Spray tanning is safe and simple. Here are some commonly asked questions.
I am based in Stafford, Staffordshire. I also cover Cannock, Stone, Penkridge, Gnosall, Great and Little Haywood, Weston and Eccleshall.
Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) which is the active ingredient in all fake tan that causes a reaction with the amino acids on the outer layer of the skin (epidermis). It is this reaction that causes the colour of the skin to change, producing a beautiful natural tan. DHA starts to react within 2 hours of the tan application and will continue to do so for up to 8 hours after which time you can shower.
How long will my Spray Tan last?
Depending on a person’s activities and skin type, the tan lasts approximately 5-7 days. With follow up applications, a person can maintain the tan indefinitely.
What should I do to prepare for a Spray Tan session?
For the maximum result, before your session, shower and exfoliate the skin. Ensure your skin is free of perfumes, lotions, oils, deodorants, gels or any product on the skin that could create a barrier. Also remove all jewellery as this could leave tan marks (and don’t put it back on until a few hours after your tan). If you wear contact lenses be sure to remove them beforehand.
The key for women is to wear whatever you are comfortable with. Your therapist can provide disposable g-strings. Attire for men is boxers, swimming trunks or shorts. Your tanning specialist will use the utmost discretion. Loose fitting clothing should be worn after a tan. DHA can react with wool, nylon, and silk. These fabrics should not be worn during or immediately following your tanning session.
How long should I wait after a tanning session before showering?
To give the DHA enough time to fully develop, it is recommended waiting a minimum of 8 hours after application. Showering sooner may diminish the intensity of the tan.
The colour produced by a tan does not wash off, it simply fades as the upper layers of the epidermis wears away. You can try to speed the exfoliation process by gently scrubbing the skin with exfoliating mitts or a loofah. Try not to over scrub as this may dry out your skin. It may take up to a week or more for the “tanned” skin to disappear completely.
YES! According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the most effective products available are sunless or self-tanning products that contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA) as the active ingredient. DHA has been used in cosmetic preparations for almost 30 years and was listed with the FDA in 1973. It is declared safe and suitable for use in cosmetics and drugs used to colour the skin. DHA is derived from glycerin (vegetable origin), which is a commonly used cosmetic and food ingredient. DHA is not absorbed into the body and poses no possibility of toxicity.
What happens if I inhale any of the tan solution?
Whilst no one should deliberately inhale or ingest the tan solution, it is known that DHA (the active tanning ingredient) is a non-hazardous compound and causes no adverse reaction in moderate quantities when applied topically or even ingested. DHA has been used as a diet supplement in sports nutrition and is non-carcinogenic. Testing has further shown that DHA is less toxic than aspirin, caffeine and even common table salt.
If I go swimming will my Spray Tan fade?
Swimming in chlorinated water or salt water can fade the results and cause possible streaking and will diminish the length of your tan.
Should I shave before or after the Spray Tan application?
Shaving is a form of exfoliation so you should shave 24hrs before application. Shaving after will take off some of your tan, so to minimise this be sure to use a new razor every time you shave.
Does a Spray Tan provide SPF protection?
No! Spray tans do not provide any Sun Protection Factor (SPF).Your skin will appear tanned, even though it’s not. This is an artificial tan. Your skin is still exposed and vulnerable to the sun so you should apply sunscreen accordingly. If you choose to expose your skin to UV rays either from the sun or a tanning bed, it is important to use a lotion with SPF to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays.
What is the advantage of a Spray Tan over UV tanning?
Spray Tanning is an alternative form of tanning. People with sensitive skin or people who have difficulty tanning whether it be naturally or on tanning beds will find this form of tanning very comforting. One application with Spray Tan solution is equivalent to approximately 6 tanning bed sessions, therefore making it cost effective. Spray Tanning also spares the skin from potential burns caused by the sun or tanning beds and won’t cause wrinkles!!
Does the treatment cause any mess?
There is no mess to worry about, not only do I use inflatable pop-up cubicles but also extraction units to ensure that carpet and furnishings are completely protected.