Spray Tan

1. What is a spray tan?

A spray tan is a sunless tanning treatment that delivers a beautiful, bronzed glow without exposing your skin to the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Using a fine mist, a professional tanning solution is applied evenly to the skin to create a customized, natural-looking tan.

The active ingredient, dihydroxyacetone (DHA), interacts with amino acids in the outermost layer of the skin to temporarily deepen its color. As your skin naturally sheds, your tan gradually fades, typically lasting 5–10 days, depending on your skin type, preparation, and aftercare routine.

Whether you're looking for a subtle golden glow or a deeper, more bronzed complexion, a spray tan is a beautiful way to enhance your natural skin tone without the need for UV tanning.

2. Am I a good candidate for a spray tan?

Spray tanning is a versatile treatment suitable for a wide range of skin tones and types. Whether you want a soft, sun-kissed glow or a richer, deeper bronze, your tan can be customized to complement your natural complexion and desired results.

However, your skin's health is an important part of determining whether a spray tan is right for you. Treatment should be postponed if you have active skin infections, open wounds, sunburn, peeling skin, or certain active inflammatory skin conditions. Individuals with respiratory conditions should also discuss their concerns with their provider before treatment, as inhalation exposure to tanning mist should be minimized.

3. How should I prepare my skin for a spray tan, and what can I expect during my appointment?

Preparation is key to achieving a smooth, even, and long-lasting glow!

Before your appointment:

• Exfoliate and shave: Gently exfoliate your skin and shave, if desired, 12–24 hours before your appointment. This helps create a smoother surface for even application.
• Shower beforehand: Cleanse with an oil-free body wash to remove excess oils and product buildup.
• Arrive with clean, bare skin: Avoid applying lotions, body oils, deodorant, perfume, or other products before your appointment, unless otherwise instructed.
• Choose comfortable clothing: Wear loose-fitting, dark-colored clothing and open-toed footwear, if possible, to minimize friction after your tan.
• Plan ahead: Avoid scheduling manicures, pedicures, or other treatments that involve exfoliation or prolonged water exposure immediately after your spray tan.

During your appointment:

Your comfort and confidence are important throughout the process. You'll be asked to remove jewelry and secure your hair using the provided hairnet. You may undress to your preferred comfort level, and a barrier cream will be applied to areas that tend to absorb excess color, such as the hands, feet, elbows, and knees.

Your spray tan will be applied in a private pop-up tanning tent. Your esthetician will guide you through a series of simple poses to ensure smooth, even coverage and a beautifully blended finish. A finishing powder may be applied to help reduce tackiness and make getting dressed more comfortable.

You'll leave with your customized glow developing over the following hours. Your esthetician will explain exactly when to rinse based on the tanning solution used.

4. How should I care for my skin after a spray tan?

Proper aftercare is essential to maintaining an even, radiant glow. Following your appointment, it's important to protect your developing tan and minimize friction or moisture until your first rinse.

During the development period:

• Keep your skin dry: Avoid showering, sweating excessively, swimming, or getting caught in the rain until your recommended rinse time.
• Follow your solution's timing: Depending on the formulation, your first rinse may be recommended after approximately 1–3 hours for express solutions or 8–12 hours for traditional solutions. Always follow your esthetician's specific instructions.
• Avoid tight clothing: Choose loose-fitting garments to help prevent rubbing or uneven development.

After your first rinse:

• Rinse as directed: Your first shower is generally a brief, lukewarm-water rinse without soap or exfoliating products. You may notice excess bronzer washing away; this is normal. Rinse until the water runs mostly clear, following your solution's instructions.
• Resume gentle cleansing: After the initial rinse, follow your esthetician's guidance on when to resume your regular shower routine.
• Moisturize daily: Apply a gentle, hydrating moisturizer to help keep your skin soft and your tan looking smooth and even.
• Avoid exfoliation and shaving when possible: Both can accelerate fading by removing the outermost layer of skin. When shaving is necessary, use a gentle technique and a fresh razor.
• Avoid prolonged soaking: Hot baths, saunas, swimming, and frequent exfoliation may cause your tan to fade more quickly.

With proper preparation and consistent aftercare, you can enjoy a beautiful, even-looking bronze that fades naturally over time. Remember, a spray tan does not provide sun protection, so continue to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen whenever your skin is exposed to the sun.