Airbrush Preparation
What is Airbrush tanning?
Airbrush tanning is the new easy way to get the appearance of a tan completely UV free! The bronzing solution is applied to the skin with an airbrush, creating a fine, even mist of golden natural-looking tan color onto your skin.
The active ingredient in the airbrush bronzing solution is called DHA (Dihydroxyacetone). When applied to the skin, DHA reacts with the proteins and amino acids in the outer layer of skin causing it to turn golden brown. You will begin to darken 2 to 3 hours after your tanning session and reach peak color within 24 hours.
Important Information about Airbrush Body Bronzing
How do I prepare to be airbrushed?
Proper skin preparation is essential to your airbrush tan looking its best and lasting its longest! Before you come in to be airbrushed, skin should be cleaned and the body thoroughly exfoliated. Removal of dead cells and body oils allows the sunless solution to penetrate evenly and smoothly into your skin, giving you the best, longest lasting results. We recommend after exfoliation you lather your body with daily clarifying hair shampoo (we recommend Suave). Do not use any moisturizer, deodorant, perfume, makeup, bar soaps (especially Dove), or shaving products before your airbrush as this can result in a lighter, streaky, blotchy, faster fading and off-color "tan". Women should be sure their legs are freshly shaved, as well as men's faces. Manicures, pedicures, facials and dress fittings should be done at least the day before your airbrush application.
What do I wear during the airbrush session?
Wear whatever you are comfortable in! Wear shorts and top, swimsuit, thong, or underwear (you must wear something on the bottom). Men must wear at least briefs (no thongs). Our goal is for you to have an enjoyable experience! Bring loose clothing and open shoes (like flip-flops) to wear afterwards to minimize rubbing and sweating, which will negatively affect your sunless tan development.
How long will my airbrush tan last?
A "first time' application should last 3-10 days depending on your skin type. Tan fading rates are influenced by your skin's natural exfoliation rate, your pre-tan preparation, post-tan care, general skin health, and your lifestyle. A sunless tan will fade off continually everyday, just like a UV-based tan. Everyday you lose thousands of dead skin cells, about 25% of your color - as they fall away, so does your tan. Proper skin hydration is the key to maximum longevity. Moisturize daily with the Tan Extender lotion to extend your "tan". A woman's tan may also develop differently during various hormonal changes. The tan could be streaky, patchy, fade worse, or produce lighter (and even no) color. Oily skinned clients can develop a lighter tan than people who have dry skin. Dry skin absorbs more product faster; excess skin oils can coat the skin. Please advise your airbrush tech prior to application if you have oily skin.
How do I care for my airbrush tan?
As with any beauty treatment, it is important to take proper steps to maintain your airbrush tan. Remember, this is simply a "stain" on your skin. After you shower, apply the Tan Extending Moisturizer, specially designed for use with your sunless tan, to help your sunless tan last longer and replenish your skin.
Some brands of soaps and lotions, especially Dove and Curell, can cause rapid or poor fading or poor tan development. Bar soaps, even moisturizing ones, and deodorant soaps should be avoided. Hair inhibiting lotions can cause a yellow tone. Anti-aging, smoothing, or skin renewal products can increase fading or blotchiness. AHA's (alpha hydroxy acids - glycolic, lactic, malic, citric and tartaric acid) and BHA's (beta hydroxy acids - salicyclic acid) can speed exfoliation and skin turnover. Anti-acne products such as Retin–A type products can cause faster fading or blotchiness. Makeup remover cleaning preparations, toners containing high amounts of alcohol or witch hazel, facial masks, and exfoliating scrubs can fade your sunless tan. Hair removal procedures and depilatory products will lighten tanned skin. Waxing will also fade or remove a sunless tan. Do not use a rough wash implement for daily washing (loofas, scrub mitts, etc.). Use your hand with Suave Daily Clarifying Shampoo as your body wash for best results. Choose showers rather than baths as soaking in hot bath water will make your sunless tan wear off sooner. Always "pat" dry. Any medication that affects the skin or skin health can also affect the tan (antibiotics used for acne or fungal infections, chemotherapy drugs, etc.).
