DHA creates a tanned appearance by developing a brown color on the surface of the skin thus creating a tanned appearance. DHA is a colorless 3-carbon sugar that when applied to the skin causes a chemical reaction with amino acids in the surface cells of the skin producing a darkening effect. DHA does not damage skin as it only affects the outermost cells of the epidermis, the outer layer of skin. The development of color takes anywhere from 6 to 8 hours and the intensity of color is dependent upon the DHA concentration in the product as well as each person’s skin type.

The tan typically lasts 5-7 days and up to 10 days when using proper homecare to extend the life of the tan. The faster your skin cells turn over and shed from your body, the faster the sunless tan fades. The tan created by the DHA affects only the top layer of the skin and can begin to fade after 4 to 5 days as the skin naturally begins to shed. To get the longest life from a spray tan, it is crucial to exfoliate prior to the spray tan application and to moisturize daily after the application.

Make sure you take a shower and do a full body exfoliation to remove any excess dead skin cell build up so your spray tan will go on flawlessly. Dry skin and flaky skin is a bad canvas for a spray tan. If you can avoid oil and cream based body exfoliant and wash, try to use a gel based if possible.

Please shave or wax at least 24 hrs prior to your spray tan so your skin is ready and prepped, you can do this when you exfoliate your body

Avoid if possible a facial, massage, manicure or pedicure 24 hrs before or after a spray tan to help avoid having oils and creams on the skin that could affect the result of the tan.

NO body oil or moisturizer, this will block the tan to go directly onto your skin smoothly. Do not wear deodorant or jewelry to your appointment. 

We recommend wearing or bringing very loose fitting, dark clothing after your spray tan.

Do NOT shower, exercise, moisturize or get wet for the recommended hours {8-10 for regular formulas, 2-4 for rapid formulas} after your spray tan. 

Wait for manicures, pedicures, facials or massage until after your 1st post tan shower. Remember if the practitioner is using exfoliants this could reduce the lifespan of the tan.

After first shower, remember to moisturize. Keeping your skin hydrated and moisturized will maintain and extend the life of your gorgeous airbrush sunless tan. Talk to your spray tan artist to get a recommendation of the ideal product to use for longevity of spray tan.

We recommend that you wear loose-fitting, darker clothes that you arrived in, after your spray session to minimize the chance of the bronzer transferring to clothing. After you have taken your first shower you can wear your regular clothing.