Unveiling Spray Tanning FAQs
Are you considering a spray tan but unsure about the process? Look no further! Organic Tan Face and Body Day Spa in Greenville, SC, has compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you understand everything you need to know about spray tanning.
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 reacts with dead cells on the skin’s surface to temporarily darken the skin and “simulate” a tan.
Use deodorant sparingly or if possible do not wear any before your application. Some deodorants may have a reaction to the solution and leave a color on the skin until you rinse.
Your manicure and pedicure should be done BEFORE you come in for your spray tan. Getting a pedicure or manicure done after your spray tan, may take some of the spray tan off if the nail tech soaks the skin, puts a lotion or oil on the skin, or exfoliates the skin. Lashes should be done 24 hours before you tan. The tape used will remove your spray tan.
NO! When you come in for your appointment, you want your skin clean. That means no lotion, make-up, deodorant, perfume, etc. Having these items on your skin creates a barrier on the skin and you will not get optimal results from the spray tan.
If you MUST shower right before you come in for your session, DO NOT use anything on the skin. Just rinse the body with water. Using a bar soap or body wash right before your sunless session can result in an uneven or patchy spray tan. We recommend that you shower 4-6+ hours before your session.
When shaving or waxing before your session, make sure to do so 24 hours before your appointment. DO NOT shave or wax the day of your appointment. Shaving the day of your appointment can lead to dark spots on the legs from the pores opening and effect the overall outcome of the spray tan on the legs making it patchy or uneven. After your session do not wax!!! If you wax after your session, you will take off the spray tan, so avoid that completely. Shave at least 24 hours after your tan and use a brand new razor blade to reduce sloughing off dead skin cells which is where the tan is attached to on your body.
You should exfoliate your skin 24 hours before every sunless session. Using a mild shower gel/exfoliate can be done one day prior to the session. You should allow at least 8 hours between body scrub use and the sunless session. If you have extremely dry skin, or problem areas we recommend exfoliating 24-48 using a 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. DO NOT exfoliate your skin the day of your sunless session. NOTE: Skin replaces itself in cycles every week. 25% of your skin exfoliates each week. The tan will cover that 25% so you must remove the extra barrier or skin in order to achieve a glowing tan. Exfoliation allows penetrating deep into the skin to oxidize skin for color.
Yes. The solution that we use is non-toxic and utilizes eco-certified natural DHA. However, as you would before using ANY product, on an expectant mother, we recommend you to consult with your personal physician before receiving a DHA tan application.
Typically, a spray tan can last anywhere from 5 to 10 days, depending on factors such as skincare routine, exfoliation, and maintenance. Our technicians can provide tips to extend the longevity of your tan. You can also visit the Spray Tan Prep & Aftercare page for more details.
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. It simply did not develop properly. Now let’s get to the reason WHY that happened:
- The pH balance of your natural skin may have been too acidic or alkaline before 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 before your session, but this can sometimes still occur.
- Your skin may have been too dry before your session or due to not exfoliating properly. Please exfoliate gently with exfoliating gloves before 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 using our exfoliating gloves, which you may purchase in the spa.
- 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 products and Hempz lotion for sale to assist with the aftercare 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:
- You rinsed off with too hot of water. Please rinse off with MILD/warm water only, as also listed on your aftercare instructions.
- You used soap to rinse off your tan. This will interfere with the developer and significantly reduce the level of tan. Only use WATER to initially rinse off the bronzer.
- The tan has not fully developed. Please ONLY contact us if your tan has had a FULL 12 hours to develop after rinsing.
- The pH balance of your natural skin may have been too acidic or alkaline before 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 before your session, but this can sometimes still occur.
- Your skin may have been too dry before your session or due to not exfoliating properly. Please exfoliate gently with exfoliating gloves before 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.
- You had a lotion on your skin & prevented a barrier for the DHA to absorb.
- Your skin needs longer for the DHA to develop. You will know this after the first time you are sprayed-we recommend 1 hour for a light glow or 3 hours for a darker glow with our Accelerated solutions. If certain areas are darker than others, you may have had your water too hot or your skin’s pH balance was off that day (ex. you have come 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 trying another solution from another brand. If the tan is not getting dark on multiple visits, the 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.
You could still peel from the spray tan if you had a sunburn within the last 2-3 weeks.
There are several possibilities of this occurrence and your technician is typically not one of them. Possible reasons your underarms are white:
- You either did not wipe your deodorant off completely before your session, wore deodorant during your session, or applied deodorant 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.
- Sweat: Sweat can affect the tan. We tend to see more white underarms in the summer due to sweat. We suggest that you 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 “underarm” situations.
- Showering the day of. Do NOT shower or shave the day of your tan. You are removing all oils from your body and the tan will be less likely to adhere to the skin. It also opens the pores and the tan solution can seep into the pores, leaving you with that dreaded “pin” look.
- 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.
- Dark patches under your arm? Your skin is dry in those areas and grabbed too much tan. See our quick fix below on how to resolve it. Next time, make sure to moisturize the day before with an oil-free moisturizer after a gentle exfoliation.
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. The ocean is a natural exfoliate to the skin, and being in the ocean water can exfoliate the skin quicker. If you have to go into a pool/spa or ocean, we recommend putting a thick layer of sunscreen and lotion on the skin.
It’s best to get your spray tan 1-2 days before your event. This allows your tan to fully develop giving you the best color for your event. We also would like you to do a few rinses before the event, to ensure that you rinsed all the cosmetic bronzer off the skin so nothing transfers to your clothes.
Typically, a spray tan will last about 5-10 days which will allow you to get sprayed every 5-10 days if you want to maintain your color. However; before coming in for your next session, we recommend that you exfoliate all the old tan off so your skin is clean of any old sunless tan. Having sunless tan on your skin before your session could result in your spray tan turning out patchy or uneven. We recommend that after every 5 weeks of spray tanning, you allow your skin to rest for 10 days. This allows you to completely lose your tan periodically which eliminates patchiness or uneven areas of wear.
Ready to achieve a gorgeous, sun-kissed glow without the harmful effects of UV exposure? Visit Organic Tan Face and Body Day Spa in Greenville, SC, where our expert technicians will guide you through the spray tanning process, ensuring a flawless and natural-looking tan every time. Say goodbye to pale skin and hello to radiant confidence with our organic spray tanning services. Schedule your appointment today and experience the difference at Organic Tan Face and Body Day Spa!
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