Spray Tanning

Spray tanning, also known as sunless tanning or airbrush tanning, is a technique consisting

of applying a fine mist of specially formulated solution onto the skin. The solution can be

applied by either a sunless professional utilizing a HVLP machine or an automatic booth.

Safer than sunbathing or tanning beds, spray tanning is one of the fastest-growing services

in the beauty industry.

Sunless tanning solutions are

composed of two main tanning agents:

The first is a cosmetic bronzer. The cosmetic bronzer is a temporary dye that serves as a guideline for the sunless artist and gives the skin some immediate color. The bronzer is temporary and will wash off during the first shower.

The second component is DHA (Dihydroxyacetone), a compound that reacts to the outermost layer of the skin to produce a gorgeous tan. Unlike UV, DHA does not penetrate beyond the skin’s surface. DHA is the main ingredient found in all spray tanning solutions and self tanning products currently sold on the market. DHA is a molecule extracted from sugar cane or beets and made by glycerine fermentation. DHA is a safe ingredient approved by Health Canada.

There are a few things we can do to ensure we get the most out of our sunless tan! 

• Avoid activities that provoke sweating or any contact with liquid during the development period. If it's raining or snowing, wear long and covered clothes.
• Do not apply cream or makeup on the skin during the development period.
• If sleeping with solutions on, go to bed wearing long clothes.
• Wait 8 to 12 hours or 1 to 5 hours before showering the solution off.  I will confirm the exact time you will need to shower before you leave your appointment.
• Rinse the whole body and face thoroughly. Rinse until the water is clear. For the dirst shower, it's recommended not to use soap.
• Moisturize the skin daily with an appropriate lotion.
• Excessive sweating, jacuzzis or saunas, taking long hot baths or showers often can cause faster fading of the tan.
• Do not wax areas where solution has been applied for the duration of the result. A delicate shaving may be done occasionally. 
• Use gentle facial cleansers. No oil-based or exfoliating products.
• Avoid lotion, soap and body wash that contain mineral oils, petroleum, and alcohol. These ingredients can affect the result and cause faster fading.
• Do not exfoliate the skin for the duration of the result. When the tan starts to fade, exfoliate the skin again in order to remove old tan residue.

Preparing for your spray tan will determine how your glow will turn out and how long it will last. To get the most out of your tan you'll want to: 

• Shower at least 3 hours  before your appointment.
• Shave, wax and EXFOLIATE* the skin at least 24 hours prior to the appointment. It's important to allow the amino acids to reconstruct as the DHA needs amino acids to develop. Also, the pores need time to close before the application otherwise it may leave dark spots
• Do not use lotion, gel, wax, shaving cream or other oil-based products as they could leave residues on the skin and prevent the solution from developing correctly.
• Do not wear makeup, cream, sunscreen, perfume or deodorant the day of your appointment.
• Moisturise the skin days prior to the session (not the day of the appointment though!)
• The application can be done with or without undergarments or a bathing suit.
• Ensure you wear loose and dark coloured clothing when leaving your appointment.

*Exfoliation is the secret to a perfect sunless tan! The skin needs to be clean and smooth to ensure an even base for the tan to develop properly. A good exfoliation routine will help eliminate dead skin cells, impurities, and old tan residue present on the skin to avoid patchiness and uneven results.