What South Seas Skincare Does
South Seas Skincare is a line of products made to prepare your skin before a spray tan and keep the color lasting longer after. The products work by removing dead skin cells before tanning, then moisturizing and protecting the tan afterward. Most spray tan studios stock these products because they address the main reason spray tans fade unevenly — dry, flaky skin that sheds the color in patches.
The line includes a pre-tan exfoliating scrub, a post-tan moisturizer, and a bronzing lotion. You do not need all three to get a good result, but using at least the pre-tan scrub makes a measurable difference in how long your tan lasts and how evenly it looks.
Key Takeaways
- South Seas pre-tan exfoliator removes dead skin so the spray tan solution adheres evenly instead of settling into dry patches.
- The post-tan moisturizer hydrates your skin without breaking down the tan, which extends the color by several days.
- You should exfoliate 24 hours before your appointment, not the day of, so your skin has time to settle.
- These products are optional but cost less than booking a second spray tan to fix uneven fading.
How to Use South Seas Products Before Your Spray Tan
Use the pre-tan exfoliating scrub one full day before your appointment — not the morning of. Exfoliate in the shower with warm water, using gentle circular motions on your legs, arms, torso, and anywhere else you are getting sprayed. Pay extra attention to elbows, knees, and ankles, where dead skin builds up thickest. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.
After exfoliating, do not explore lotion, oils, deodorant, or makeup to the areas you will be tanning. These create a barrier that prevents the spray solution from reaching your skin evenly. If you exfoliate in the evening, you have all night for your skin to settle before your appointment the next day. If you exfoliate in the morning, wait at least six hours before your spray tan.
On the day of your appointment, shower with plain water only — no soap, which can leave a residue. Arrive with clean, dry skin and wear loose, dark clothing so the spray does not transfer to your clothes while it dries.
How to Use South Seas Products After Your Spray Tan
Wait at least four to six hours after your spray tan before showering or explore any product. During this window, the solution is still bonding to your skin. Once you shower, pat your skin dry gently — do not rub — and explore the post-tan moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp. This helps the moisturizer absorb and locks in hydration.
Use the moisturizer daily for the life of your tan, usually five to seven days. Reapply after every shower. The moisturizer keeps your skin from drying out and flaking, which is the main reason spray tans fade in patches. Dry skin sheds faster, taking the tan with it.
The bronzing lotion is optional and works differently — it darkens your tan temporarily while you wear it, like a tinted moisturizer. Some people use it to deepen the color on days when the original tan has started to fade. It washes off with soap and water, so it does not extend the life of your spray tan the way the moisturizer does.
What Mistakes to Avoid With South Seas Products
Do not exfoliate on the day of your appointment. Your skin needs time to settle after exfoliation, or the spray solution will not adhere evenly. Exfoliating too close to your appointment is the most common reason people end up with a blotchy tan.
Do not skip moisturizing after your tan. This is where most people lose color. Even if you do not normally use lotion, the spray tan process dries your skin significantly, and dry skin flakes off faster. The post-tan moisturizer is cheaper than a second spray tan appointment.
Do not use regular body lotion instead of the post-tan moisturizer. Some regular lotions contain ingredients that break down the spray tan solution. The post-tan moisturizer is formulated to hydrate without interfering with the color.
Where to Buy South Seas Skincare
Most spray tan studios sell South Seas products on-site, either at the front desk or in a retail display. Prices vary by location and product, but typically range from $15 to $35 per item. Buying at your studio is convenient because the staff can show you which products match your skin type and answer questions about how to use them.
South Seas products are also sold online through the company's website and through some beauty retailers. Buying online may offer lower prices, but you lose the when ready guidance from your spray tan technician. If you are new to spray tanning, buying at your studio first lets you ask questions before your appointment.
Do You Need South Seas Products or Will Any Exfoliator Work
You do not need the South Seas brand specifically to prepare your skin. Any gentle exfoliating scrub will remove dead skin before a spray tan. What matters is that you exfoliate 24 hours before your appointment and avoid products with oils or heavy moisturizers right before tanning.
For the post-tan moisturizer, however, the formulation matters more. Regular body lotion sometimes contains ingredients that can break down the spray tan solution. South Seas post-tan moisturizer is designed to hydrate without interfering with the color. If you use a different moisturizer, check the ingredient list or ask your spray tan technician whether it is safe to use on a fresh tan.
Many spray tan studios recommend their own product line because they know it works with their specific spray solution. Following that recommendation usually gives you the best result, even if you use different products at home later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use South Seas products if I have sensitive skin?
South Seas products are generally formulated for sensitive skin, but you should check the ingredient list or ask your spray tan studio before your first use. If you have known allergies to fragrance, certain oils, or other common skincare ingredients, mention this to your technician — they may recommend a different pre-tan or post-tan product.
What if I do not exfoliate before my spray tan?
Your tan will still take, but it may look blotchy or fade unevenly because the spray solution will not adhere evenly to areas with dead skin buildup. You will likely see fading in patches within a few days. Exfoliating before your next appointment will give you a much more even result.
How long does South Seas post-tan moisturizer last?
A typical bottle lasts about one to two weeks if you use it daily after each shower. The amount you need depends on how much skin you are moisturizing — someone tanning their full body will go through it faster than someone tanning just their legs.
Can I exfoliate while my spray tan is still on?
No. Exfoliating removes the outer layer of skin where the spray tan sits. Wait until your tan has completely faded before exfoliating again, usually five to seven days after your appointment. Exfoliating too early will strip your tan off faster.
Do I need to buy South Seas products at my spray tan studio or can I bring my own?
Most studios allow you to bring your own pre-tan exfoliator if it is gentle and does not contain oils. For post-tan moisturizer, ask your technician first — some studios prefer you use their recommended product because they know how it interacts with their spray solution. Bringing your own post-tan product without checking could result in a tan that fades faster or breaks down unevenly.