The active ingredient dihydroxyacetone (DHA) causes a reaction with the amino acids on the outer most layer of the skin. This reaction causes the colour of the skin to change, producing a beautiful natural tan. DHA starts to react with the skin within 2 hours of the tan application and continues to do so for a total of 8-12 hours after which time you can wash.
Depending on a person’s activities and skin type, the tan lasts approximately 7-10 days. With follow up applications, a person can maintain the tan indefinitely.
For the best result fully exfoliate before your session. Make sure your skin is free of perfumes, lotions, oils, deodorants, gels or any product on the skin that would create a barrier prior to your session.
You can wear whatever you are comfortable with.Your therapist can provide you with disposable underwear or you can wear your own. If you prefer no tan lines you can go completely naked, your tanning technician will use the utmost discretion. Loose fitting clothing should be worn after a tan. DHA will wash out of natural material but can react with nylon and silk so these fabrics should be avoided following your tanning session.
The colour produced by a tan 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 but DO NOT OVER SCRUB! It may take a week or more for the “tanned” skin to disappear.
YES! According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the most effective products available are sunless or self-tanning products that contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA) as the active ingredient. DHA has been used in cosmetic preparations for almost 30 years and was listed with the FDA in 1973. It is declared safe and suitable for use in cosmetics and drugs used to colour the skin. DHA is derived from sugar cane, which is a commonly used cosmetic and food ingredient. DHA is not absorbed into the body and poses no possibility of toxicity.
Tanning mists have been used in over three million tanning sessions with no adverse reactions documented.
While no one should purposely inhale or ingest the tan mist, it is known that DHA (the active tanning ingredient) is a non-hazardous compound and causes no adverse reaction in moderate quantities when applied topically or even ingested. DHA has been used as a diet supplement in sports nutrition and is non-carcinogenic. Testing has further shown that DHA is less toxic than aspirin, caffeine and even common table salt.
Swimming in chlorinated water or salt water can prematurely fade your tan.
Shaving is a form of exfoliation so you should shave about 8 hours before the application. Shaving after will take off some of your tan. After your application, always use new razor minus the moisturising strip.
No! Spray tans do not provide any sunscreen protection, so you should apply sunscreen accordingly. Don’t forget this is an artificial tan. There is no Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 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 you from the damaging rays.
Spray tanning is an alternative form of tanning. People with sensitive skin or people who have difficulty tanning, be it naturally or on tanning beds will find this form of tanning a pleasant experience. One application with a spray tan is equivalent to approximately 6 tanning bed sessions, therefore making it cost effective. Spray tanning also spares the skin from potential damage from dangerous UV rays.
Just wanted to say my tan looks fab and I think you could probably convince me to go a shade darker next time! Thanks again, and see you on the 18th.- KeriThis was my first ever spray tan and I am so pleased with the results I look like I just got back from holiday it’s so natural, I can’t wait for my next one!– VictoriaThe tan looks really good, I’m so glad I took your advice and went for the lighter shade it’s going to look perfect for my wedding thank you so much xx- IsabelJust wanted you to know I was so pleased with my tan, you did a great job and I’ve had so many compliments.- NinaMy tan looks lovely and natural and is just what I wanted. I will definitely be having it done for my wedding. Please don't go on holiday around 13th July!-Debra
For a beautiful, flawless spray tan