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Organic Tan Face and Body

Tanning Mishaps and FAQS

We offer complimentary touchups within 24 hours. Not satisfied with your tan? Contact us at 864-404-5170 or e-mail us at guestservices@organictanfaceandbody.com. We want to provide excellent service and allow us the opportunity to fix it if need be. 

[please see policies for repeat unsatisfied guests]

For best results, we recommend to receive your airbrush tan 1-2 days before the day you need it the most. Our tans typically last 4-7 days, depending on your skin type. To extend your tan, please purchase our Tan extending lotion to keep your glo lasting longer and smoother!

Scroll down to read below possible Airbrush Tan Mishaps. Note our airbrush artists are all trained using the same double layer method exclusive to organic tan FACE AND BODY.  A technician is unable to create streaks, blotch-iness or unevenness. This is the REACTION with the solution. Yep, it’s all science based. Found out What happened below:

The product  Organic Tan purchases is Eco-Certified DHA.

We proudly use Norvell:

According to Norvell® , their Sunless Spray Solutions are non-toxic, and utilize only the best DHA which has been vigorously tested before entering any Norvell formulation.

Each Norvell® solution is:

  • Paraben Free
  • Gluten Free
  • Sulfate Free
  • Nut-Allergen Free
  • Propylene Glycol Free
  • Phthalates Free
  • Synthetic Fragrance Free

DHA  {Dihydroxyacetone}is an ingredient derived from sugar cane and beets, which reacts with the amino acids in the protein on the outer layer of the skin. (the stratum corneum layer of the epidermis) to create the darkening reaction or temporary browning effect of sunless tans. Basically, the DHA is reacting  with dead ceels in the skin’s surface to temporarily darken the skin and “simulate” a tan.

Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) Leaf Juice in Deionized and Purified Water (Aqua), Dihydroxyacetone (EcoCert DHA), Alcohol Denat( Controls Viscosity), Ethoxydiglycol, Propanediol, Saccharomyces/Copper Ferment, Green Tea Leaf Extract, Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Extract, Ordenone (Parfum), Glycerin, Polysorbate-20, L-Ascorbic Acid (Vit C),Tocopherol (Vitamin E), , Caffeine,  Xanthan Gum. Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol{Derived from coconut. It is used as moisturizing or wetting agent and for biological stabilization in cosmetics} , Potassium Sorbate, Hexylene Glycol], Benzyl Alcohol, Coumarin, Benzyl Benzoate, FD&C Red No. 40 (CI 16035), D&C Red No. 33 (CI 17200), FD&C Blue No.1 (CI 42090), FD&C Yellow No.5 (CI 19140).

Aqua (Water/Eau), Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Extract, Alcohol, Caramel, PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer(viscocity agent), Hydrolyzed Beta-Glucan(skin conditioning agent), Hydrolyzed Cornstarch, Beta Vulgaris (Beet) Root Extract, Copper, Camellia Oleifera (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Propanediol(solvent), Glycerin, Lycopersicum Esculentum (Tomato) Seed Extract, Tocopherol, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Extract, L-Ascorbic Acid, Ordenone (Parfum), Caffeine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid, FD&C Blue No. 1/CI 42090, FD&C Red 40/CI 16035, FD&C Yellow 6/CI 15985, D&C Green No. 5/CI 61570, Fragrance (Parfum)

Aqua (Water/Eau), Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), Aloe Barbandensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Extract, Alcohol Denat., Ethoxydiglycol, Propanediol, Caramel, Saccharomyces/Copper Ferment, Camellia Oleifera (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Glycerin, Polysorbate-20, L-Ascorbic Acid (Vit C), Tocopherol (Vit E), Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Extract, Ordenone (Parfum), Caffeine, [Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Hexylene Glycol], Xanthan Gum, FD&C Red No. 40/CI 16035, D&C Red No. 33/CI 17200, FD&C Yellow No. 5/CI 19140, FD&C Blue No. 1/CI 42090, FD&C Yellow No. 6/CI 15985, Benzyl Alcohol, Coumarin, Benzyl Benzoate, Fragrance (Parfum).

