Exfoliating Your Skin For Your Next Spray Tan

           Exfoliating your skin thoroughly is key to getting a good spray tan. It lets the dead skin cells come off bringing fresh clean skin to the surface. Not exfoliating properly can cause your tan to fade blotchy in different places. When those dead skin cells slough off and you have a spray tan on,  your tan to become blotchy. Our skin exfoliates itself every 28 days, each week certain areas exfoliate. 

     So, how does one exfoliate their skin to prep for their next tan? Gently exfoliate by using a loofah, loofah mitt or a Japanese exfoliating towel you can get at Daiso Japan store for about $1.50. Using a sugar & sea salt scrub is best but you can also use a body wash or baking soda as well. What ever you use though, make sure to rinse off thoroughly. Any residue left on your skin will cause your tan not to take to your skin. The reason I say GENTLY exfoliate is because you do not want your skin to be irritated when you get your tan. Irritated skin can affect the outcome of your tan.


                            Any questions you may have, please comment below.


                                                     Happy Monday Luvs!

Are You Coachella Ready??????

     Coachella is a big thing every year. It's about the music, the art, and well, the food. Everything is about the food these days, isn’t it? 

     Everyone wants to look their best in their cutesy bohemian outfit and accessories, but the main important thing to wear as an accessory is a spray tan and a good one too. Who wants to go dressed in cute clothes and be pale? Pale does not make clothes look cute and neither does a bad spray tan. 

     Soooooo! What you want to do first is get a spray tan then go try on some bohemian Coachella looking clothes. A spray tan makes everything look better. While you are searching around to get your spray tan, make sure the company you go with has been in business for a long time because that means they are very experienced. In our opinion, choosing a mobile company is better than going to a salon unless you can be very careful with your tan in the car. The car can create a mark on your tan from the seat belt, and the back of your legs can be marked from sitting in the car. At least with mobile, you are home and can run around naked for as long as you want. 

So the choice is yours but please, don't forget to get your tan for Coachella. Complete your wardrobe with that finishing look.

         

                                   The Spray Tan Goddess  

What is Erythrulose? It's in Our Tanning Solution.

What is Erythrulose? Erythrulose is a carbohydrate, which is used in combination with dihydroxyacetone (DHA) in many self-tanning products because of its natural ability to dye the skin. It is a pale-yellow liquid extracted from red berries. This sugar reacts with the amino acids of the keratin found in the dead skin cells of the upper layer. The reaction, which is completely nontoxic, creates a temporary browning effect on these skin cells. The color change resembles the same colour a UV-based suntan produces. As the skin sheds naturally in a week or so, the tan begins to wear off. This makes the tan created by erythrulose temporary and completely safe. If properly applied and the skin is kept nourished, the tan can remain for at least 14 days. The tan does not wash away or even sweat off once the complete tone has been developed. The fading begins gradually as the skin’s normal exfoliation process takes place. The only way the tan will lighten sooner is by intense exfoliation or scrubbing of the skin, prolonged baths or swimming, as well as heavy sweating after a vigorous exercise. 

     Erythrulose has a composition similar to that of DHA, and the two sugars react on the skin’s surface in a very similar way. However, erythrulose creates a lighter colored tan in a slower time when compared to the tan produced by DHA. The tan created by erythrulose takes up to 24 hours to fully develop while DHA takes 2 to 8 hours to develop. When it is used alone, the tan it creates fades faster than one created by DHA. When DHA is used alone, it is likely to produce an orange and streaky tan. But erythrulose has a less drying effect over the skin than DHA does and it provides a smoother fade. But when these two ingredients are combined, it results in a tan that lasts longer, fades evenly, and produces a deep and natural-looking tan. Erythrulose is very expensive because it is difficult to obtain. Erythrulose has no side effects and due to its similarity in composition with DHA, it is unlikely for anyone to be sensitive to these two sugars. It reacts only with the skin cells of the upper layer and it does not penetrate below this layer. It is incorporated in sunless tanning products – like spray tans, tanning lotions, tanning gels, bronzers, and tanning mousses – at only 1% to 3%. 

