Anyone chasing that healthy Bali glow should know a simple secret: the smoothest, most even tans start with exfoliation. A body scrub before you spend time in the sun preps your skin so colour develops evenly and lasts longer. Here is why it works and how to time it.
Why Exfoliation Comes First
Your skin constantly sheds dead cells, and these build up unevenly across the body, more on rougher areas like elbows, knees, and ankles. When you tan over this uneven surface, colour grabs onto the dead skin and then flakes away patchily within days. Removing that layer first gives you a smooth, even canvas so your tan looks better and fades gracefully rather than blotchily.
How a Body Scrub Helps
A professional body scrub sloughs away dead skin, smooths rough patches, and stimulates circulation, leaving the surface soft and refined. Because the fresh skin underneath is even and hydrated, any colour you develop sits uniformly. The result is a glow that looks natural and lasts noticeably longer.
Choosing Your Scrub
Different scrubs suit different preferences. A coffee body scrub is invigorating and known for its skin-brightening reputation, a sea salt scrub is purifying, and a gentle silk body scrub suits more sensitive skin. The traditional Balinese lulur treatment is a beautifully indulgent option.
Timing It Right
Book your scrub a day or two before you plan to be in the sun rather than immediately beforehand, since freshly exfoliated skin can be a little more sensitive to UV. Always apply sunscreen, as exfoliated skin still needs full protection. Tan gradually and never to the point of burning.
A Word on Sun Safety
Exfoliating for a better tan does not change the basics of sun safety. Bali’s sun is intense, so protect your skin, avoid burning, and soothe it afterward. Our guide to post-beach skin recovery covers how to care for sun-exposed skin.
After Sun Exposure
Once you have your colour, keep skin well moisturised to extend it; hydrated skin holds a tan far longer than dry skin, which flakes. A gentle scrub later in your trip then resets the canvas for an even fade.
Prep Your Glow
For a smoother, longer-lasting tan, start at the spa. Explore our body scrubs on the treatments menu and book your treatment at Korra Spa.
