Social

• FIRST AND FOREMOST: Your spray tan DOES NOT PROTECT YOU from the sun. Wear your SPF broad spectrum sunscreen when you go outside to protect you from the harmful UV rays of the sun. 
• Dihydroxyacetone or DHA, also known as glycerone, is a simple carbohydrate.  It is typically derived from sugar beets and sugar cane and sometimes from apples.  It is the main ingredient in all sunless tanners and is non-toxic and is responsible for the skin browning effect.  DHA reacts chemically with the amino acids in the skin, Various amino acids react differently to DHA, producing different tones of coloration from yellow to brown. DHA is approved by the FDA for safe topical use and only effects the upper most layer of the skin called the  Stratum Corneum.

• People in the past experienced an "orange" color from many over the counter self tanners and if a solution has too high of a DHA level for your skin tone. The benefit of a custom spray tan is that I can help you pick the right solution for your skin tone so that you look naturally tan.  It is also important to follow the prep and after care instructions for the best results.
• The high quality professional solutions that I use have no to very little processing smell. Some solutions have a very nice naturally derived fragrance added to them but none that I use have that overwhelming strange fake tan developing smell that you get with cheaper brands or over the counter brands of sunless tanners.

Assuming you have done the proper pre-work and after care (listed below), your tan can last anywhere from 5 to 10 days. I have even had some last for 15 days. It all depends on your lifestyle, the type of clothes you wear, the amount of times you shower/shave. Spray tan solutions react with the outer most layer of the skin. We naturally shed about 25% of that each week. If you moisturize a lot, drink plenty of water, and reduce exfoliant type activities (explained below) after your tan, then it will last much longer.

If possible, avoid showering every day. I realize that is not possible for everyone but if you can, it will help your tan last longer.  Put lotion on when you get out of the shower. This is the best time because your pores are open and the lotion will penetrate your skin with much less effort and it will do the most good. 

• Drink plenty of fluids and moisturize so your skin is well hydrated from the inside out to start with.
• Your skin should be as clean and soft as possible.
• The day of your tan, DO NOT apply any lotion, oil, or make-up, and use deodorant sparingly, as they all will inhibit the DHA from absorbing into the skin.
• Exfoliate skin thoroughly 24-48 hours before your Sunless Tan with an exfoliating mitt, washcloth, or an exfoliating body scrub.
• DO NOT use any oil based products, Dove brand soaps, harsh bar soaps, prescription anti-acne or anti-wrinkle medication or face wash with in 24 hours of your Sunless Tan.
• Be sure to shave or wax prior to your Sunless Tan. Shaving should be done at least 24 hours prior and waxing should preferably be done at least 24 to 48 hours before your Sunless Tan.
• Schedule manicures, pedicures and massages prior to your Sunless Tan to avoid exfoliation and fading of your sunless color.
• The above preparations will help ensure a more even, longer lasting tan with beautiful, natural looking results.

• During your Sunless Tan, ladies may wear a dark bathing suit, underwear, thong, or whatever you feel comfortable wearing (or not wearing) which will give you the most bare skin for your Sunless Tan. Men may wear shorts, boxers, underwear, thong, or bathing suit. **Men may not tan in the nude.
• I do have pasties and disposable undergarments if needed but most people prefer their own.
• Avoid light colored clothing to prevent possible staining. Solution does wash out but it is just a precaution. After tan, before first shower, wear dark, loose clothing. Do not wear tight under garments, socks, shoes, or other clothing that may rub off the Sunless solution.
• Even after your first shower, tight clothing can act as an exfoliant and reduce the length of time your tan lasts, or can help it to fade unevenly.

The after care of your spray tan can be as important as your prep work when it comes to making your tan last longer and helping it to fade evenly.

• DO NOT plan any activities that will cause you to get wet, sweat, or cause your clothing to rub against your skin for at least 8 hours. unless you received a rapid tan solution that you rinse off in 1 to 4 hours. Even then, tight clothes such as jeans will act as an exfoliator and make your tan wear off faster.
• DO NOT bathe until your processing time is up (1 to 8 hrs - technician will tell you) and do not swim for 24 hours after your Sunless Tan. Just a quick rinse with warm water for your first shower using no soap is required. You will see brown in the water for your first rinse, this is only the temporary bronzer that is in the solution so I can see where I am spraying and so you can walk away with an instant tan. Actual tan development occurs over an 8 to 24 hour period. 
• After 24 hours, use only a mild body wash, which is specifically designed not to strip away sunless color.
• DO NOT use oil based products, Dove brand soaps, harsh bar soaps, exfoliating scrubs, prescription anti-acne or anti-wrinkle medication or face wash after your Sunless Tan unless you are preparing for your next tan by exfoliating off the old tan.
• DO NOT apply lotion for the first 24hrs and make sure that when you do, it contains no mineral oil.
• After first shower, apply only a high quality lotion (no mineral oil or fruit acids) at least twice daily.