What makes the skin tan in spray tanning?
The active ingredient of spray tan is DHA (dihydroxyacetone), which is derived from vegetables, such as sugar beet and sugar cane. DHA is a cosmetic ingredient that gives skin a tan without UV radiation from the sun. It colours the upper epidermis, the cornified layer, and it is based on a safe chemical reaction. When the substances react with the amino acids and proteins of the skin, the end result is skin that appears beautifully tanned. The spray tan is applied with a specially designed device individually for each customer.
When will the tan be visible on the skin?
The tanner is coloured, which means that the pigment shows immediately on the surface of the skin as a beautiful tan. The actual colour of the tan starts to develop on the skin in 1–2 hours, and it is “finished” after roughly 8 hours.
Are there different shades available?
There are usually 1-3 different color shades available. The number of shades depends on the stock availability of tanning solution importers. The EU’s new cosmetics law on self-tanning substances has made things significantly more difficult for manufacturers of tanning products. Because of this, there have been challenges in availability since spring 2022 for all suppliers of tanning solutions.
Can I get a very dark or a fairly light tan?
We can adjust the darkness of the tan not just by choosing the shade, but also the number of layers of the tanner. We apply one layer for a lighter end result, and two layers for a darker tan. So, if you want an extra dark tan, that can definitely be done. If you want something a bit less dramatic, that is just easily accomplished. Simply tell us what you want as accurately as possible. We can do it.
How long will the tan last?
The tan lasts for approximately 5–7 days on the skin. If you exercise a lot (sweating, showers), you may lose the tan as soon as after 3–4 days. In that case, we recommend that you purchase a home care product to maintain your tan at home longer.
What should you keep in mind?
Avoid showering, swimming and sweating for approximately 10 hours after the tan.
Is a spray tan suitable for everyone?
A spray tan is suitable for everybody, including those with sensitive skin.
Instructions for those getting a spray tan
• Exfoliate the skin with an exfoliant the night before. Do not use an oil-based exfoliant. Oils may prevent the tanner from being absorbed by the skin.
• Moisturise the skin well on the night before.
• Do not moisturise the skin for a minimum of 4 hours before the spray tan. Moisturisers may prevent the tanner from being absorbed by the skin.
• Exfoliate the skin in between each tanning session to ensure that the tan is always as even as possible.
• Do any hair removal on legs, the bikini zone and armpits on the day before the spray tan (at least 6 hours earlier). Waxing/sugaring should be done at least 12 hours in advance.
• Remove makeup and perfumes as well as deodorant before the treatment using an oil-free cleanser to achieve the best tanning result possible.
• Wear dark, loose clothing. The tanner can be removed from most clothes, but in some cases the cosmetic tanner may result in stains in clothing that are impossible to remove. Do not wear wool, nylon or silk clothing for at least 8 hours after a spray tan, because the tanner may react to these materials and stain them.
• The colour will start to develop immediately, and it will be “finished” after approximately 8 hours.
• Avoid showering, swimming or sweating for approximately 10 hours.
• Avoid touching/massaging the skin unnecessarily during the tan development period.
• After a shower, pat the skin dry with a towel; do not wipe or scrub. This allows your tan to remain even and beautiful for longer.
• We recommend that you use a self-tanning cream/spray/foam on your skin after a spray tan, because it will help your tan last longer. Simply moisturising your skin with a normal moisturiser will also extend the life of your tan.
Please keep in mind that just like tanning under the sun, the end result of a spray tan is also affected by how easily your skin tans, the skin pH and the skin type. Therefore, you should not compare your tan to other people. Every person’s tan is always unique.
Did you know?
Melanoma is now approximately five times more common than in the early 1950s, and according to a forecast by dermatologists, the incidence would have grown by approximately 50% by 2015. The only known reasons for the increase are the changes in the clothing worn by people and their sunbathing habits.
And what about this?
UV radiation causes a pigment called melanin to form in the pigment cells of the skin. In this way, the skin tries to protect itself from radiation damage, which means that tanning is always a sign of too much exposure to UV radiation – not health. Years of continued exposure to the radiation of the sun and solarium equipment damages the connective tissue of the skin, also known as solar or actinic elastosis. Its symptoms include thickening skin, furrows and lack of elasticity – skin ageing.