Aqua (Water/Eau), Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), Aloe Barbandensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Extract, SD Alcohol 40-2, Erythrulose, Caramel (Cosmetic Bronzer), PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer, Hydrolyzed Beta-Glucan, Hydrolyzed Cornstarch, Beta Vulgaris (Beet) Root Extract, Copper, Glycerin, [Retinol Palmitate (Vit A), L-Ascorbic Acid (Vit C), Tocopherol (Vit E), Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract], Vaccinium Macrocarpan (Cranberry) Extract, Melanin, Ordenone (Parfum), Caffeine, [Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Hexylene Glycol], Citric Acid, FD&C Red No. 40 (CI 16035), D&C Red No. 33 (CI 17200), FD&C Blue No.1 (CI 42090), FD&C Yellow No. 5/CI 19140, Natural Essential Oils as Fragrance (Parfum).

Deionized Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract (Aloe), Dihydroxyacetone (EcoCert DHA), Ethoxydiglycol (a solubilizer that keeps products well mixed-also knows as a Viscosity decreasing agent) , Cetearyl Alcohol (a fatty, conditioning alcohol that is moisturizing), Cetearyl Isononanoate(skin conditioning), Ceteareth-20, Glyceryl Stearate, Glycerin,(humectant-a substance that reduces moisture) Ceteareth-12, Cetyl Palmitate (functions as skin conditioners), Caramel, Walnut Extract, Polysorbate 20 (used to solubilize oils into water based products), Tocopherol Actetate(Vitamin E), Retinyl Palmitate(Vitamin A), Ascorbic Acid(Vitamin C)

It varies person to person, depending on how their skin holds the tan. The typical time is 4-7 days.

 This may occur for several reasons BUT FIRST:

Note we offer 24 hour complimentary airbrush retouches. Spray tans that do not activate completely can occur. We want your tan to be awesome! Come back in and we will retouch it and get your glo back on!

Also, it is very easy to assume your Technician did this-however, they are trained professionals and not capable of making the solution “blotchy” or “splotchy“. This is a reaction with the solution and your skin. 

We use a DOUBLE spray technique-that means we go over each area twice, so areas that you assume are “missed” or actually not. They simply did not develop properly. Now let’s get to the reason WHY that happened:

1}The PH balance of your natural skin may have been too acidic or alkaline prior to tanning, not allowing the DHA to properly react with your skin {see below info. for testing your skin’s ph balance levels & products you use}. We do offer a PH balance spray prior to your session, but this can sometimes still occur.

2}Your skin may have been too dry prior to your session or due to not exfoliating properly. Please exfoliate gently with exfoliating gloves prior to your session{too harshly will take too many dead skin cells off & prevent the DHA from reacting properly}. Any oil based exfoliants can interfere with the tanning process if used 24-48 hours within your tanning session. We highly recommend to use our exfoliating gloves, you may purchase in the spa.

3} Your cleanser & lotions are either not PH balanced or contain mineral oil {see below info. for testing your skin’s ph balance levels & products you use}. Organic Tan offers Norvell cleansing & lotion products for sale to assist with the after care of your tan. Any cleansing products or lotions that contain mineral oil should be avoided as they naturally strip the tan prematurely.

This may occur for several reasons:

1} You rinsed off with too hot of water. Please rinse off with MILD water only, as also listed on your receipt after purchase.

2} You used soap to rinse of your tan. This will interfere with the developer and significantly reduce the level of tan. Only use WATER to initially rinse off the bronzer.

3} The tan has not fully developed. Please ONLY contact us if your tan has had a FULL 12 hours to develop after rinsing.

4}The PH balance of your natural skin may have been too acidic or alkaline prior to tanning, not allowing the DHA to properly react with your skin {see below info. for testing your skin’s ph balance levels & products you use}. We do offer a PH balance spray prior to your session, but this can sometimes still occur.

5}Your skin may have been too dry prior to your session or due to not exfoliating properly. Please exfoliate gently with exfoliating gloves prior to your session{too harshly will take too many dead skin cells off & prevent the DHA from reacting properly}. Any oil based exfoliants can interfere with the tanning process if used 24-48 hours within your tanning session.

6} You had a lotion on your skin & prevented a barrier for the DHA to absorb.

7} Your skin needs longer for the DHA to develop. You will know this after the first time you are sprayed-we recommend 3 hours for a light glow or 4 hours for a darker glow. If certain areas or darker than others, you may have had your water too hot or your skin’s ph balance was off that day (ex. you should came from the gym, etc.) If you still feel lighter, next time keep the solution on for 30 minutes longer in increments until we find the perfect developer time for you!

