Frequently Asked Questions

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

This section includes the top questions on what's involved with the sunless process.

​

​

 

 

 How do sunless tanners work?  

 

   The principle tanning agent used in all self-tanning formulas is dihydroxyacetone (DHA). This ingredient does not produce a "real tan" by increasing the skin's melanin levels, rather it creates a tanned appearance by developing a brown color on the surface of the skin. The action of DHA is limited to the upper layer of the skin and involves a reaction between DHA and skin proteins and oxygen that produces brown compounds. 

 

This process is similar to what occurs when you slice open an apple and the surface of the apple browns when it's exposed to the oxygen in the air. The development of color takes anywhere from 2 to 24 hours and the intensity of color is dependent upon the DHA concentration in the product as well as each tanner's individual skin characteristics.

 

 
  Will it turn me orange?​

​

   NO -  Our  South Seas Skin Care solution was developed to work with your skin coloring, as well as your desired darkness, to give you natural-looking results everytime.  Our certified spray tan artists can choose or create a custom shade specifically designed for your skin tone. The orange color, as it is sometimes called, is a result of using a level of DHA that is too high for the client's skin, over application of solution, or high pH levels on the skin.   South Seas Skin Care spray tan artists are trained to combat this issue, and our solutions are made to prevent any orange hues that other DHA products have been known to produce in the past.

 

 

 

 How many days will a sunless tan last?
 
   The longevity of a sunless tan depends on the type of self tanning application, the skin's natural exfoliation process, and on the skincare regimen followed before and after application.

 

A professional application will last longer than an at-home application as there is usually a greater percentage of DHA used.

 

At-home application (lotions, sprays, mousse, etc.) = 3 to 5 days
Professional application (stand-up spray units, airbrush/HVLP, custom bronzing) = 5 to 10 days (many Infinite Glow® clients have experinced tans lasting up to 14 days)
​

The "life span" of a sunless tan also depends on your skin's natural exfoliation. The faster your skin turns over, the faster the sunless tan will fade. The tan created by the DHA affects only the top layer of the skin and will begin to fade after 4 to 5 days as the skin naturally begins to exfoliate.

​

Following a good skin care regimen before and after sunless tanning will help a sunless tan last longer. Exfoliating prior to a sunless tanning application and keeping skin moisturized afterwards are essential. Sunless tan-extending products with a light self-tanning bronzer, like After Glow Tan Extender, help hydrate the skin and maintain an even, natural-looking color longer.
 
​

 

  How long should I wait before I shower?​
 
  It is best to wait at least 8 hours after using a sunless tanner before you bathe or shower to give the DHA time to fully react with skin proteins.  We recommend waiting 16 hours before using soap.  Do not use any lotions until after first shower.
 

 

 

 

  Will the spray make a mess in my home?

 

  NO.  Our spray tan artists use a portable tanning booth, or "pop-up" tent, to perform the entire spray tan session.  There is very minimal overspray from our spray guns, but any spray particles will stay in the booth or be caught and filtered into our extraction fan placed at the back of the tent.  There will be no mess at your location at all.

 

 

 

 

 Will the solution from a spray tanning application come off on my clothes or bed sheets?​

 

  If you are using a spray solution with a cosmetic bronzer, a minimal amount of the bronze color may rub off on clothing or bed sheets. This is most likely to happen when you get dressed immediately after tanning. To minimize the chance of the tint transferring to clothing, we recommend that you wear loose-fitting, darker clothes after your spray session. Try to refrain from physical exertion that could result in you sweating until you shower and wash off the cosmetic bronzer.  The cosmetic tint is water-soluble. Therefore, in most cases, any color that may have transferred will come out of clothing or bed sheets in the wash.

 

 

 

 Why is keeping skin moisturized essential to maintain great sunless results?
 
  A. It is important to keep skin moisturized after sunless tanning, as dry, flaky skin will slough off faster and color will fade sooner. You basically want to slow down your body's natural exfoliation process.   After Glow Daily Moisturizer adds moisture and hydration back to the skin to prevent exfoliation and prolong your Sunless Tan with even fading.  It is recommended for everday use, before and after your Sunless Tan.

​

​

​

How do I prepare for my sunless tanning session?

 

• Your skin should be as clean and soft as possible.

• Exfoliate skin thoroughly 24-48 hours before your Sunless Tan using 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 8 hours prior and Waxing should preferably be done at least 24 hours before your Sunless 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.

• 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. 

• ​

​

What do I wear during my spray tanning session?

 

• Wear dark, loose clothing to your appointment.  Do not wear tight under garments, socks, shoes, or other clothing that may rub off the Sunless solution.

• 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 for the saftey of our female airbrush artists.

•   Avoid light colored clothing to prevent possible staining.  In most cases, color from the solution will come out in the wash.

​

​

How should I care for my sunless tan?

 

• 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.  Wear dark loose clothing during development.

• DO NOT bathe or swim for at 8-12 hours after your Sunless Tan.  It is preferable to wait 16 hours before using soap.  Use only mild body wash, like After Glow Body Wash, which is specifically designed not to strip away sunless color like the average drug store body washes.

• 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.

• DO NOT apply lotion until after first shower.

• After first shower, apply only a high quality lotion designed to extend your tan, like Daily Moisturizer twice daily.

• To maintain your tan, schedule a Sunless session every 7-10 days.

• This product DOES NOT provide UV protection

​

​

​

What can cause my tan to fade?

These products may or may not affect everyone equally. This is just

a guideline of things to consider to prevent a sunless tan from fading prematurely.