 

How To Get A Great Custom Airbrush Spray Tan

We have all seen a bad spray tan, the Oompa Loompa orange color, the unnatural glow, the streaky, dirty looking tan. If you are looking for a flawless spray tan, do some homework. Seeing pictures of a company's clients with their custom airbrush spray tan proves that the company you are doing homework on knows what they are doing. Seeing their website is also proof but make sure that their website is informative. Many spray tan companies out there are very vague and non-informative.

Scrub A-Dub-Dub

Exfoliation is imperative to achieving a flawless spray tan. Exfoliate your skin with a non-oily scrub (I like Paradise Pre Sunless Natural Exfoliating Scrub) and exfoliating mitts. Pay close attention to your hands, feet, knees, and elbows. These areas of thicker skin tend to absorb more self tanner, you want them as smooth as possible in preparation for your spray tan. Exfoliate the skin on your face and neck with a washcloth and a non-oily facial exfoliant, you can’t go wrong with baking soda.

Shave

Be sure and shave or wax 24 hours before your spray tanning appointment. You don't want to shave minutes before your tanning session because your pores will be open and cause tiny dark dots. Shaving after your spray tan is an exfoliation in and of itself, be sure and do it prior to your appointment to ensure the smoothest skin possible. When you do need to shave, use hair conditioner to shave and press lightly with the razor, less tan will come off. Shaving cream and gels contain alcohol and will dry your skin and cause streaks.

Moisturize 2x A Day

*****For Those Of You Who Have Super Duper Dry Skin*********
Upon your shower and exfoliation session, only moisturize very minimal those certain areas of your body that get super dry.

*****And If You Don't Have Super Duper Dry Skin...*********
There is no need to moisturize before your tanning session. The tanning solution will absorb just nicely (and more evenly) on clean, bare skin. Go au-natural. Don’t wear deodorant or makeup to your spray tanning appointment. Both will affect your tan and deodorant will turn your armpits (temporarily) green. Your tanning technician will apply a light layer of barrier cream to the sides and soles of your feet, and on top of hands to prevent them from absorbing too much the airbrush spray tanning solution.

FYI.....over the counter Retinol products will fade a tan quickly. These exfoliating products can affect how the DHA is absorbed by your skin, which can lead to an uneven, splotchy tan. Coat any recent cuts or scrapes with Un-petroleum Jelly to prevent them from soaking up too much self tanner. If you are sun-burnt, don’t schedule a spray tan. Sunburned skin tends to be sweaty skin, you don’t want to perspire and cause your tan to run and streak.

Yes right after your spray tanning session....you may look really dark (by the bronzers) as the color develops. Don't worry, when you rinse off, all the bronzers will wash off and you'll have a very nice even tan. With our tanning solution, you can literally wear it through out your day.

*****Dress For The Occasion*********
Now is not the time for your jeans, white clothing, expensive lingerie, or tight clothes. Wear dark, loose fitting clothes to your appointment. At the time of your appointment, you can go as bare as you dare for avoiding tan lines, or you can opt for having your bottoms or disposable, paper thong if one is provided for you. Dress-or undress- to your comfort level. Pull up your hair in a ponytail and use the disposable shower cap that is provided for you.

*****Color Me Tan*********
My advice on getting a spray tan is if your spray tan technician truly knows what they are doing then they will inform you on what the perfect shade for you is. We personally are not a fan of the 10 minute spray tan. Why? Possible missed areas on your skin will not be tanned. We like to be detailed therefore we take a little more time (more like 20 mins)to tan you to ensure that you have an even flawless tan. More tanning solution or coats doesn’t mean a deeper tan, it means your tan is more likely to streak and dry out your skin. Everyone’s skin absorbs tanning solution and DHA (the main component in the tanning solution) differently so bear that in mind. FYI: Many companies carry only one shade, therefore if you want to go darker, they spray you with more coats.

Follow instructions. A good spray tanning technician will be prepared and walk you through your tan every step of the way-whether it’s your first spray tan or your fiftieth. They want your airbrush tan to be as flawless as you do. To avoid tanning the soles of your feet, you will stand on the towel in the tent at all times. Upon leaving the tent, your technician will clean up any un-necessary, lingering tanning solution on your wrists, back of heel, etc . Use baby wipes to clean off your nails as staining here is a dead giveaway of a sunless tan.

