry pass (air only) to help set the spray tan formula without adding more solution.
Gently blot excess solution with a tissue if needed, especially around the nostrils, hairline, or near the nails.
Offer a light dusting of translucent powder or a moisture-locking finish to reduce tackiness and add a subtle, natural shimmer.
The process takes only a few minutes but makes a big difference in how evenly your tan develops—especially when paired with the right tanning products and aftercare.
Aftercare: Keeping Your Face Tan Fresh and Natural
Your spray tan face appointment might only take minutes, but maintaining that sun-kissed, natural looking glow requires thoughtful aftercare. Facial skin fades faster than the body due to washing, makeup, shaving, natural oils, and exfoliation, so proper care ensures your spray tan’s life lasts as long as possible.
1. Wait to Wash
After your spray tan session, you must allow the formula time to fully develop:
Avoid washing your face or getting it wet for at least 12 hours for the single solution, or 3 hours for rapid tans (or as advised during your spray tan session).
Use lukewarm water—not hot—and skip cleansers, makeup removers, or exfoliating lotions during the first rinse.
Pat your skin dry gently afterward; don’t rub, as this can cause streaking or remove color unevenly.
If your tan includes a cosmetic bronzer, some color may wash off initially—this is normal and not the DHA result itself.
2. Hydration Is Everything
Once your first shower is complete, hydration becomes key to a long lasting tan:
Use a lightweight, non comedogenic facial moisturizer to prevent flaking and maintain a natural looking glow.
Avoid products with alcohol, acids, exfoliating enzymes, or harsh ingredients for 48–72 hours, as they break down DHA and fade the tan faster.
To extend your glow, you can mix a few drops of your favorite tanning drops or a light layer of self tanner into your moisturizer every 3–5 days.
goGLOW’s HYDRATE lotion and TOUCH UP products add subtle color without creating darker patches or a fake tan smell.
3. Exfoliate Gently After 4–5 Days
Exfoliation helps your spray tan fade naturally and prepares the skin for your next session.
Use a soft mitt or sponge to remove dead skin cells gently. Avoid harsh scrubs, rubbing aggressively, or exfoliating too early—this can create patchiness, streaks, or uneven fade patterns.
Focus on areas where dead skin accumulates most (chin, cheeks, nose) and cleanse with pH-balanced facial products like goGLOW CLEANSE before your next tan.
This prevents the cracked tan appearance that can happen when tanning products build up unevenly.
4. Smart Makeup and SPF Use
Once your tan is set:
Use tinted moisturizers or BB creams for a natural finish.
Avoid silicone-heavy primers and thick bronzer formulas that can create an unnatural appearance or clog pores.
Apply broad-spectrum SPF daily—DHA does not provide sun protection even though your tan looks darker.
Choose non comedogenic sunscreen to protect your glow without disrupting your spray tan finish.
When You Might Want to Skip Spray Tanning Your Face
Spray tanning the face is safe for most people, but there are times when it’s best to adjust your routine or use a self tan alternative.
1. When Skin Is Sensitive or Irritated
Skip facial spray tanning if you’re experiencing:
Breakouts or cystic acne
Rosacea, eczema flare-ups, or general redness
Sunburn, peeling skin, or post-procedure sensitivity
Open wounds, cuts, or reactions to skincare products
Spray tanning over compromised skin can produce darker patches, clogged pores, uneven development, or lingering product buildup.
2. When Using Strong Active Skincare
Retinoids, tretinoin, AHAs, BHAs, and other actives thin the skin barrier and accelerate exfoliation, causing your tan to fade faster and look patchy.
In this case, consider:
• Skipping the face during your spray tan
• Using tanning drops at home
• Applying a very light layer of self tanner only where needed
3. When You Prefer Total Control with Self-Tanners
Some clients prefer using self tanners such as facial tanning drops, tinted serums, or gradual lotions like goGLOW TOUCH UP or EXTEND. These options allow you to blend a light layer into your moisturizer and build color slowly for a beautifully even tan customized to your personal preferences.
These methods work best when combined with proper prep, cleanse steps, and aftercare—just like a professional spray tan.
Alternatives to Facial Spray Tanning
If you’re not ready to commit to a full spray tan face session, or if you fall into one of the exceptions mentioned earlier, there are still plenty of ways to get that golden glow without stepping into a booth.
Here are a few trusted alternatives that offer flexibility, control, and sun-kissed results:
Gradual Tanning Lotions
Gentle tanning lotions designed for facial skin can be applied every other day for a controlled build. Unlike heavily pigmented facial tanning products or drugstore bronzers, goGLOW’s formulations are designed to blend seamlessly with your skin’s undertones.
Combine solutions like goGLOW’s HYDRATE lotion with the TOUCH UP or EXTEND solutions to create a gradual color effect in your daily routine. These products are ideal for maintaining your glow between appointments or subtly building tone over several days.
Always look for options with hydrating ingredients and avoid those packed with artificial fragrances or shimmers that can irritate sensitive facial skin.
At-Home Airbrush Devices
For daring, experienced clients, portable airbrush devices allow for precise facial application at home using professional-grade tanning mist. While this requires solid spray tan knowledge and a steady hand, it’s a flexible alternative if studio access is limited.
Make sure you’re working in a ventilated area, using high-quality solutions, and performing a patch test before any full application.
However, nothing beats the controlled, professional setting of a sunless tanning session.
Be Bronze, Be Confident
Spray tanning your face can feel like a bold step, but with the right preparation, products, and professional application, it’s one of the most rewarding parts of any sunless tanning routine.
Whether you’re after that subtle Caribbean sunshine flush or a richer bronze base to skip the makeup routine, facial tanning offers even color and safe sunless radiance.
At goGLOW, we specialize in real skin, real results. Our technicians are trained in advanced airbrush techniques, our formulations are built for sensitive skin, and our aftercare products are curated for maximum hydration and longevity.
Want the glow without the guesswork?
- Book a spray tan appointment at goGLOW for your custom facial airbrush session.
- Explore our full suite of sunless skincare and self-tanning solutions to maintain your glow at home with confidence.
From first-timers to spray tan veterans, we’ll help you glow smarter, longer, and brighter, every single time.