​

 

Topical Skin Products and other Medications​

 

• Anti-Acne and Anti-Aging  products can exfoliate and dry the skin, causing it to fade, often unevenly or patchy                                                                                                                         

                         -BHA products-Beta Hyrdoxy acids - salicylic acid                              

                         -AHA products-Alpha Hydroxy acids- glycolic, lactic, malic, citric, and tartaric acids                            

                         -Tretinoin products -Retin-A, Renova, Avita, Altinac

• Antibiotics and other medications that may affect your skin may also affect your tan 

 

 

 

Beauty and Soap Products

 

• Bar soaps with high pH levels, especially deodorant and antibacterial soaps

• Dove brand soap and body wash shower products 

• Loofah, scrub brush, exfoliating gloves, or rough body cleansers when bathing or showering - instead use a soft wash cloth, puffy sponge, or hands to gently cleanse skin      

• Mineral Oil or products containing Mineral Oil 

• Makeup remover and eye makeup remover oils 

• Facial masks and exfoliating scrubs 

• Biore-type adhesive facial strips and peel away masks 

• Toners containing high amounts of alcohol or witch hazel - do not use if they are listed in the top 3 ingedients 

• Curel brand lotions  

• In shower moisturizing lotions, such as Olay Quench In-Shower Body Lotion 

• Hair inhibiting lotions, such as Jergens Shave Minimizing lotion 

• Perfumes, body sprays, and bug sprays when sprayed directly on skin.  Spray on clothes or into air and walk into the "cloud" of spray

 

 

 

Shaving, Waxing, Bleaching

 

• Dull razors shave off more of your skin and "tan"- Use a sharp clean razor and an oil-free moisturizing lubricant when shaving

• Waxing or depilatory hair removal products - Nair, Veet, Neet, or any body hair waxing product 

• Body hair bleaching products

 

 

 

Other Spray Tan Killers

 

• Dry skin causes the tan to fade faster - healthy moisturized skin tans best and lasts longer - moisturize twice daily and after showering with a heavy moisturizing cream.

• Oily skin causes the tan to appear lighter - the oils can coat the skin preventing proper absorption of the DHA 

• Swimming pools, hot tubs, and long hot baths or showers can fade your tan 

• Hormonal changes, such as ovulation, menstruation, and pregnancy may affect the development of the tan.  It may appear streaky, patchy, fade unevenly, or produce little or no color 

• Eating sardines the night before your spray tan can affect the pH balance of your skin, which can affect your skin’s ability to absorb the tanning solution. 

• Band-Aids or adhesive tape applied to skin may "pull off" the color of your tan 

• Excessive sweating from exercising may cause your tan to fade faster, particularly in body fold areas -arm bends, knee bends, cleavage, etc.

 

REMEMBER:  FRICTION IS A SUNLESS TAN KILLER!

​

​

​

Can I spray tan if I am pregnant or nursing?​

The concern some doctors have is over whether or not the active ingredient (DHA) is able to enter the blood stream; the indications are that it cannot. DHA only penetrates the outermost layer of the skin and is not known to have any detrimental effects to an expectant mother or fetus.  However, we recommend that pregnant clients consult their physician before receiving a spray tan, particularly during the first trimester. DHA has only been approved for topical use by the FDA. The FDA recommends avoiding exposure to mucous membranes, inhalation and ingestion.  Ask your technician for FDA recommended accessories to protect eyes, nose, mouth, and genital areas.  This is suggested for both pregnant and non-pregnant tanners.

​

​

What is "mobile" spray tanning?

WE COME TO YOU!  Mobile spray tanning simply means that we come to you at your location.  We perform the entire session in a portable tanning booth in your home, office, hotel, or venue of choice.  We DO NOT perform your spray tan session in a van or mobile vehicle.

​

​

How long will my appointment take?

Diva Express Tan is a fully mobile service, meaning we come to your location.  A single custom spray tanning session includes the set up and break down of our equipment, the spraying process, and educating the client on proper care, which typically takes a total of 30-45 minutes.  We suggest setting aside an hour's time for the appointment to ensure your spray tan artist has sufficent time with you, if needed.

 

For multiple tanners, estimate an additional 15 minutes for each person.

​

​

What are the benefits of sunless tanning?

  While the negative effects of the sun and UV tanning beds continue to be a main topic in the media, people are switching to safer tanning alternatives.  One of the most popular alternatives has become the sunless tan.  Once only available to celebrities, custom spray tanning is now widely available and affordable, and has made sunless tanning lotions and spray booths things of the past. Because of its extremely natural appearance and easy application process, airbrush tanning can not only save you time and money, but can save your skin as well.

​

• does not damage skin

• skin firming formula and antioxidants

• minimizes cellulite, stretch marks, and vericose veins

• improves skin's appearance and evens out skin tone

• made from natural and organic ingredients

• 100% Paraben FREE

• quick and easy -  does not require multiple sessions to build up a tan - perfect for the busy tanner!

​

​

Is spray tanning safe?

Distinguished national and international health organizations and consumer reports have deemed sunless tanners and spray tanning as a    "safe alternative to UV tanning and sun-bathing".  DHA (Dihydroxyacetone), the active ingredient in sunless solutions, has been on the FDA approved cosmetic list since the 1970's.  Be sure to inform your spray tan artist if you have had any allergic reations to sunless tanning products or any cosmetic ingredients in the past.  For a complete list of our solution ingredients click here. 

 

The FDA recommends avoiding exposure to mucous membranes, inhalation and ingestion.  Ask your spray tan artist for accessories to protect eyes, nose, mouth, and genital areas.

​