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PRE and POST Tanning Tips:

To achieve the best results there are a few simple steps to follow before and after your tanning, as well as things you can do to maximize the life of your tan, keeping your airbrush tan looking its best.

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Before You Tan:

  • Shower and exfoliate prior to the tanning appointment. Exfoliating prior to your appointment is the most important and crucial key step in achieving the best tan. (Pay close attention to problem areas such as knees, elbows and feet.) If you fail to exfoliate properly, it can have a negative impact on the results of the spray tan. Ask about purchasing an exfoliating body wash prior to your airbrush tan.

  • When bathing, use a soap/bath gel that you can see through (transparent) or a gel-based exfoliating body wash. White bar soaps and thick/creamy bath gels can have ingredients that will act as a barrier and can either neutralize the DHA’s reaction with the skin, or can result in uneven or splotchy tans. A Ph balancing soap is also a good option to use when bathing prior to the tan.

  • Do not apply lotions, moisturizers, perfumes or anything with oil in it onto your skin before your spray tan. Use deodorant sparingly and little or no make-up is preferable. These products can act as a barrier to the tanning solution, causing an uneven tan. When we have you in the tanning room, we will provide you with a barrier cream for your hands and feet to protect your palms and to ensure a good blend and transition on the hands and feet.

  • Shaving, facials, manicures/pedicures, hair coloring, waxing, or any other hair removal procedures should be done at least one day prior to your tanning session.

After You Tan:

  • Bring and wear loose-fitting, dark clothes and flip-flops immediately after the tanning session. Baggy T-shirts, sweat pants, long cotton sun dresses, etc.

  • Avoid rubbing your skin with your hands until after showering.

  • Stay away from activities that will cause you to sweat or get wet. This includes exercising, being in excessive heat, saunas, sex, swimming, bathing or showering, etc.

  • Avoid touching skin to skin while developing, such as crossing legs when wearing shorts - it can build up heat and transfer the tanning agent resulting in a dark stripe on one leg, and a light stripe on the other. Another words, you can end up with a very uneven tan.

  • When the recommended development time has passed, rinse off in the shower and use warm water to rinse off the solution and bronzer. Only rinse until you see the water is clear, then stop (this should only take a few minutes) - and pat dry. DO NOT MOISTURIZE UNTIL THE TAN HAS TOTALLY DEVELOPED. We recommend waiting at least 12 hours after receiving your tan before moisturizing to ensure it has fully developed.

  • Continue to avoid bar soaps and body washes with heavy moisturizers. Transparent body washes will continue to keep the pH levels stable and will result in a longer lasting, better appearance of the tan.

  • Moisturize! We cannot stress the importance of this step. Moisturize at least twice a day! Keeping your skin hydrated is key to extending the life of your tan. Drink plenty of water, and stay hydrated inside and out. This will keep your tan radiant and will help with proper fading. Ask about purchasing a tan-extending moisturizer containing DHA (the same natural substance that is in your spray tan) which can help your tan last longer or can be used to build a tan at home. 

  • Avoid applying products to your skin that contain alcohol, mineral oils, or anything abrasive such as a facial scrub - as these products can dry your skin, and wear the tan off prematurely.

  • Use a good sunscreen! Protect your skin. We have given you a great color, now you can protect the skin from UV damage. Most sunscreens have a moisturizing affect as well.

  • SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR ULTRA-ONE RAPID TAN! Rinse the solution off after 2-5 hours (two hours for a sun-kissed tan, 3-4 hours for a deeper tan, 5 hours for "competition" tan.) After showering the tan will continue to develop over the next 12 hours to the selected depth.  

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