Please note: Airbrush tans: Due to the nature and science of airbrush tans reacting with your natural ph balance and skin factors, and we have no control over the outcome. We offer one complimentary touch-up within 24 hours. If a guest has issues with more than two airbrush tans, we recommend to try another  solution from another brand. If the tan is not getting dark on multiple visits, our DHA in our solution is not strong enough to reach your desired look and we recommend finding one that does. 

 No. Do not get sprayed on those areas that are peeling. We have no way of knowing if you are peeling if not visible to the eye. This is up to the client to inform the technician. Organic Tan does not take responsibility for this. If your skin starts to peel after the tan, you may have some uneven brown patches. Gently exfoliate the edges with exfoliating gloves. Apply a hydrating lotion that does not contain mineral oil. You may need to apply a bronzer to the “white” parts that shows fresh skin.

There are several possibilities of this occurrence and your technician is typically not one of them. Possible reasons your armpit are white:

1)You either did not wipe your deodorant off completely prior to your session, wore deodorant during your session or applied deodorant on too soon after your tan. The chemicals in your deodorant can affect the tan, sometimes turn the tan green or even remove it causing a white ring underneath.

2)Sweat: Sweat can affect the tan. We tend to see more white underarms in the summer due to sweat. We suggest to refrain from any activities that will cause you to sweat while the tan is developing. It can be a cause of the white underarms, removing the tan. Also, keep it extra cool in your car and house. We suggest if you do sweat a lot, purchase the touch up spray to get you out of those “armpit” situations.

3) Showering the day of. Do NOT shower or shave the day of your tan. You are removing all oils off of your body and the tan can have less of a chance to adhere to. It also leaves the pores open, seep into the pores and have that dreaded “pin” look.

4) You pulled your arm down to the side after tanning and the solution was rubbed off. This can also pull the extra solution to the sides of your arm, leaving those other areas darker.

3)Dark patches under your arm? Your skin is dry on those areas and grabbed too much tan. See our quick fix below on how to resolve. Next time, make sure to moisturize the day before with an oil free moisturizer after a gentle exfoliation.

Use our Touch Up Spray for the white underarms. For the darker patches, take a baby wipe and pull off the extra tan that adhered to the dry skin. Also, if in a pinch, use a bronzing powder to get you through your event.

We know you love your airbrush, but spraying every week over an old airbrush tan will add up! Please wait until your tan is completely removed and fresh skin has had a chance to develop. Also, your skin is dry. Please moisturize heavily days before receiving your airbrush with an oil-free moisturizer. We LOVE our Body Butter lotion in the spa! Avoid however applying lotion to your skin the day of your tanning session.

Your skin can have an unbalanced PH due to using a certain product or even by what you’ve eaten. What does PH stand for? Potential Hydrogen. It is used to describe the acid-alkaline ratio of a substance, which ranges from 0 (the most acidic) to 14 (the most alkaline). The health of your body—and skin—is directly linked to maintaining the right balance between acidity and alkalinity. How so? The skin’s barrier, which is known as the acid mantle, is responsible for keeping in lipids and moisture while blocking germs, pollution, toxins, and bacteria. To work its best, the acid mantle should be slightly acidic, at a 5.5 pH balance. When your skin is too alkaline, it can become dry and sensitive.

Is your skin too dry? Your chronic dryness and wrinkling may mean your acid mantle is being dismantled, therefore too alkaline. With its protective lipids removed, your skin is more open to bacteria, UV rays, and harsh ingredients. Take a close look at how and how often you are cleansing, what you are cleansing with, how often scrubbing, and hydrating. Make sure that your skin can ward off the damaging factors that are making it look more “mature” than it should.

Too oily or breaking out? Your skin’s regular oiliness, breakouts, and sensitivity indicate possible acid overload. This means you are possibly using too many peeling products (think acids) in an effort to sop up excess grease. And while this type of exfoliation can make for a healthy complexion, your skin is suffering from too much of this. What to do: Use products in moderation instead of overloading on them.

PH testing strips, like these ” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>Trimedica Alkamax pH Test papers can generally be purchased at your local  drugstore. They claim to take to decode the acid/alkaline mix of products (and your body).  Apply your product onto the pH strip, then check it against the color-coded scale provided. The lighter the color, the more acidic it is; the darker the result, the higher the pH. They tend to read watery products better over creamier ones, such as a lotion.

