FAQs

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Sunless spray tanning is the spray/mist application of sunless tanning solution to desired areas of your body. When applied, DHA (the active ingredient in sunless tanning solution) reacts with the proteins in the skin’s superficial layer to form a beautiful, brown color. Your skin begins to darken two to three hours after application and reaches its peak color in 24-36 hours. The color will gradually fade through natural exfoliation, just like a tan from the sun.

 Dihydroxyacetone or DHA is the active ingredient used in most sunless tanners including tinted moisturizers, self-tanners, and spray tan solutions. DHA is a carbohydrate (monosaccharide sugar) compound approved by the FDA for use in externally applied sunless tanning solutions. DHA is often derived from vegetable sources like beets, sugar cane, or apples. Its properties as a skin darkener were discovered in the 1920s but weren’t marketed as such until the 1960s, then added to the FDA’s list of approved colors for cosmetic products in the 1970s.

There is a wide range in quality when it comes to ingredients and manufacturing in the skincare/cosmetic industry. Ecocert is an internationally recognized certification that guarantees the highest standards are met during the creation of formulas, manufacturing, filling, and packaging. Ecocert was the very first certification body to develop standards for natural and organic cosmetics. Ecocert-approved DHA is the highest and finest quality of DHA available. Bronze Age Spray Tanning’s sunless spray tanning solutions all contain Ecocert approved DHA and other natural and organic ingredients.

Very rarely. If you’ve had previous allergic reactions to self-tanning lotions or cosmetics, you should consult a health care professional before spray tanning. Also, we can perform an allergy patch test before an application appointment.

Yes. Please be advised there is no SPF in any solution that we use. The solution does not contain sunscreen protection, so you should apply sunscreen accordingly.

 No more than 30 – 45 minutes including spraying and drying time. At Bronze Age Spray Tanning, we spend extra time educating our clients about sunless tans, techniques, and proper maintenance. After you are familiar with our techniques, an appointment can take as little as 20-25 minutes.

Moisturizing after your tan is an absolute must. Your tan will look better, last longer and the fade will look natural.

Starting after your first shower, moisturize a minimum of two times a day. Our Suspiciously Soft Healing Body Lotion and Tan Extender Moisturizer are the perfect duos to keep your tan looking its best, longer! And with no nasty ingredients, they’re great for even the most sensitive skin. Dry skin will not only lead to a shorter lifespan of your spray tan but poor fading. Synthetic/mineral oils will strip your tan, so only use oil-free/ natural oil, water-resistant sunscreens are recommended. Avoid mineral oil-based spray-on sunscreens, as these will strip your tan. Avoid excessive exposure to hot water (long, hot showers and hot tubs). Before exercising, applying baby powder to body creases will help absorb moisture and slow down the friction which leads to premature fading. Inquire about our Sweat Proof Tan that will further help avoid premature fading!

With the proper before and aftercare, a tan can last approximately 7 days (even longer for some), depending on a person’s activities and condition of the skin. Using spray tan-friendly products, like Bronze Age Spray Tanning’s line of skincare products after your tan will extend the results while keeping the tan looking healthy and glowing. Keep in mind many over-the-counter products, exercise, skin conditions and hormones may create uneven post-tan fading.

Your face, hands, and feet will fade first. Facial cleansers and medications will contribute to fading, but many factors can affect your fade. At Bronze Age Spray Tanning, we use the highest quality spray tan solutions that are skin nourishing and proven to provide better fade results. Friction also causes fading in areas such as cleavage, inside the elbows, and behind the knees. Try our Sweat Proof Tan to keep those areas tanned longer! When fading starts, gently scrub these areas to help even it out. At the end of your spray tan, you will want to scrub your whole body.

Our “Tan-in-a Can” and Touch-Up Kits are perfect for face and body touch-ups.

Spray tanning does not have the potential to give you melanoma, wrinkles, age spots, moles, freckles, or sunspots. One application with spray tanning will be equivalent to approximately 6 tanning bed sessions, therefore making it cost-effective and healthy!

Yes, we evaluate your skin type to help you achieve the best color possible. We will consult with you to find what kind of color you are looking to achieve. It is this extended detailed approach that results in the perfect sunless tan.

What you see is not sunless spray tanning product, but your skin cells shedding, they just happen to be colored now, making them visible.

The cosmetic bronzer in our tanning solutions will wash off your skin after your first post-tan shower and should not stain common fabrics such as cotton or polyester. Avoid leather, silk, lace, nylon, and spandex). 

Swimming in chlorinated or salt water can fade and diminish the length and look of your tan. Avoid hot tubs altogether and use this spray tan-friendly “recipe” to keep your tan looking great while on vacation or just swimming in your pool. 

Pregnant or Nursing?

