F A Q
SPRAY TAN PREP TIPS
SPRAY TAN PREP // BEFORE APPOINTMENT
1. HOW SHOULD I PREP FOR MY TAN?
We highly recommend that you shower and shave one day prior to your tanning session. A glycerin soap (avoid oil soaps) is most ideal because it leaves little residue on your skin. Exfoliating is very important because it will help your tan last longer.
SPRAY TAN PREP // BEFORE APPOINTMENT
2. BEST WAY TO EXFOLIATE?
The best way to do this is to use a sugar scrub in combination with exfoliating gloves. Schedule manicure/pedicures, and waxing appts. before rather than after. It is okay to wear non-oil based makeup and/or lotion.
SPRAY TAN PREP // BEFORE APPOINTMENT
3. MAKE SURE TO HAVE ALCOHOL FREE OR SULFATE FREE PRODUCTS
Before your appointment it is important to avoid any contact with any products that contain alcohol or sulfate.
SPRAY TAN PREP // BEFORE APPOINTMENT
2. WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
It is best to wear dark, loose fitting clothing and flip flops. (There is cosmetic bronzer in the solution and there is a chance that it can rub off on clothing. It washes out of most materials, but it is better to be on the safe side and not wear anything light in color.)
SPRAY TAN PREP // BEFORE APPOINTMENT
3. WHAT SHOULD I WEAR DURING MY TREATMENT?
Ladies, you are welcome to wear as little or as much as you are comfortable wearing- just keep unwanted tan lines in mind! Gentlemen, we request that you wear underwear or swimwear.
SPRAY TAN PREP // BEFORE APPOINTMENT
4. HOW LONG DOES THE APPOINTMENT TAKE?
The appointment is set for exactly 15 minutes, so it is very important to be punctual. If you are a first time client, we recommend that you arrive 5 minutes before your scheduled appointment time so that you can fill out a waiver and receive a consultation from your airbrush tanning artist.
SPRAY TAN PREP // BEFORE APPOINTMENT
5. WHAT IS THE SOLUTION?
The active ingredient in the solution is DHA (dihydroxyacetone) which is a simple carbohydrate that can be found in sugar beets and sugar cane. When DHA comes in contact with dead skin cells (the outermost layer of skin) it interacts with the amino acids (proteins), causing a browning effect, much like an apple does when exposed to the air. In comparison, a tan from the sun or tanning beds occurs when UV rays penetrate the lower layers of the epidermis, aka live skin cells. Although a tan from UV rays may last longer than a spray tan, the health risks associated far outweigh the one and only upside.
POST SPRAY TAN TIPS
1. HOW LONG SHOULD I WAIT TO WORKOUT OR SHOWER?
This depends on your solution choice. With the Standard tan, we strongly recommend that you wait at least 12 hours before you sweat or get wet. With the Express tan, you must shower (without soap) sometime in between 3-4 hours of your tanning session.
2. HOW LONG SHOULD I WAIT TO WORKOUT OR SHOWER WITH EXPRESS?
With the Express tan, you must shower (without soap) sometime in between 3-4 hours of your tanning session. With Express tan, you are allowed to do a light workout after your shower. Hot yoga/activities could affect the overall darkness of your tan if done within 12 hours post session.
3. WHY DO YOU RECOMMEND SHOWERING WITHOUT SOAP?
It has been proven that soap neutralizes the development of DHA. We strongly recommend just a warm water rinse so that your tan is able to obtain it’s full color. If you would like to use a limited amount of soap in certain areas, that is completely fine as well.
4. HOW LONG WILL MY TAN LAST?
This depends on several factors including your skin type, skin cycle, lifestyle, and care. It should last for the minimum of a week and has the potential to last as long as two weeks.
5. HOW CAN I EXTEND MY TAN?
The best thing that you can do to increase the longevity of your tan is to apply an Extending Moisturizer once a day. Try to avoid activities that speed up your skin’s natural exfoliation process. Keep in mind that long showers, hot tubs, heavy sweating, and swimming tend to dry out your skin.
6. WHY DOES MY TAN FADE FASTER?
This is due to several reasons. First, facial skin is thinner than skin found on other parts of the body. The face is also more exposed to the environment and endures more frequent washing. In addition, makeup, anti-aging creams, astringents, etc. tend to break down the tan more quickly.
7. WHY DO SOME SUNLESS TANS START TO BECOME PATCHY?
The active ingredient in airbrush tanning solution is DHA (dihydroxyacetone). The DHA reacts with your dead skin cell’s proteins, resulting in a bronzing effect. Skin goes through its natural exfoliation process, these dead skin cells shed. Not every cell sheds at the same rate. You may have some “tanned” cells that remain or last longer than others. This has no correlation to your airbrush technician or the solution.
8. WILL MY AIRBRUSH TAN PROTECT ME FROM THE SUN?
Unfortunately, it does not, so remember to wear SPF!
9. WILL DRY SKIN AFFECT MY AIRBRUSH TAN?
Dry skin may cause the tan to fade unevenly. (This is often more of a concern during the winter months.) If you have dry skin, we recommend that you moisturize twice a day for a week leading up to your tanning session. We suggest that you also apply lotion to dry areas on your skin before your session.