Frequently asked questions
The most common questions I get from my clients
Spray tan, a.k.a. airbrush tan, has DHA in it which is an FDA approved nontoxic product that is a safe and reliable means to tanning without all the risks associated with UV rays from the sun or tanning bed/booths. DHA is a form of glycerin derivative that is sprayed, along with a cosmetic bronzer, and reacts with the amino acids on the outmost layer of the skin (stratum corneum). DHA does not have sunscreen in it and will not protect against any UV damage. A spray tan is dependent on prepping skin before your appt and can vary from person to person. Not everyone will react to the solution and or additives the same way. If you are pregnant, please get approval from your Dr. prior to your appt.
Yes, spray tanning is a safe alternative to sun and/or bed tanning. A special solution is applied in a controlled environment and is made with FDA-approved ingredients. However, it is always best to consult with your healthcare provider before getting a spray tan.
DHA is an FDA approved nontoxic colorless sugar product in the spray tan solution, that is a safe and reliable alternative to tanning beds/booths and the sun. DHA is a glycerin that is sprayed onto the outer most layer of your skin allowing a reaction with the amino acids to create a natural looking tan. As these skin cells naturally die off, the color of your tan with gradually fade. Your potential health risks associated with exposure to UV rays are always dramatically increased therefore making spray tanning a safer way to get a tan.
No, absolutely not! The solutions I use are made of the highest quality, natural ingredients. The solution have a base that reacts with the warm tones in your skin. A consultation is included with each session where I will go over your desired shade and where I will get a better idea of your wants and needs to create a custom solution that fits you best!
Please come to your appt with a make-up free face, lotion/product free body and no deodorant. Make sure you exfoliated and shaved any unwanted hair at least 24 hrs prior.
Wear or bring baggy, non-constricting comfy clothes and slides/slip-on loose shoes. This is to prevent additional rub off onto your clothes and accessories. It's best to wear baggy pants so your legs don't come in contact with seats/chairs as well as shoes that aren't too tight.
Please view the Tan Care section to find out the proper steps that need to be followed before your spray tan.
When you leave your appt in your comfy loose clothing, you'll want to avoid water at all costs. If you chose a rapid solution, you need to wait at least 2-5 hrs, depending on your desired shade, before you can rinse with warm only and you will use your hands to help rinse off any leftover bronzer. If you chose a standard solution, you need to wait any where from 8-12 hrs before that first rinse with warm water. Try to avoid doing dishes, laundry or being in any environment where water or abrasives can interfere with the processing time of the tanning solution.
The entire process of spraying the tanning solution takes about 10-15 minutes, from start to finish. But before that, there are several steps to ensure safety and protection during the process. I will start with a consultation so that I can identify the preferred shade that you are looking for as well as what to expect throughout the session to get the best angles and results. I will instruct you throughout the appointment what the best positions to stand in are so that I can spray the desired areas to get an even glow. After the solution has been sprayed, I will dry and address potential areas of concern to make sure your tan is the best possible. Once that is done, a powder will be brushed all over the surface of your skin that was sprayed to help with drying. This will also help prevent rubbing and decrease the chance of transferring your tan.
The typical spray tan can last anywhere from 7-14 days with proper care and upkeep. Your spray tan will start to fade gradually, and since everyone's skin naturally exfoliates itself at different rates, there is no way to determine exactly how long an individuals tan will fade. To prevent fading, its best to exfoliate and prep your skin even before your appointment to ensure a lasting experience.
The life of your tan depends on how fast your body exfoliates that top later of dead skin cells as well as how well you maintain your skin. Moisturizing your skin at least 2x a day to help hydrate your skin can extend the life of your tan. Hot showers, hot tubs, chlorinated pools, shaving and waxing will increase your skins natural exfoliation and lessen the life of your tan.
It is best to avoid showering, swimming, sweating, or any water contact for at least 8 hours after your appointment, unless you are given a designated time due to using a Rapid solution. This helps the solution to fully develop and achieve the best results.