 Try the  ” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>Phion Diagnostic pH Test. Simply dip it into a sample of your urine or saliva for a few seconds to receive an instant reading of your internal pH within 0.25 increments. It tells you where you rank (too acidic, too alkaline, or optimal).

It is recommended to tan your entire body, including your face to avoid tan lines.

You can wear the same make-up as you normally would. If you have a super light powder, just do not apply as much and blot on your face vs. a heavy application.

Sunless sprays are not perfect & occasionally your palms may get darker if you touched the bronzer OR if the color absorbed too much into your skin. Please note, this is typically NOT a technician’s error. It is typically the reaction to your OWN skin activating too much color. To remove the color, it’s best to get a stain color remover like “Clean Touch”. You can purchase this at Sally’s Beauty Supply. (click on the links to find this remover). Nair is also an alternative to use at your own discretion. Tip: Very lightly moisten a cotton round and apply the product onto the darker areas. You will see the color very gently lift. It should not remove all of the color, but lighten it. Once it is time for your tan to come off completely, exfoliating gloves work best to completely remove the color.

Preferably not. The tan needs to soak into your skin, so wait until the morning after to shower for maximum results. However, if absolutely necessary, get your tan in the am and shower 8 hours later minimum.

Yes. It is recommended to wait a few hours before applying. A lot of customers tan in the morning, even when they have an event that night. I recommend mineral powder make-up, since it is non comodogenic.

You will be the darkest before showering. Some of the top coat not soaked into the skin will wash after showering. However, the tan will still remain and you will enjoy your sun-kissed glow. Please use the Norvell body wash when showering to help avoid stripping color.

Yes. Any self tanning product will break down naturally on the body. After approx.4-7 days or when you see the tanning product break down, remove the lasting particles using exfoliating gloves. The friction is amazing and it pulls the tan off easier.

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.

The development of color takes anywhere from 2 to 4 hours and the intensity of color is dependent upon the DHA concentration in the product as well as each tanner’s individual skin characteristics. The color developed by the DHA usually lasts 4 to 7 days and begins to fade as the top layer of the skin naturally exfoliates.

The longevity of a sunless tan depends on the type of self tanning application, the skin’s natural exfoliation process, and on the skincare regimen followed before and after application.

On average, self tanners last 4-7 days. A professional application, i.e. a sunless tan received at a salon or spa, will last longer than an at-home application as there is usually a greater percentage of DHA used.

At-home application (lotions, sprays, mousse, etc.) = 3 to 5 days
Professional application (stand-up spray units, airbrush, Custom Bronzing) = 4 to 7 days
The “life span” of a sunless tan also depends on your skin’s natural exfoliation. The faster your skin turns over, the faster the sunless tan will fade. The tan created by the DHA affects only the top layer of the skin and will begin to fade after 4 to 5 days as the skin naturally begins to exfoliate.

Following a good skin care regimen before and after sunless tanning will help a sunless tan last longer. Exfoliating prior to a sunless tanning application and keeping skin moisturized afterwards are essential. Sunless tan-extending products with a light self-tanning bronzer, like Norvell® Pro-long™ tan extending lotion, help hydrate skin and maintain even, natural-looking color longer.

DHA solutions take about 16-hours to fully develop. Clients will receive the best results if they can avoid bathing until the day after their sunless session. If they must bathe, they should wait a minimum of 8-12hours after the application.

If showering prior to the 16-hour post application recommendation, a simple rinse with water only, is best. Soap destroys DHA. Delayed bathing allows the DHA bronzer sufficient time to complete its reaction with the amino acids (proteins) within the skin. Norvell bodywash is recommended.

NOTE: It is important to know about the  instant/cosmetic bronzers. The cosmetic bronzer is the color that is immediately visible during the session and it will wash off during the first shower, revealing the DHA bronze tan beneath. Note this is not your tan washing down the drain.

It is important to keep skin moisturized after sunless tanning as dry, flaky skin will slough off faster and color will fade sooner. You basically want to slow down your body’s natural exfoliation process.

Sunless tan-extending products with a light self-tanning bronzer, like “> Norvell® Amber Sun™ Pro-long, help hydrate skin and maintain even, natural-looking color longer by providing subtle bronzers.

If you are using a spray solution with 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 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 tint is water-soluble. Therefore, in most cases, the color will come out of clothing in the wash.

Norvell® uses the newest technology in odor inhibitors to encapsulate the odor causing agents commonly associated with DHA products.