We get asked this question A LOT! With proper approval, expecting mothers should have no problem getting a spray tan!

 Expecting mommas should ALWAYS consult their doctor before scheduling their spray tan. We are happy to provide you with an ingredient list of the product we will use, this way your doctor can fully understand the product being applied.

Pregnancy can cause many hormonal imbalances which may affect the spray tan. Please be aware this could cause spray tan unevenness, light development, or no development. While we’ve never had this happen, there’s always a chance!

 

The FDA currently approves and regulates DHA for external use only and does not approve it for internal consumption. To comply with FDA regulations, we offer nose filters and a commercial and spray tan-specific extraction system. We always recommend (but not mandatory), per the FDA to bring an eye cover and to wear underwear during your tanning sessions.

Please remember DHA (what makes you tan) and cosmetic bronzer is transferable during development. You should avoid breastfeeding during the development period. Ideally, it is best to wear a bra, nipple covers, or bikini top during your sunless service, this way the nipple is not exposed allowing for the infant to ingest.

Spray Tan Prep

Shave and exfoliate your skin well a minimum of 12 – 24 hours before your appointment NEVER RIGHT BEFORE. An exfoliating glove or mitt works best, but if that is not an option, make a paste out of baking soda and water. Using a washcloth, wash your whole body with the baking soda/water mix and rinse well. Wash, shave, and exfoliate in that order. I can’t stress enough how important it is to exfoliate before your spray tan. You must get all the dry, dead skin off to get a flawless, streak/blotch-free tan.  

Arrive at your appointment with your hair up and off your neck and completely free of anything on your skin, including, makeup, deodorant, toner, perfume, creams, lotions, etc.

It is ok to use deodorant and lotion (lotion up to 6 hours) before your tan, just clean those areas with a warm (not hot) washcloth before your appointment. If you’re unable to do this, we sell a Ph balancing, skin cleansing wipe that is big enough to wipe off your whole body.

Wear/bring old, loose-fitting clothes (no yoga or stretch pants) and fuzzy slippers, or flip flops to wear home. If you look like a hobo, you’ve dressed appropriately!

Complete all spa-type treatments the day before your tanning session. This includes lash extensions, lash lifts, brow tints, facials, manicures, pedicures, hair appointments, massages, threading, and waxing. Waxing should be done 2 days before your session to allow the skin to heal. 

Maintaining Your Tan

Your tan will start developing in 2- 3 hours and takes 24-36 hours to fully develop.

Before your first post-tan shower, you CAN NOT get wet, or your tan can get ruined. Don’t wash your hands directly under running water. If you need to clean your hands use a wipe or damp washcloth. Carefully remove the wipe from the package making sure to not let it touch your hand, lay it flat on your bathroom or kitchen counter and “paw” at it so you’re only cleaning your palms and underneath areas of your fingers, or have someone wet and ring-out a washcloth, lay it flat.

Shower/rinse at the appropriate time. Your first shower post-tan should be a quick, warm water rinse. Rub your body with your hands until all the cosmetic bronzer is off your skin. You’ll know it’s all off when the water going down the drain is clear.

Don’t wash your hair during this first rinse, as certain ingredients from shampoo can streak your tan. 

You can use soap other than on your “pits and bits,” but nowhere on your body that was spray-tanned. Avoid Dove and any soaps of the deodorant, or antibacterial varieties. Pat dry, don’t rub.

  • Moisturize 2x/day with a spray tan-friendly soap/body wash and moisturizer. Avoid any products that are mineral oil and petroleum-based as these will strip your tan.
  • Wait for 24 before shaving and only use a brand-new razor.
  • Spray perfume and bug spray in your clothes, not your skin.

Moisturize 2x/day with a spray tan-friendly soap/body wash and moisturizer. Avoid any products that are mineral oil and petroleum-based as these will strip your tan. To help extend the life of your tan, use a tan extender lotion every other day. 

Wait 24 hours before shaving and only use a brand-new razor.

Spray perfume and bug spray on your clothes, not your skin.

For best results, wait 24 hours to exercise or do any activities where you will sweat.

Our Sunscreen Recipe

Follow our simple steps to take care of your tan while you’re having fun in the sun.

Never swim without a protective layer of water-resistant sunscreen. Only go in for a few minutes at a time.

Before swimming, apply a layer of coconut oil, followed by a layer of water-resistant sunscreen lotion before and after the pool or ocean. Take shorter dips in the water, no more than 15 minutes at a time.

Shower/rinse pool or ocean water off when you get out and pat dry, (don’t rub.) Reapply coconut oil/sunscreen before you go back in the water.

Avoid spray-on, oil-based sunscreens, (unless they are natural oil-based) as they contain alcohol and mineral oils that will strip your spray tan.