FAQ

Preparation/Aftercare

Please note: These are general guidelines only. Speak to your Spray Tan Technician for more details. Exfoliate thoroughly and moisturize the day before your tan is to be applied. This will remove dead skin and provide a new, smooth, surface for your tan. Exfoliating helps to promote even coverage and lengthens the duration of the tan.

Before you tan
• Review and Sign the release form.
• Shave or wax and moisturize the night before your application.
• Remove make-up, moisturizer, perfume and deodorant before your application.
• It is recommended that you wear dark loose fitting clothing. Solution washes out of most clothing very easily but tends to stain nylon and Lycra materials; therefore dark colored underwear is recommended.
• A woman’s tan can be directly affected by her hormones. Considering her cycle, it can cause blotchiness or the color not to develop as dark as normally. It is not common, but can happen.
• Oily skin types usually develop lighter and require an extra spray after 24-48 hours to get your base color.
Aftercare
• Leave your tan for at least 7 hours (overnight if possible) before showering or taking a bath. This allows your tan to develop.
• Avoid wearing socks or shoes after your tanning session as sweating can inhibit the development of your tan.
• Avoid applying moisturizers or deodorants.
• Avoid wearing tight clothing for at least 5 hours. This includes tighter fitting jeans.
• All swimming, showering and vigorous exercise must be avoided for at least 5 hours as this can inhibit the development of your tan.
• Do not shave for 12 hours after your treatment.
• Beware wearing long boots after tanning as these can make your tan patchy on your legs.
Remember
When you take a shower or bath you will probably see some color wash off. Don’t worry. This is quite normal as it is only the color guide that the spray tan technician uses when the tan is applied. You will be left with a gorgeous tan.
Maintaining the Tan
It is recommended you follow these general guidelines to maintain your tan.
• Moisturize regularly
• Avoid long hot baths and showers as these speed up exfoliation
• Pay your skin dry after a bath or shower. Rubbing your skin may rub off your tan.
• Avoid swimming pools or seawater as these can reduce your tan.
• Try to always have a fresh new razor for shaving.
Make sure you speak with your spray tan technician if you have questions.

We have found that the following products will lighten or make an airbrush tan spotty:
• Hair Thinning lotion or Removing lotion
• Anti-aging products or AHA’s
• Beta hydroxyl Acids-Salicylic acid
• Retin-A type products (Retin-A, Renova, Tazorac, Tretinoin)
• Tones containing alcohols or witch hazel
• Anti –acne products (Accutane, Salicylic acid)
• Facial mask and scrubs
• Pore cleansing facial strips
• Wax depilatories
• Depilatory products
• Bleach products for body hair
• Hot tubs, chlorine and salt water
• Bug sprays- try to spray your clothes instead of you. If you must have it on you, spray a cloud to go through!

1. WHAT IS THE TANNING PROCESS?

A. UVB (from the sun or in a low pressure indoor tanning unit) stimulates the melanocytes in the upper skin layer (called the epidermis) which then produce melanin. UVA then darkens the melanin, thereby giving the skin a dark appearance. A tan gradually fades as the skin cells migrate to the surface.

2. WHY DOES A TAN DISAPPEAR?

A. The "tan" or pigmentation process, occurs in the epidermis, the top skin layer. The epidermis replaces all its skin cells every 28-30 days. Cells in the inner portion of the top skin layer divide themselves, migrate to the surface, gradually die and slough off. Skin cells contain melanin, and as a result of UV exposure, rise to the surface and flake off. Therefore a tan can be maintained only by repeated exposure to UV light.

3. HOW OFTEN IS A PERSON ALLOWED TO TAN?

A. Since 1986, the Food and Drug Administration guidelines suggest that a 48 hour time interval should pass between tanning sessions. Pigmentation and/or erythema (sunburn) may not be fully visible for between 12-24 hours. Thus two tanning sessions within this 24 hour period could cause an unintentional burn. In general, maximum pigmentation can be built up gradually, following the exposure schedule, in 5-10 sessions.

4. WHY SHOULD I TAN?

A. Sunlight is absolutely essential to all life on earth. There are various reasons, both biological and psychological, why exposure to light is desirable. In addition, many people believe they look better with a tan...healthier, thinner and more defined. Thus, having a tan may provide a psychological uplift for some. There have been numerous studies attributing UV light as beneficial for certain cancers, psoriasis, skin conditions, seasonal effective disorder (SAD), stimulating Vitamin D in the skin, etc... but according to the Federal Trade Commission, working with the Food and Drug Administration, no claims or advertisements can be made regarding the relative safety of indoor tanning or any of its possible benefits. It is up to the consumer to research any possible benefits as well as any negative aspects, and make an informed decision by his or herself. Don't let the government control your right to sunlight!

5. WHY DO SOME DERMATOLOGISTS WARN PEOPLE AGAINST SUN EXPOSURE?

A. While some dermatologists may advocate total avoidance of all sun exposure, the media seems to quote only those who do. Many dermatologists, doctors and others from the medical community have acknowledged the need for moderate sun exposure, while advocating the use of sunscreens.