The Process

Tanning Solutions

Sunless tanning products emerged in 1960. The first one, QT or Quick Tanning Lotion, produced a quite non realistic orange color. Since then sunless tanning products (also called self tanners) has evolved tremendously, mainly thanks to the introduction of spray and airbrush tanning. All of the ingredients are dermatologically tested and approved since 1960. The substances are proven harmless. Sunless tanning is not dangerous in any way.

The Ingredients

The most effective sunless tanning ingredient is DHA (dihydroxyacetone). DHA is a colorless sugar that interacts with dead cells located in the upper layer of the skin (epidermis). As the sugar binds with the dead skin cells, a color change occurs. Erythrulose, also a sugar, is another important substance in the sunless tanning solution. When used in combination with DHA it provides a longer lasting and more natural looking tan than DHA alone. The tan usually lasts five to seven days depending on your skin.

Does The Tan Fade?

Just like an ordinary tan achieved thru sunbathing, the sunless tan will fade. The reason is simple: Every day, millions of dead skin cells are sloughed off or worn away from the surface of your skin. In fact, every 35 to 45 days, you have an entirely new outer skin layer (epidermis). This is why the tan will gradually fade. As the dead cells are worn away, so is the tan. Fading of this kind applies to all tans, both sunless and real. To maintain your tan, simply get sprayed 2-3 times a month.

Pre Treatment Instructions:

Exfoliation is key to receiving the best color and overall appearance from a Spray Tan. It will also allow your tan to last longer and look like a "sun" tan. You can begin preparing your skin weeks before or as little as two days before your application. Each one of us knows our skin best, so if you tend to have dry skin, mature or sun damaged skin, begin prepping sooner than two days. You should use products that work for your skin condition. If your skin is drier, use products that will hydrate your skin. If you have oily skin, use products appropriate for oily skin. The goal is to use a product that normalizes our skins Ph so that you can obtain the best "sunless" tan possible. If you use lotions that smell good do not use on your skin when getting a spray tan. They will continue to make your skin smell good, but will dry the skin leaving this condition very noticeable when Spray Tanned.

NOTE: If you recently have been in the sun and have burned your skin, wait until your skin heals and you are not peeling. Spray Tanning over peeling skin does not look good, you will get tan but the dead skin coming off will leave white patches where the Spray Tan used to be. Your skin needs to be in prime condition for optimal results of a Spray Tan.

  1. Two days before the application take a long soak in a bathtub (10-20 minutes). Begin exfoliating the entire body focusing on these areas: Tops of feet and ankles, knees, elbows, chest, front and back of neck, belly button, (women: between breasts and under breasts) and underarms.
  2. Rinse off thoroughly.
  3. After you exfoliate, moisturize your skin (using 1 fluid ounce from head to toe) before drying the skin. This creates a moisture barrier within the skin.
  4. The day before the application shower and exfoliate again. Don't forget to moisturize before you dry off.
  5. The day of the application - You did it! Your skin should look glossy and feel great! In the shower today you may exfoliate. Also, shave but DO NOT moisturize today. Putting lotion or oil on the skin could keep the Spray Tan from adhering and absorbing into the skin properly.

*Stay away from lotions with lots of fragrance and baby oils. Fragrance dries the skin; oil leaves a residue which can keep the spray tan from adhering properly.
**Do not apply lotion, makeup or deodorant the day of your treatment.

Post Treatment Instructions:

  1. After the application, remember to limit your activities, wear loose clothing (women try to go without a bra for the evening to avoid creating strap lines), and wait to shower for at least 6 hours. The longer you wait to shower the more time the DHA has to absorb into your skin and the longer your tan will last.
  2. First Day of Your Spray Tan--Can you believe your amazing tan? You will shower and moisturize then go out and enjoy your beautiful and healthy "Sunless" Spray Tan!
  3. You must remember to moisturize at least one to two times daily to maintain the best result of a spray tan. Applying moisturizer at night before you go to bed offers the best result. If your skin looks patchy -- dark patches between breasts, in belly button, on feet or anywhere else, that means you need to exfoliate! Your skin is shedding dead skin that is visible because it is tanned with DHA. To even this out take a shower (Not a bath this will create more patches if not remove your tan altogether) and exfoliate these areas gently until it evens out. Moisturize afterwards.
  4. If you wear perfume put it on your clothes and NOT on your skin.  The alcohol in perfume will exfoliate your skin and could lead to blotchiness on your chest area. 

If your skin looks cracked or lizard like -- You are not applying enough moisturizer. And if you are moisturizing once a day, step it up to twice a day.