Skip the bra and socks for the next six hours. No exercise, going out in the rain, or doing dishes (duh). Your skin cannot get wet as the airbrush spray tanning solution develops. Every airbrush spray tanning solution is different your spray tanning technician will tell you when it’s safe to shower.

*****Stay Tanned*********
Moisturize with lotions that contain no mineral oil to preserve the life of your tan, 2x a day from head to toe immediately upon bathing to trap in moisture and hydration and one other time. The more hydrated the skin the better and longer the tan lasts. Use common sense. Avoid: grainy scrubs, AHA and other chemical exfoliant products, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acids, shower loofahs as these will all fade or remove your tan completely. Instead, use a soft washcloth, shower sponge and creamy body wash in the bath or shower. You can shave but try to do it as minimal as possible as it is a physical exfoliation. Chlorinated water will fade your tan, so keep that in mind. You can use tanning extenders for your face and body to extend the life of your tan and give you a few more days. Our spray tans typically last 7 to 14 days, but keep in mind that all sunless tanning formulas are different.

The Price For A Custom Airbrush Spray Tan! Is A High Price Going To Give You A Good Spray Tan?

Some people think "If the price for a custom airbrush spray tan is $50 or $100 then the tan must be a good quality tan." NOT! We had clients (now repeat clients) call us to fix their $50, $65, $80 custom spray tan. We also get new clients who said they paid $100 for a custom airbrush spray tan from high end salons where the tan only lasted 4 days. FACT!!!!!! Over paying for a custom airbrush spray tan does not mean you are getting a great tan. Price gauging is our pet peeve and our hearts go out to those who paid a high amount for a tan that went wrong or only lasted for a few days. The truth behind a good spray tan is an experienced spray tan technician with the right technique (practicing on a few clients does not make you experienced, it means that you are simply getting your feet wet in the spray tan world), a good premium sunless tanning solution, and good customer service. A certified professional spray tan technician is very important because they are highly trained and know the ins and outs in the spray tanning world. Believe it or not, many spray tanning companies are not even certified or trained properly which is why a few years ago, we decided to train and certified people who want to learn the RIGHT WAY to spray tan. We hear different things from our now repeat clients about how the other company they use to go to would informed them on how to prepare or take care of a spray tan whereas the client was not properly informed. With our extensive training and knowledge, we always inform our clients with the truth. Spray tanning technique is important as well, you want to make sure every part of the body is tan. We sometimes see people walking by with a spray tan on (not by us) and the inner part of their arms and thighs are white. Sunless tanning solution, yes Premium is the way to go. We are not going to say pick a company that uses 100% organic or vegan tanning solution because there is no such thing. (We've done extensive research on this and even talked to the chemist on this one) A tanning solution can be made of mostly organic or vegan but not 100%, 1 or 2 ingredients will be a chemical. In our solution, only fragrance is the chemical. A good DHA in a sunless tanning solution is important as well because it gives you the shade of tan you need. Example: a 8% DHA of Non-Premium vs. 8% Eco-Cert DHA of Premium sunless tanning solution. You have a better chance of getting a not so good tan with the Non-Premium sunless tanning solution. The DHA in our solution is Eco-Cert which means its 100% organic and it is made more refine which means you are getting a true shade spray tan. Our spray tans are $25 for first time clients and $35 for repeat clients....we keep it affordable for those who like to tan and the clientele keeps coming back and continuing to grow. Our tips make up for gas in our cars. Our spray tanning prices speak for themselves with the many repeat and new clients we get. Us being voted as #1 in Orange County & Los Angeles County says wonders.

We Know Tans Don't Last Forever....But You Can Extend It & Here's How.

