Q. How do the sunless tanning products work?
Most sunless tanning products use Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), as the active “tanning” ingredient. DHA is a skin safe sugar derivative, which has been used in the cosmetic industry for over 30 years. DHA interacts with the outermost, surface skin layer, producing a golden brown color that resembles the coloration of a UV based tan.
DHA reacts with the naturally occurring amino acids and keratin proteins, in the “dead” skin cells resting on the skin surface. This process is called the "Maillard Reaction". It is very similar to the reaction that you see when you cut a potato or an apple slice, and leave it exposed to the air.
In addition to DHA, our tanning solution’s contain Aloe, Glycerin, Sweet Almond oil, and Green Tea Extract, to moisturize and nourish your skin as your tan develops. (see ingredients)
Many sunless tanning solutions contain added bronzers such as ours. The bronzer, or added tint, is water soluble “makeup”. It will wash away in the first shower. The added tint does not affect the color of the final longer lasting DHA tan. It is in the solution so we can see where the solution is going and you can get an idea of what the tan will look like.
Our solution’s, are all custom blended to delicately enhance all skin tones, allowing customers to leave with a "instant tan", that continues to look eye pleasing as the DHA tan deepens. It is fine-tuned to minimize wash off, so the final tan is approximately the same depth as the immediate bronzer enhanced tan.
The initial color lasts until your first shower. The color that remains is produced by the DHA reacting with your skin. DHA will always produce the same results based on concentration and application levels.
Dihydroxyacetone was permanently added to the FDA “safe” list of skin care ingredients in the 1970’s. It has been safely used in the cosmetic industry for over 30 years. In that time-frame there have been no indications that DHA is damaging to skin health or the human body.
Q. How long does my sunless tan last?
Your sunless tan will last approximately seven days or longer. Tan fading rate is influenced by your skins natural exfoliation rate, you pre-tan preparation, post tan care, general skin heath, and your life style.
A sunless tan will fade off continually everyday, just like a UV based tan Everyday you loose thousands of dead skin cells, as they fall away, so does your tan.
Proper skin HYDRATION is the key to maximum longevity. When used as directed our Tan and Skin Care product’s can extend your color, keep it smooth and even for up two weeks. (Results can vary based on your skins normal cell turn-over rate)
Q. How do I prepare for my tanning session?
Before each tanning session, skin should be cleaned and thoroughly, but exfoliated. You should fully exfoliate, using overlapping circular motions, pay special attention to thick or dry skin areas. (Feet, knees, elbows, etc)
You may use a body brush, exfoliation gloves or a quality oil free scrub. Removal of dead cells and body oils allows the sunless tanner to penetrate evenly and smoothly into your skin, giving you the best, longest lasting results.
Do not use any moisturizers prior to tanning, except for dry skin areas. (LIGHTLY applied to hands, elbows, knees, feet etc) Heavy moisturizers, oils, lotions can all prevent proper DHA penetration. This can result in a tan that is lighter, streaky, blotchy, faster fading and off color.
You may have tan lines, or be “line–free”. Clients mostly tan in a g-string or in nothing at all. Choose which ever option makes you feel the most comfortable. If you tan in a bathing suit or under garment, you will have un-tanned, pale skin, where the garment covers. This gives you an impressive “tan-line”.
If you prefer to wear a bathing suit or garment, wear a snug fitting, dark old garment. Some of the tanning solution and bronzer will get onto your garment. Though it will normally wash easily out of most fabrics.
After your tanning session, wear dark loose fitting clothing and shoes. Cotton clothing is generally preferred, such as loose sweat pants, shorts, T-shirts etc. Shoes should be loose, to minimize rubbing and sweating, which will negatively affect tan development. Thongs, “flip-flops” and loose sandals will work well.
Before heading home, place a towel over light colored fabric or leather car seats, and arm rests, to prevent bronzer rub off onto materials. If weather is rainy, carry an umbrella.