Once its time for your initial rinse, make sure to do so as close to the time instructed. Rinse with warm water and no soap. Use your hands to help rinse off any added bronzer and pat dry with a towel. Avoid any shampoo or conditioner until its time for your regular shower. It is ok to moisturize with approved products after your initial rinse and shower as normal around the 24 hr mark as your tan should be fully developed by then.
Tan Care
Here is what you absolutely need to do before any spray tan:
- Exfoliate your skin at least 24 hours prior to your spray tan appointment to remove any dead skin cells and ensure an even application. You want to make sure you remove any left over film from lotions, makeup, body wash or oils.
- Make sure you wax, shave, pluck or laser any unwanted hair at least 24 hours prior to your spray tan. Thoroughly exfoliate after shaving to reduce the possible residue left over by the moisturizing strip on the razor.
- Avoid using any lotions, oils, or deodorants on your skin before your spray tan session, as they can interfere with the solution's absorption and may result in streaks or uneven color.
- Schedule any manicure or pedicure appointment at least 24 hours prior to you appointment so avoid it ruining your tan on your hands, feet, arms and legs.
- Stop using bar soap, cream and oil based body washes. Do not use Dove, Victoria's Secret or Bath and Bodyworks soaps and lotions as they can change the pH level of your skin and leave a film which can make your tan streaky or uneven.
- All spa procedures should be done a day or two prior to your appointment. make sure not to use acne products before a spray tan.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing to your appointment to avoid any friction that can rub off the solution.
- DO NOT book a spray tan appointment with skin that has been recently sunburned. The solution will draw out the damage and will be uneven.
- Planning your day before, during and after your spray tan appointment is key to ensuring a lasting glow! Moisturize daily/weekly leading up to your appointment. Make sure you can do your initial rinse in warm water at the designated time assigned to you based off the solution that was used. No working out/sweating or water exposure until after that initial rinse time.
Here is what you need to keep in mind on the day of your spray tan session:
- Avoid using any lotions, oils, or deodorants on your skin before your spray tan session, as they can interfere with the solution's absorption and may result in streaks or uneven color.
- Wear dark, loose clothing to your appointment as the solution may rub off on clothing and light colors may become stained.
- Avoid wearing tight clothing or undergarments, as they can rub off the solution and cause streaks.
- Bring flip flops or open-toed shoes to wear after your session to avoid smudging the solution on your feet.
- Make sure you can do your initial rinse with warm water at the designated time assigned to you based off the solution that was used. No working out/sweating or water exposure until after that initial rinse time.
Here is what you do after your spray tan:
- Wait at least 2-5 hours when getting a rapid tan or 8-12 hours with a traditional solution before rinsing.
- Avoid activities associated with water or that cause sweating or rubbing of the skin, such as exercising or tight clothing.
- It takes a full 24 hours for any spray tan to develop.
- Moisturize your skin daily after your session to help maintain your tan and avoid dryness.
Here is the best way to maintain your tan:
- No sweating, deodorant, makeup, perfume or tight fitting clothes right after your spray tan.
- Avoid long, hot showers and baths as they can fade your tan more quickly.
- Pat your skin dry with a towel after bathing, rather than rubbing, to avoid rubbing off the solution.
- Avoid pools, hot tubs, saunas, shaving and waxing to limit the chances it will fade your tan faster.
- Use perfume-free and oil-free lotions that hydrate the skin.
- When showering, use a gel based or oil-free soap.
- Protect your skin. Use a mineral based sunscreen lotion when going outside as the spray tan solution does not contain an SPF.
BODY WASH & SOAP
- Aveeno Active Naturals Body Wash
- Puracy Natural Body Wash
- Love Beauty & Planet Majestic Moisture Body Wash
- Cetaphil Daily Refreshing Body Wash
- Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Body Wash
We want to look for the following products or ingredients:
- Shea butter
- Fragrance-free
- Oil-free
- Aloe-vera
- Coconut oil
