SUNLESS FAQ

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR SKIN FOR A SPRAY TAN

 

Preparation

1. Try to prepare your skin by exfoliating (especially the driest areas including the knees, elbows, hands, and feet), shaving, and getting a manicure or pedicure before a spray tan.
2. Be sure not to moisturize before you go in for your spray tan, this could cause any type of splotchy spots. Be careful some body washes or soaps will leave a residue on the skin that will also block out the spray tan.
3. When you show up for your spray tan, make sure you are free of makeup, deodorant, and perfume, these will prevent the absorption of DHA. Try to wear loose, dark clothing to help prevent the tan rubbing off in odd spots. If possible, try to wear nail polish to help keep your nails from discoloration.

During

1. Once in the private room, undress to your level of comfort, if you choose to spray a swimsuit or some clothes on – make sure they are dark clothes that you do not mind having stained.
2. Make sure you wear the disposable hair net provided, and if you decide to purchase some priming lotion – use that first to help prepare your skin for better absorption.
3. Apply the Barrier cream that is provided in the room to prepare for your spray tan. Apply a light layer of the cream in areas where skin tends to be rougher – your hands, fingers, feet, toes, and sides of feet. This will help keep from discoloration.
4. Our machines are voice-guided and will help walk you through step-by-step of the tanning process.

After

1. After your spray tan, avoid water – rain, bathing, working out or swimming for at least 4 hours. Once you decide to rinse off the spray tan solution, be sure to rinse free of soaps for the first shower, and be sure not to scrub. When drying off, try to pat dry instead of rubbing as this will help preserve the tan.
2. Be sure to use tan extending lotion with the highest quality of ingredients, such as a hemp lotion that will give extremely good skin care benefits and intense moisture.
3. If possible try to avoid harsh oils, chemicals, and swimming in pools and oceans – but if your tan does start to fade, you can use some at home tanning lotion or spray to help keep your tan glowing.

If you still have any questions about getting your spray tan at Beaches – we would love to answer anything else you need to know!

What is Sunless Spray Tanning?

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 colour. Your skin begins to darken two to three hours after application and reaches its peak colour within 24 hours. The colour will gradually fade through natural exfoliation, just like a tan from the sun

What is DHA?

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 colours for cosmetic products in the 1970s.

How should I prepare for my Sunless Spray Tanning Session?

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)

How long should I wait after a session before showering?

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 Colour will wash off in the shower, but the colour produced by the DHA will remain.

Will swimming affect my tan?

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.

Will my skin look orange?

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.

Does Sunless Spray Tanning Solution have any smell after contact with my skin?

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.

Will the bronzing formula stain my hair or clothing?

The Sunless Spray Tanning Bronzing formula is completely water soluble. Users may notice some initial cosmetic colour on the inside of their clothing, but this colour will wash out in cold water, however DHA in the tanning formula may permanently stain what you wear during your session.

How long does Sunless Spray Tanning last?

A Sunless Spray Tan can last up to 7 days depending on the formulation you choose and the condition of your skin.

Are there ways to enhance the Sunless Spray Tanning results?

Yes, all Sunless, Inc. retail take-home products are created to enhance and extend Professional Sunless Spray Tanning results. Over the counter products are not formulated for Sunless Tanning. They may block the tan’s application, impede the development process, and create uneven post-tan fading.
Ask your Salon Professional about Sunless, Inc.’s complete line of retail take-home Sunless Products to enhance and extend the life of your Professional Sunless Spray Tan.

Is the DHA in Sunless Spray Tanning solution safe to use?

The FDA has approved DHA for external application to your skin. For misting applications, the FDA recommends protective measures to prevent eye contact, inhalation or ingestion. To make sure you are completely protected, the FDA suggests wearing protective eyewear, nose filters, lip balm, and protective undergarments.

Has anyone ever had an allergic reaction to Sunless Spray Tanning solution?

Yes. If you’ve had previous allergic reactions to self-tanning lotions or cosmetics, you should consult a health care professional before using spray tanning.

What happens if the Sunless Spray Tanning solution gets in my eyes?

FDA recommends that DHA not be used in the eyes or surrounding area. That is why we recommend using protective eyewear which can be supplied by your salon. If you choose not to wear protective eyewear and your eyes feel irritated, gently splash with water. If you have additional questions, consult your health care provider.

What happens if I inhale any of the Sunless Spray Tanning solution?

FDA recommends that DHA not be inhaled. That is why we recommend using nose filters which can be supplied by your salon. If you choose not to wear nose filters and your nose feels irritated, consult your health care provider.

Spray tans fade too quickly and are not worth it.

The life of your spray tan is entirely dependent on how well you prepare your skin and take care of your tan after. Ensuring that skin is exfoliated, free of hair, and your body is hydrated will help your spray tan be absorbed much more. Waiting the correct amount of time after the spray tan to allow for it to develop fully, will also help ensure you are getting the best results.
Making sure not to scrub, use exfoliators, or rub with a towel will keep your tan from fading. Lastly, using a tan extending lotion will help extend the life of your tan greatly and moisturize your skin to keep it hydrated.

Spray tans look fake and unnatural.

Most people are afraid of getting a spray tan in fear of turning a horrendous, unnatural shade of orange. This is a simple fix that can be controlled with the proper high-quality ingredients and talking more with your tanning consultant to find the perfect spray tan formula for you. We want to make sure you get the best spray tan, so we can help recommend the right shade and additives for your skin tone. Our automated spray tan booths are designed to spray with an airbrush technology to give you that all over glow – no missed splotches making it look fake. With the addition of bronzers such as the Island Kyssed, this can help give your tan more of a natural violet undertone which will work with your skin to counter any orange hue that may be apparent from the spray tan.

If it is your first spray tan or you are hesitant about the results, we recommend starting with a lighter color first, and you can always go darker next time. When the light color begins to fade, it won’t be as noticeable and you can work your way up to a darker tan.

Spray tans are dangerous.

In order for a spray tan to be dangerous to you – you would have to swallow a large amount of spray tan mist. If you are worried about breathing in the solution, you can make sure your mouth is closed, use nose filters, and use goggles, but a quick spray won’t do you much harm. In fact, a spray tan will give you that instant color without the ongoing exposure to UV rays – making spray tans a much healthier alternative.

Spray tans are messy and can leave your skin blotchy.

With our automated spray tan booths, there is nothing messy about getting it. The airbrush technology is sprayed at a quick speed and then a heated dryer passes over the spray afterward to help dry swiftly. Professional solutions are formulated to dry fast so that you can continue about your day within a few minutes of receiving your spray tan. If you are worried about the spray sticking to areas where it can look unnatural, protect them by using barrier cream and making sure to wash your hands afterward.

Spray tans are a way to give you a boost of confidence and instant color. If you still have questions or concerns about spray tans, please don’t hesitate to ask your tanning consultants.