Frequently Asked Questions about Spray Tanning
The active ingredient is DHA (dihydroxyacetone) and is approved by the FDA for external use. It is the active ingredient in all self-tanners.
Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is derived from sugar beets or cane sugar and is a key active ingredient for natural self-tanners. The skin-browning effect is the result of a nontoxic chemical reaction between DHA and the amino acids which are part of the keratinous layer of the skin’s surface, much like the browning effect in food caramelization. The resulting color is called melanoidins, similar in color to the melanins our bodies produce naturally when exposed to UV rays. DHA creates a more naturally-looking tan, and fades more evenly, than chemical tanners and is now considered the most effective sunless tanning ingredient. It is also considered the safest form of tanning over chemically-derived self-tanners and sun exposure. The tan will fade gradually over the course of 3-10 days. (Wiki)
Origin: Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is obtained by the fermentation of certain sugars, like sugar cane and beet sugars.
The actual spray tan itself takes about 5-7 minutes when you’ve been doing it as long as I have. We do allow for 30-minute appointments for new clients because we would never want anyone to feel rushed and we also allow extra time for any questions. Returning clients typically take 15-20 minutes.
Anywhere from 5-7 days. It will depend on your level of activity, how well you take care of the tan and the condition of your skin. For best results it is recommended that you use aftercare products as they were formulated specifically to work well with the sunless tan. A spray tan is affecting the outer layer of the skin. Anything that you do to exfoliate will result in a quicker fading. The healthier your skin, the longer your tan will last. For big events we always suggest a trial run 3-4 weeks prior.
Yes, absolutely. We need to know that you are coming and also because spray tanning requires preparation prior to the service. Most of our appointments are booked anywhere from 7-30 days in advance and when you book, your time is held just for you. Please note that Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are our busiest days so please book accordingly.
If you do not shave the suggested 24 hours before your appointment, you will need to wait 24 hours after your appointment. When you do shave, use a brand new razor.
Please don’t! The straps can absorb the solution and create lines that you didn’t want which is why you took it off in the first place. Wait at least 4 hours before putting a bra back on but it is best not to until your first rinse.
Based on FDA regulations, DHA cannot be classified as organic in the U.S. And since DHA is the main tanning ingredient in all sunless solutions used in the U.S., none can claim to be organic. Some U.S. brands will still make this claim, but there is no verification or certification to back it. There are foreign-made solutions that claim to be organic, and are – in their home country – but still don’t meet U.S. standards.
The bottom line is that if someone in the U.S. is claiming they use an “organic” solution is that they are either very misinformed and/or uneducated in their business or unfortunately misleading their clients. I see this on a daily basis and wish businesses would stop trying to mislead people to gain business. I am an educator in the sunless industry and love to spread education and truth. I have lots of information on this subject if you would like to talk to me in person.
The craziest thing about skin is that not everyone has the same outcome. We get a lot of inquiries about things like stretch marks and surgery scars and our answers are always the same: we won’t know until we try. The best-case scenario is that scars become less noticeable. The worst case some stand out more. There is no magic disappearing ability though. The important thing is that we will make you aware of the trial and error aspect so that you are aware it could go both ways without expectations.
You wont on my watch! I wouldn’t be in business for this long or have the credentials that I do if I made people orange. You might be able to go try a self tanner on yourself if you are looking for that!
We recommend 2-3 days before an event. For brides we do recommend 2 days before. You will need to have a minimum of two rinses/showers before your event to get the instant bronzer off as that is when your spray tan looks the best & is set in to your skin.
This is exactly why the spray tanning was designed in the first place, for people that could not tan by any other method! Most probably you will get a fantastic color with spray tan! Of course, people that tan easily will tan too.
Once sprayed, you will have an instant-bronzed look produced by the bronzer in the solution, and the tan will develop over the next 8-12 hours at this time you will gain around 2 shades. After showering you will lose one full shade and it’s normal for the bronzer to wash away leaving the developed tan.
No! When going into the sun, you must wear sun protection. The only way it will help to protect you is that you will not be tempted to sun bake since you will have your tan already.
There is no difference between color and longevity. Our Traditional Tan needs a minimum of 12 hours of developing time (max 24 hours). The Express Tan you will rinse off between 1-4 hours based on the darkness you are looking to achieve. Our Express Tans are great for same day events, those that do not like sleeping in solution or are worried about bronzer rubbing off on sheets and those that like to workout daily. The color takes the same time to fully develop but with the express rinse option you have the convenience of being able to rinse off quicker and not have to sleep in your tan if getting sprayed later in the day.
