A: The principle tanning agent used in all self-tanning formulas is dihydroxyacetone (DHA). This ingredient does not produce a "real tan" by increasing the skin’s melanin levels, rather it creates a tanned appearance by developing a brown color on the surface of the skin.

The action of DHA is limited to the upper layer of the skin and involves a reaction between DHA and skin proteins and oxygen that produces brown compounds. This process is similar to what occurs when you slice open an apple and the surface of the apple browns when it’s exposed to the oxygen in the air.

A: Bring a swimsuit or undergarments to tan in that are not your best. Ladies, you may wish to not have tan lines. Men, we require you wear briefs or shorts.

A: Typically 5-7 days… The "life span" of your sunless spray tan is dependent on many factors.

• How quickly your skin naturally exfoliates itself. The faster your skin turns over, the faster the sunless tan will fade.
• How well you prep your skin before your appointment, as well as how well you care for your sunless tan.
• Staying clear of saturating your skin in a bath, hot tub, pool or ocean. This will lift the tan off of your skin very quickly.
• Avoiding long, hot showers – stick with warm water.

Following a good skin care regimen before and after sunless tanning will help your sunless tan last longer. Exfoliating prior to a sunless tanning application and keeping skin moisturized afterward is essential. Sunless tan-extending products are available in-studio which help hydrate skin and maintain even, natural-looking color longer.

A: Clients who receive the Original Spray Tan will achieve the best results if they can avoid showering for 10-12 hours. First time shower should be a simple warm water rinse only, no body wash.

Clients who receive the Express Rinse Spray Tan, the rinse time will be discussed during your appointment.

NOTE: The instant cosmetic bronzer is the color that is immediately visible during the session and will wash off during the first shower, revealing the DHA bronze tan beneath. This is normal. Please do not think your tan is washing down the drain.

A: If the spray solution has a cosmetic bronzer, some of the bronze color may rub off on clothing or bed sheets. This is most likely to happen when you get dressed immediately after tanning.

To minimize the chance of the tint transferring to clothing, we recommend that you wear loose-fitting, darker clothes/flip flops after your spray session. Try to refrain from physical exertion that could result in you sweating until you shower and wash off the cosmetic bronzer.

The cosmetic bronzer is water-soluble. Therefore, in most cases, the color will come out of clothing in the wash.

A: No. The skin is not protected and you will still need to apply SPF lotions or sprays when in the sun.

We've created a list of products to avoid after airbrush tanning:

In order to assist our clients in achieving the best tanning results, clients should be aware of the before tanning guidelines prior to coming in for their appointment.

• Exfoliate thoroughly (but lightly) the day prior and the day of your sunless tanning session. We recommend nylon exfoliating gloves with water only. For clients with extremely dry skin, we recommend using a salt or sugar scrub; however, this must be done 24 hours before your appointment, otherwise the oils within the scrub will affect the sunless tanning results. Healthy skin always tans best!
• Shower and shave the night before your tanning session. NOTE: Avoid using bar soaps, high pH shower products or in-shower moisturizers the day of your tan. These products can halt the DHA reaction.
• Do not apply body sprays, perfumes, deodorant, makeup, or moisturizer prior to your tanning session.
• Bring a swimsuit or undergarments to tan in that are not your best. Ladies, you may wish to not have tan lines. Men, we require you wear briefs or shorts.
• Wear dark, loose fitting clothes and flip-flops to go home in.
• Manicures/pedicures and waxing must be done at least 24 hours prior to your tanning session.

Aftercare is extremely important for the longevity of your sunless tan. Taking proper care of your skin will provide longer lasting results.

• While your tan is developing, be sure to wear dark loose-fitting clothing. Wait between 10-12 hours to shower or exercise… the longer the better. The cosmetic bronzer will wash away during your first shower, leaving you with your sunless tan. A sulfate-free, hydrating body wash is excellent as part of your maintenance program. We carry the appropriate body wash in the studio for your convenience.
  Note: If you have received a "rapid" tan, rinsing time and processing will be different. Your Spray Tech Professional will go over the timeframe with you.
• Avoid harsh scrubbing and long, hot baths, chlorinated pools or hot tubs. Pat dry after showering.
• Moisturizing daily is extremely important to the longevity of your spray tan! Hydrated skin retains a spray tan longer. We recommend our sulfate-free moisturizers, as well as our extending moisturizers with a touch of DHA, the active ingredient in all sunless products, to extend your tan and assist with fade off.
• Our solutions do not contain SPF.