In airbrush tanning, the tanning solution is applied by a technician using a handheld spray gun and compressor, this provides a more even tan all over. A sunless tanner contains the ingredient DHA (dihydroxyacetone) that reacts with the outer layer of the skin turning it a brownish tan color. When dissolved in water, DHA produces a colorless solution. Our solutions all contain a bronzer for instant results but full development of your tan will take up to 12 hours. It must be emphasized that the pigments resulting from an airbrush tan do not provide UV protection.
This color will gradually fade through the exfoliation process, and the natural shedding of dead skin cells just like a natural tan from the sun. Your Airbrush Spray Tan should last anywhere from 5-9 days depending on how well your prepare for your tan and maintain it afterwards.
What you do before you come in and after you leave will make a huge difference with the results of your sunless tan. Using products that contain heavy oils before coming in (body washes, scrubs, lotions, and even shaving creams) will create a barrier between you and your tan. In fact, many oils may actually strip your tan after your spray tan session. Some lotions designed to give you sunless color (yes, you Jergen’s Natural Glow) contain these tan stripping oils in order to make you have to use and buy more and more of them! Avoid spraying or applying your perfume directly to the skin before and after a spray tan, avoid high perfumed moisturizers and body washes as well.
Check for these common tan stripping ingredients :: Mineral Oil It is a petroleum based skin softener that not only strips your tan but also clogs your pores and has been known to have extreme effects on the skin. This is a common ingredient in cheap lotions (coco butters, suave, etc.) and is also found in Jergen's Natural Glow and others. Petrolatum Also a petroleum based skin softener that clogs the pores and strips the tan. This is used much less than Mineral Oil, but is prevalent in body butters mainly and really rich body creme washes as well as the Jergen’s. Again, avoid it not just for your tan, but for your skin. Sodium Laureth Sulfate: Also known as SLS, this is the most common ingredient in body washes as it is a pretty strong detergent and lathers well. However, It will strip your tan quicker than anything. Look for products that contain the less harsh Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate or a more natural coconut derived sulfate.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A SPRAY TAN?
Your airbrush spray tanning session will only take 10 minutes, then you will dry for about 5 minutes after your tanning session.
HOW LONG DOES A SPRAY TAN LAST?
Depending on how well your prep and maintain your spray tan, you should have a beautiful tan anywhere from 5-9 days. Ask your spray technician about products to help maintain your color.
WHEN CAN I SHOWER AFTER A SPRAY TAN?
Tanning Cove offers two types of solution. With our Regular solution you will want to wait 12-24 hours before rinsing off for the best results. If you decide to use our Rapid solution, you are able to rinse off in as little as 3 hours for a light glow or up to 8 hours for darker results.
WILL SWIMMING EFFECT MY SPRAY TAN?
Salt water is a natural exfoliate and will more than likely prematurely fade your sunless spray tan. Chlorinated water will also have the same affect and diminish the length of your tan, however normal activities such as bathing, showering, or sports will not affect the quality of your sunless spray tan, unless showering is more frequent which will affect the length of your airbrush tan.
WILL THE BROZNING SOLUTION STAIN MY HAIR OR CLOTHING?
Tanning Cove's sunless tanning solutions are completely water-soluble. Clients may notice some initial cosmetic bronzers on the inside of their clothing, but this color will wash out in cold water. However, we suggest bringing in dark, loose fitting clothing, to change into after your sunless spray session. After your first shower and the instant bronzer is washed off thoroughly, color transfer should not occur.
ARE THERE WAYS TO ENHANCE AND PROLONG MY SPRAY TAN?
At Tanning Cove we carry an assortment of take home products that have been created and developed to enhance and extend your sunless spray tanning results. Products purchased outside of a Tanning salon may not be compatible with our sunless tanning solutions. These products may block the spray tan application and impede the development process, or possibly create an uneven post tan fading, and cut short the life of your sunless spray tan. Ask your Tanning Cove technician about our sunless products to enhance and extend the life of your professional sunless spray tan.
WHAT IS DOUBLE DIPPING TANNING?
“Double Dipping” is a combination of a UV tan and a sunless spray tan. Many of our clients will tan in a UV booth to help build a base tan while still maintaining that perfect glow from a sunless spray tan. Once your sunless spray tan fades the color from your UV base tan remains, ensuring a golden color no matter what. If you Tan in Any UV Bed, and DOUBLE DIP with our spray tanning, it’s only +$10 more!
WHEN SHOULD I GET A MANICURE OR PEDICURE?
Since soaking and scrubbing are usually performed during manicures or pedicures, these should be completed before your sunless spray tan has begun. All oils and moisturizers from these services should be removed to ensure proper spray tan application and development.