The results of our custom spray tans last anywhere from 7 to 14 days. During this period, it is important that we keep our skin moist to slow down the process of our skin exfoliating. Avoid using harsh soaps (bar soaps, exfoliating body washes or washes that have a high pH level) for these can shorten the life and affect the outcome of your tan and also dry out your skin. To extend the life of your tan, it is best to do a custom spray tan touch up or use a tanning extender when your tan starts to fade. Our 'Love My Tan' tanning extender lotion has our very own DHA in it and will extend your tan for another 2 weeks. We also have 'Touch n Go' spray tan in a can which is great for touch ups. We have a 2.75 oz for $14 and out 8.75 oz for $30. 'Touch n Go' does not only give you a fresh new tan, but can help rejuvenate the life of your old tan by also reacting with the amino acids on your skin. It's the same solution we use in our spray gun when we give you a custom spray tan by hand. There are many spray tan cans out there but many spray leaving spots and splotches. Ours sprays like a ultra fine mist giving you a nice even tan. Our small can is great for face, arms, and legs and our big can can easily give you 2 full body tans. The tan will start to develop is as little as two hours and you will see full results in 8 hours. Your tan will last for 7 -14 days with proper care.

How To Avoid Your Tan From Fading Blotchy

“Why is my sunless tan fading Blotchy?” It’s a question we have all heard more than once in our careers as sunless technicians. Before answering this question it is important to understand how the browning affect with solution takes place. The active ingredient in sunless solutions (DHA also known as Dihydroxyacetone) works with the amino acids on the skin and air to create the brown appearance.

Example: If you take a bite out of an apple and leave it for a while the acids in the apple combine with air to create a natural reaction resulting in a browning affect. This reaction is similar to what takes place with the DHA, air and the amino acids on your client’s skin. The solution absorbs into the skin cells and the air activates the solution creating the appearance of a tan.

Proper skin preparation is very important. Removing loose, dead, dry skin cells will prevent an un-even application of sunless solution and will improve and extend your tanning results.

Skin preparation and application technique will determine the end result. There are a few scenarios a technician can explore if their client has a sunless tan fading:

1.)  The client did not properly prepare for their airbrush tan. The purpose of exfoliating prior to a sunless session is to remove the loose dead skin cells that naturally shed from the body every four weeks. That means twenty-five percent of our skin is exfoliated away every seven days. Once these skin cells slough away, your sunless tan gradually fades. Remove as many dead skin cells as you can prior to receiving your airbrush tan treatment. If solution is applied over any loose cells, the sunless tan will shed off pre-maturely in those areas leaving a patchy result.

How to properly exfoliate: Keep it simple. We recommend using a regular washcloth, loofa, or exfoliating mitt and body wash to exfoliate the skin. The fibers found in most washcloths are perfect to loosen and gently remove tired, dry skin. We recommend our natural exfoliating sugar scrub. Make sure to rinse off thoroughly be any residue may prevent the tanning solution from penetrating. Scrubbing hard can damage healthy skin.

2.)  The client did not properly hydrate their sunless tan. A lack of moisture in the skin due to skin conditions or dry air (generally found in the winter months) can cause uneven shedding of the skin. To minimize this natural occurrence, moisturize the skin with a non-mineral oil and petroleum oil based lotion.

3.)  The technician applied too much solution. The over application of a sunless solution is often the culprit for uneven fading or blotchiness. The solution needs air to react with the skin. By over spraying the client, the air cannot penetrate through the solution to react with the skin. The solution must be applied in light, even strokes.

4.)  The technician applied solution over an existing sunless tan. Other than piggyback applications to add depth to your color, you should never apply sunless solution over an existing sunless tan. The skin must be clean and free from previous sunless residue. Leftover airbrush tans from previous sessions will have noticeably darker patches, resulting in uneven fading.

5.)  The technician used too deep a color. Skin cells shed at different times. If the color is too dark for the clients natural skin tone the fading will be more prominent. The fading will appear patchy/blotchy. Always assess your clients skin tone and use the proper color. If a client insists on the darkest possible color, you should set realistic expectations on how their tan will fade.

Some other notable reasons for patchy/blotchy fading can be; the use of deodorant, makeup, perfume, lotions and powders prior to or a sunless application will prevent the solution from absorbing evenly. Exfoliating, sweating, rubbing or excessive exposure to liquids (i.e. swimming, sweat from exercising, etc.) may also result in patchy/blotchy fading.

Like everything else, moderation is the key. Often our desire for perfection leads us down a path of excess. In this instance, excessive sunless application will create the opposite of perfection. Skin is always shedding. This process is random. If the skin is over treated with solution or has been reapplied too frequently, the shedding becomes more obvious. After your sunless tan has faded completely, let your skin breathe for at least a week before tanning again.