FAQs About Sunless Tanning
How long does it last?
Depending on a person's activities and skin type, the tan lasts approximately 8-10 days. With follow up applications, a person can maintain the tan indefinitely. Moisturizing daily will help extend tanning results while keeping the tan looking healthy and glowing. A sunless tan is not a long term commitment, so it is great to try for the first time.
How do I prepare for an airbrush tan?
For the maximum result, before your session, shower and exfoliate the skin. Exfoliating products that leave the skin excessively oily, such as salt and sugar scrubs, should be avoided. Make sure your skin is free of perfumes, lotions, oils, deodorants, gels or any product on the skin that would create a barrier. If these products are left on the skin, discoloration and uneven results can occur. Also, remove all jewelry and wait a few hours after your tan to put it back on.
Should I shave before or after?
Shaving and waxing are forms of exfoliation so you should shave/wax about 8 hours before the application. Shaving/waxing after will take off some of your tan, so shave/wax before. After your application, be sure to use a new razor as old dull blades can mar your results.
What to avoid after your tanning session:
Hair removal such as waxing, body bleaching, depilatory hair removers. Skin care such as Retin A, skin bleaching products. AHA's, BHA's, products containing alcohol or witch hazel, microdermabrasion, facial/body scrubs and facial/body masks. Body care that includes the use of loofahs or exfoliating products, body moisturizers or shower gels that contain petroleum or mineral oil bases. Soaking in salt water, hot tubs, swimming pools or warm baths can rapidly exfoliate your tan. Do not rub your skin with a towel after bathing—pat dry only.
What should I wear?
Attire for women is whatever you are comfortable with. The key is your comfort level. Attire for men is boxers, swim trunks or shorts. Your tanning specialist will use the utmost discretion. Loose fitting clothing should be worn for leaving the facility. We have found that DHA reacts with wool, nylon, polyester and silk. These fabrics should not be worn during or immediately following your tanning session. We provide disposable undergarments, but you are welcome to wear your own. The top is optional but the bottom is REQUIRED!
If I have my underarms airbrushed, should I remove any deodorant?
Yes. For best results, remove deodorant and moisture from under arm. Wait 3 hours to reapply deodorant.
Will the tanning solution stain my pajamas or sheets?
The bronzer will wash off your skin after your first post-tan shower. Most fabrics and materials are completely safe. DHA has been found to react and will possibly stain some fabrics such as nylon, silk, wool and polyester. However, a good soaking in water will usually lift the stain from the fabric.
How long after the application can I go in water or perspire?
We recommend about 8 hours. Sunless tan longevity varies from person to person and according to your lifestyle. Long exposure to water will fade your airbrush tan. Your outer cells will start to soak up water, which dilutes the effect of the tan. The longer you are in the water, the lighter your tan will get. Having repeated applications allows the tan to saturate the skin better. The tan will then hold up longer in water. Be sure to moisturize every day, this helps maintain the tan.
During my first post-tan shower, I noticed color washing off my skin. Is my tan going down the drain?
Rest assured, this is just cosmetic bronzer, not your tan! After showering, the skin will continue to develop tan color for up to 24 hours! Be sure to apply moisturizer after your shower morning and evening. Hydrated skin makes your tan last longer and keeps your skin looking healthy.
How can I minimize exfoliation from hot tubs, swimming pools and the ocean?
After your tan has developed and after your first post-tan shower, you can minimize water activity exfoliation by liberally and frequently applying a good strong waterproof sunscreen before submersing yourself.
What if a person normally can't get very tan?
A person CAN get a sunless tan even if they can't get a real tan. Airbrush tanning does not need a person's melanocytes to be in working order. DHA saturates the dead skin cells in the outermost layer of skin, where it turns the protein in the dead cells golden tan.
What is the difference between being airbrushed and using cream or lotion sunless tanners at home?
Imagine the difference between finger painting your car and using an airbrush to paint it. Even with the greatest of care and help from a friend to get all the places you cannot reach, your can't duplicate the even consistency and natural look of an airbrushed tan.
What is the difference between an airbrush and a sunless booth application(aka Mystic Tan)?
• Precision - coverage with an airbrush application is more precise because an operator is carefully applying the solution. Using a sunless booth, you will see more missed and improperly applied areas on the skin.
• Responsibility – with the airbrush application, the operator is fully responsible for how the solution is applied. With the sunless booth, the customer watches a short video on what they need to do while in the booth and if the customer does something incorrectly while being sprayed in the booth, they're responsible.
• Separation – Separate areas of your body can be individually sprayed using the airbrush system. If you only want your face sprayed, we can spray just your face.
What is the advantage of airbrush tanning over UV tanning?
Completely UV free! Airbrush tanning is an alternative form of tanning. People with sensitive skin or people who have a hard time tanning, be it natural or in tanning beds will find this form of tanning very comforting. One application with airbrush tanning will be equivalent to approximately 5 tanning bed sessions, therefore making it cost effective. Airbrush tanning also spares the skin excessive wear and tear and free from potential burns caused by the sun or tanning beds.
Can pregnant or nursing mothers get an airbrush tan?
DHA only penetrates the outermost layer of the skin. FYI: DHA has been used as a cosmetic ingredient in the United States since 1960 and no problems have ever been reported concerning DHA penetrating the skin or causing problems during pregnancy. However, if the client is still concerned they should consult their physician first.
Will an airbrush tan cover up or harm tattoos?
No. The solution may temporarily darken the color a bit until it starts to fade. If you don't want that to happen, just cover the tattoo lightly with moisturizer lotion BEFORE your tanning session.
Can an airbrush tan be removed?
The color produced by a sunless tanning product does not wash off; it simply fades as the upper layers of the epidermis wear away. You can try to speed the exfoliation process by gently scrubbing the skin with a loofah sponge. It may take a week or more for the tanned skin to disappear.
Can a person UV tan on top of an airbrush tan?
Of course! But remember that the airbrush tanning solution does NOT provide any sunscreen protection, so you should apply sunscreen accordingly. With an airbrush tan your skin will appear tan, even though it's not. This is an artificial tan. There is NO sun protection factor (SPF) in the airbrush tanning solution, so your skin is still exposed and vulnerable to the sun. If you choose to expose your skin to UV rays either from the sun or a tanning bed, it is important to use a lotion with SPF to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays.
How do I keep my tan?
Make sure you moisturize every day to keep your airbrush tan at the desired shade and have a maintenance tan every 5-7 days according to your liking.
Any other benefits?
Fast, convenient, safe and effective. Did you know that a tan physique gives you a slimmer appearance? That's right, not to mention a very healthy glow. Have a date, a party or just want to go sleeveless? Get the bronzed, sexy look all of Hollywood is sporting without the harmful, aging effects of the sun. Get your tan on today and look great tonight!
