Q&A
Q What is Sunless Spray Tanning?
A Sunless Spray Tanning is the spray/mist application of Sunless Tanning Solution to desired areas of your body. When applied, DHA (The active ingredient in Sunless Tanning Solution) reacts with the proteins in the skin’s superficial layer to form a golden brown color. Your skin begins to darken two to three hours after application and reaches its peak color within 24 hours. The color will gradually fade through natural exfoliation, just like a tan from the sun.
Q How should I prepare for my Sunless Spray Tanning Session?
A Exfoliate and shave the day before or the day of your Sunless Spray Tanning Session. (The day before is preferred) The day of your Sunless Spray Tanning Session refrain from using moisturizers, perfumes, lotions, oils or deodorants that may create a barrier between your skin and the Airbrush Tanning Solution. (You may resume using these after your first shower or bath)
Q How long should I wait after a session before showering?
A To give the DHA enough time to fully set, we recommend waiting a minimum of 4 hours after a Sunless Spray Tanning session or 8 hours for optimal results. Showering sooner may diminish the intensity of the tan. If you tanned using an Instant Cosmetic Bronzer option the Instant Cosmetic Color will wash off in the shower, but the color produced by the DHA will remain.
Q Will swimming affect my tan?
A Swimming in chlorinated water or salt water can fade the Sunless Spray Tanning results, cause possible streaking and will diminish the length of your tan. However, normal activities such as bathing, showering or physical activities will not affect the quality of the tan.
Q Will my skin look orange?
A Not at all. Before Sunless Spray Tanning, most self-tanners were creams and lotions applied by hand. That meant inconsistent coverage. Too much lotion applied in one place left the skin looking orange. Not enough lotion left unattractive streaks.
Q Does Sunless Spray Tanning Solution have any smell after contact with my skin?
A Some people notice a slight starchy smell on their skin a few hours after a tanning session. This is simply the DHA reacting to proteins in your skin and it fades away fairly quickly.
Q Will the bronzing formula stain my hair or clothing?
A The Sunless Spray Tanning Bronzing formula is completely water soluble. Users may notice some initial cosmetic color on the inside of their clothing, but this color will wash out in cold water, however DHA in the tanning formula may permanently stain what you wear during your session.
Q How long does Sunless Spray Tanning last?
A A Sunless Spray Tan can last up to 7 days depending on the formulation you choose and the condition of your skin.
Q What is DHA?
A The active ingredient most often used in all sunless tanners including tinted moisturizers, self-tanners, and spray tan solution is called DHA or dihydroxyacetone. DHA is a carbohydrate (monosaccharide sugar) compound approved by the FDA for use in externally applied sunless tanning solutions. For misting applications, the FDA recommends protective measures to prevent eye contact, inhalation or ingestion. DHA is often derived from a vegetable source like beets or sugar cane. Its properties as a skin darkener were discovered in the 1920s but weren’t marketed as such until the 1960s, then added to the FDA’s list of approved colors for cosmetic products in the 1970s.
Get That Perfect Tan
What solution goes best with your skin type?
Skin Type I
Common Physical Characteristics
Common Physical Characteristics
Common Physical Characteristics
Common Physical Characteristics
What solution goes best with your skin type?
Skin Type I
Common Physical Characteristics
- Extremely sensitive to sun. Often light haired, fair skinned with freckles. Usually sunburns easily. Not likely to tan.
- Solution 6
Common Physical Characteristics
- Very sensitive to sun. Often fair skinned and blue or light colored eyes. Usually sunburns easily. Able to achieve light tan.
- Solution 6 or 9
Common Physical Characteristics
- Sensitive to sun. Most Caucasians fit into this category. Sometimes sunburns. Achieves medium tan.
- Solution 9 or 12
Common Physical Characteristics
- Moderately sensitive to sun. Often of Mediterranean, Hispanic or Asian descent. Sunburns a little. Usually tans well.
- 12 and/or with Booster Drops.
How to Maintain Your Spray Tan
- Spray tans can last from 4 – 10 days if cared for correctly. To maintain your tan, make sure that you moisturize and use CORRECT products. Using the wrong products can cause your tan to fade quicker than normal.
- The following is a list of body care products that could potentially have a fading or blotchy effect on your spray tan. This is only a guide and not every client will have an issue with these items or products:
- AHA products
- Anti-acne products that exfoliate or dry the skin
- Anti-aging products that exfoliate skin
- Bar soaps
- BHA products
- Retin-A products
- Body Hair Bleach Products
- Toners containing Alcohols or Witch Hazel can lighten tan
- Facial masks & exfoliating scrubs
- Body spray, perfumes, and bug spray when they are sprayed directly on skin. We recommend that you
- spray your clothing or spray into the air then walk through.
- Hair inhibiting Lotions can cause your tan to yellow
- Exercising often or large amount of sweating can cause your tan to fade faster, especially in body fold areas.
- Makeup remover cleaning products or oils
- Submersion in hot tub or swimming pool and sometimes even habitual long hot baths.
- Using a loofah, mitt, scrub etc. for daily washing
- Waxing unwanted hair or depilatory hair removal products