The tanning solutions are water-soluble and will wash off but in some cases can stain light colored garments. Once you have your first shower it is set in and you will not see any spray tan products coming off on your clothing. It may take 2 rinses to fully rinse off the bronzer.
If you do still see a bit coming off after your first shower that means you haven't rinsed the bronzer off well enough or on rare occasions the skin PH balance can be off.
With a custom spray tan you as the customer can determine the outcome of your tan much more than in a booth by speaking with your spray tan artist (you cannot talk to the booth). We have 10 solutions to choose from for custom spray tans as opposed to 2-3 for spray tan booths. We will always do a consultation with you when you come in to match your desired tone.
Also- the artist controls the amount of solution on the areas that need to appear more natural such as the face, inside of the arms and legs ect. You can actually speak to someone and tell them exactly what you are looking for. Not to mention the breathing factor is much better. You can breathe normally and not worry about solution being sprayed in a small space all at once. With a custom spray tan you do not need to worry about standing in the correct position. Your spray tan artist will guide you and spray you in the exact areas needed to be covered.
No, there are many factors that could affect your tan; the skill of the artist/technician (if tanned with hand held gun), the quality of solution, your skin condition at the time, not prepping or also the quality of product used, allergies, hormones, humidity or lack of, plus many other things. Here at Summer Sheen we do a full consultation and offer a money back guarantee if your results lacked based on something on our behalf.
It is your personal preference and comfort level. Some choose to wear bottoms, go nude or wear a swimsuit. You can wear as much or as little as you want to your session. We do offer disposable thongs if you choose. Men must wear bottoms no exceptions.
Everyone’s skin develops its own individual color. Some people go a few shades darker brown, some may just get a glow. We have multiple solutions to choose from. We will always do a consultation with you when you come in to match your desired tone even if you are a regular.
This question is typically asked by men and not to worry! Yes, your tan will look totally even. If you have any concerns please address them before your appointment. For the best results shaving/waxing/trimming what you normally would 24 hours before your appointment is always better for the tan.
The solutions we use have the newest technology in odor inhibitors that help to eliminate the dreaded "sunless smell" while your tan is developing, however that smell is actually how your pH reacts with the solution so it is not 100% guaranteed. Thankfully it only happens until the first or second rinse.
Salt water is a natural exfoliant but will not strip your tan. Salt does however dry your skin faster and make your skin cells exfoliate faster. We recommend wearing a waterproof sunblock, which will help protect your skin. You will not physically see your spray tan coming of in the ocean.
The best thing to help your tan last longer when going in pools or hot tubs is wearing a waterproof sunblock. It helps protect your skin from the chemicals. You will not physically see your spray tan coming of in the pool or Jacuzzi but it will dry your skin out and make the tan fade faster.
At Summer Sheen we spray tan many mommies to be on a weekly basis, however it is your responsibility to contact your doctor for permission. Although the active ingredient is FDA approved we cannot make the determination if it is safe for your particular situation.
Spray tans should be one of the last services you get before an event if possible. If you have pedicures, manicures, waxing or eyelash extension appointments it should be done 24 hours before your spray tan. If you are doing pedicures or manicures the same day as your appointment make sure NO lotions are applied. If you must get them done after the spray tan appointment please do a polish change only.
You may be able to find body washes, lotions and scrubs at a big-box store for a couple dollars less, but you might be risking your color. A sugar scrub (prep) you get there may contain oils that sit on the skin and prevent the proper solution absorption. A gradual self-tanner you get to extend your tan might not contain the same high amounts of moisturizing ingredients or DHA as a professional salon product. The drug store body washes usually contain sulfates or heavy fragrances, which can strip your color. They cost less because they are not the same quality that professionals use.
Absolutely! A spray tan will not affect the coloring of tattoos and will just look like a normal tan would from the sun. If you have a fresh tattoo it is best to wait at least 10 days.
Not completely. Spray tans will help mask tan lines but if you have a big event such as your wedding, you should try not to get sun/tan lines for at least a month before the event.
We recommend you do not wear any make up to your appointment. A few hours after your appointment you are able to put on light make up if needed on eyes and lips but not the skin directly.