Q. What are the advantages of an Airbrush Tanning application over the spray-on booths or hand application ?
99% of a great sunless tan is the application. With the airbrush, the tanning solution is applied perfectly and evenly, over all exposed skin surfaces. This leaves you with a rich natural looking tan, which is perfect from every angle. Coverage is flawless and smooth, eliminating streaking, over application mistakes, or darkness on difficult areas such as hands, feet etc.
Booth applications (Mystic Tan) are similar to a generic “car wash”. Solution is sprayed out uniformly, all over. The client must be careful to position themselves throughout the session to ensure even coverage, which frequently means missed areas, streakiness and over dark hands and feet. The solution is also filled with preservatives and usually has a bad odor. Our solution is not made until it is ordered.
If a hair covering is used, in the booth, revealing pale lines are often left framing the face. A good sunless tanning Technician will minimize any white demarcation around the face, or on the neck.
Home applied application takes time and experience to achieve a perfect and natural finish. All too often streaks, orange palms, over dark hands and feet, are the results.
Application with an airbrush, gives unique attention to detail, superior to any other application method. Our exquisite solution line-up includes an array of custom blended formulations to cover the entire spectrum of client skin tones.
Whether you prefer the soft sun kissed glow of our light products, to the deep summer richness of our darker formulations. We have a product that will work for you.
Q. What Can Destroy A DHA Tan?
1. Some brands of soaps and lotions can cause rapid or poor fading, or poor tan development. Curel and Dove can be problematic for many clients.
2. Hair Inhibiting Lotions can cause a yellow tone or cast on a sunless tan.
3. Anti-aging, Smoothing, or Skin Renewal products can increase fading or blotchiness.
4. AHA's (Alpha Hydroxy Acids -glycolic, lactic, Malic, citric and Tartaric acids) can speed exfoliation and skin turnover.
5. BHA's (Beta Hydroxy Acids-salicylic acid) can increase fading, or lighten a tan.
6. Retin-A type products (Retin-A, Renova, Tazorac, Tretinoin) can increase fading or blotcyness.
7. Toners containing high amounts of Alcohol or Witch Hazel can fade a tan (Witch Hazel EXTRACT is fine).
8. Anti-acne products can cause faster fading, peeling, blotchiness (Accutane, Salicylic acid).
9. Any medication that affects the skin or skin heath can also affect the tan.
10. Makeup remover cleaning preparations or oils, can fade tan.
11. Bar soaps, even moisturizing ones can be very harsh on skin and a sunless tan. Deodorant types should also be avoided.
12. Do not use a rough wash implement for daily washing. (loofas, scrub mitts, scrub gloves etc.) Gently use a soft washcloth or your own hands.
13. Adhesive tape, or products applied to skin, can pull the "tan" off. (surgical tape, bandage tape, peel off facial strips)
14. Facial masks and exfoliating scrubs, or practices.
15. Hair removal procedures and depilatory products, (Nair, Veet, Neet etc.) will lighten tanned skin. Waxing will also fade or remove a tan.
16. Shaving exfoliates skin please use a sharp razor lightly with clean rinsing lubricating product. Dull shaving equipment can increase fading or cause stripes. Some shaving lubricants can leave coatings on the skin. Remove residue before applying more tanning products.
17. Pat dry after bathing or swimming, do not rub.
18. Body hair bleach products will also bleach the underlying skin.
19. Submersion in hot tubs, swimming pools, fresh or salt water (a waterproof sun block helps - try bullfrog). Reapply a touchup/maintainer lotion after swimming if needed.
20. Extensive long hot bath's can also cause some fading. And older “tan” will fade faster then a freshly applied one.
21. Women may “tan” differently during various hormonal changes. (Menstruation, pregnancy, breastfeeding)
22. Oily skinned clients or oily skin areas (face, chest, neck, upper back) tan lighter than surrounding skin.
23. Lower legs/shins often tan lighter. I go a little heavier in these areas.
24. Insect repellant sprays, and some perfumes when sprayed directly onto skin, removes or fades the tan. Instead spray a cloud into air, and walk through the mist.
Call or Email Rebecca at Sunny Buns In Home Tanning Service
(626) 252-6655