SPRAY TANNING TIPS

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.

• Exfoliate and moisturize 24 hours before your session, paying particular attention to elbows, knees, ankles and problem dry areas.
• Paint nails and toenails, especially if artificial
• Wax/shave 6-12 hours prior to your spray tan. This allows the pores time to close. Dotting in pores may appear if not adhered to. If you shave just before your appointment use cold water.
• The entire 24 hours before your treatment avoid using bar soaps, high pH shower products or in shower moisturizers.
• Please don’t apply moisturizer, perfume, deodorant or makeup on the day of your spray tan. Tanning Cove offers an exfoliating mitt to use prior to your appointment if you need to remove any barriers.
• If the skin is dry, we offer a Primer spray, to balance pH levels in the skin and blending cream to block any unwanted tanning areas.

• Wear dark loose fitting clothing. Tight clothes and undergarments may cause marks. Wear flip-flops or loose fitting shoes.
• Use plain water, don’t use shower gels, scrubs, shampoos or loofah during the first 24 hours after your treatment.
• Shower lightly within 3-24 hours depending on solution in lukewarm water, use minimum soap if any and apply only with your hands.
• Pat dry after your first couple of showers. Use proper aftercare products to extend the life of your tan.
• Avoid sweating. Don’t exercise or swim for the first 24 hours after your spray tan treatment.
• Try not to touch your skin during development time. If you notice any marks on the hands wash them immediately to avoid dark palms. 
• Moisturize, moisturize and moisturize some more! We suggest using SpaFusion or a gradual tanner like Crown of Gold to produce longer lasting results with your spray tan. Remember to wash your hands after using any sunless product or tan extending product.
• After day 5 or 6, exfoliate with a soft body polish on a daily basis, to help your skin absorb even more moisturizer and keep it looking and feeling gorgeous.

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.