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.