We then blend the fragrance with DHA in a manor which allows the pleasant fragrance of raspberry and almonds to come through, eliminating the dreaded “sunless smell”.

The component of a sunless product that gives a a tanner immediate color for that “just off the beach” look.

Ingredients used in sunless cosmetic bronzers are similar to those used in cosmetic foundations or bronzing powders.

You should exfoliate before every sunless session. Use exfoliating gloves one day prior to the session.

Your client should allow at least 8 hours between exfoliating and the sunless session.

For clients with extremely dry skin, or problem areas we recommend using Sea Coral Salt Scrub. If using salt scrub, this must be done 24-48 hours prior to the session, otherwise the oils within the salt scrub will affect the sunless results.

Typically no. Most people will not see any affect on the color of their hair. Customers with light blonde, gray or platinum hair may see some discoloration from the cosmetic bronzers initially, however, this color will wash out with the first shower after the session. It is important when spraying to not spray directly into the hairline.

If you prefer, you can wear a hair cap, but it is not necessary. Note: when wearing a hair cap, make sure to pull the cap back to expose the hairline and behind the ears, otherwise you will create a hard line around the forehead and temples.

Daily application of “>Norvell® Pro-Long™ color extending moisturizer will extend the look of the tan. This bronzing booster will also reduce the appearance of uneven wear and patchiness.

Pro-Long™ is a nutrient rich moisturizer that contains low levels of DHA bronzer to extend the look of any sunless tan. This exclusive formula not only extends the tan it also incorporates the latest skin care with skin-firming technology. Delivering “dynamic copper” to the skin

We recommend that after every 5 weeks of spray tanning, the client allow their skin to rest for 10 days. This allows the customer to completely loose their tan periodically which eliminates patchiness or uneven areas of wear. These areas are caused by normal contact with clothing and other surfaces which cause additional exfoliation.

According to our manufacturer,  Norvell:  No. We have perfectly blended our cosmetic bronzer to give your customers that “just off the beach” look and transition smoothly into their DHA color that will later develop.

All Norvell® solutions are designed to create a custom color shade between the DHA/Erythulose combination and the customers natural skin tone.

The “orange” color, as it is sometime called, is the result of high pH levels within the skin. Extremely light complected customers or those tanning for the first time should be sprayed with Norvell® xLaTan™ pH Balancing prep spray to balance the skin’s pH levels prior to their application. Another reason is if the client kept the Accelerated solution on too long. This can result in an orange appearance.

We recommend avoiding these situations for the first 48 hours following your spray tan. Chlorinated pools & spas can increase the rate in which the skin exfoliates causing the tan to wear and fade.

According to our manufacturer Norvell: As you would before using any product on a pregnant client, recommend that she consult with her personal physician before tanning. However, Norvell® solution is a non-toxic, food grade product that is not known to have any detrimental effects on an expectant mother. Organic Tan has the right to ask for a letter from your doctor approving the tanning. If you are scheduled to have your baby the same day or within 4 days of the tan, Organic Tan has the right to NOT perform the airbrush service in case a C section needs to be performed.

Yes, the breast areas must be covered during the session. Either come with a strapless bra or nursing pad covers. We recommend the Accelerated solution to be able to rinse off in a few hours in between feeding times.

According to our manufacturer Norvell:  We have received no feedback from any medical authority that would indicate a risk to a diabetic person, however, as you would before using any product on a diabetic person, we recommend each customer consult their physician before receiving a DHA spray tan application.

Yes. Norvell® sunless solution does work on the affected areas, however, it is important to remember the skin that is lighter “tans” and the unaffected skin areas also tan, therefore they will remain different colors. While both areas do achieve a sunless tan, they will appear “two toned” when finished. Norvell® color is a blend of the natural skin color and the sunless color.

Sunless color is not a “cover-up”, but rather a blend. Customers looking to darken only the lighter skin will need to take care and apply solution to these areas only, and may be best served with any of the retail self-tanning applications available from Norvell.

If you have sensitive skin and concerned about an allergies or skin reactions, we recommend you first patch test a small area of the skin prior to a full body session.

No. However, the spray does not cover freckles up either. What is darker will stay darker and what is lighter, stays lighter in contrast. 

It is normal for there to be a slight sticky feel immediately following the session. Norvell solutions is formulated to be the fastest drying formula available. Clients should feel completely dry and non-tacky within 8-12 minutes following the application.

No. You need to still wear sunscreen.