See prep product recommendations below with a clickable link to my amazon page
sunburns & Spray tanning
Before Booking your spray tan think if you have had a bad sunburn within the past weeks. Even if the skin looks healed from the outside it can take up to 6-8 weeks for the skin to fully heal. If you had a sunburn on your chest for example and then had a spray tan shortly after, it could cause a "peeling" effect with the spray tan solution on that area.
DHA (the darkening agent in spray tan solution) reacts with the amino acids of the dead skin cells sitting on your skin. This reaction, known as the Maillard reaction, produces a temporary darkening effect that resembles a natural tan.
As these cells naturally shed as why the tan will gradually fade. Therefore, a spray tan typically last 5 to 7 days.
So the spray tan is almost guaranteed to come off with the flaking skin leaving your tan looking blotchy.
The bottom line is, if you have a really bad
sunburn, let it fully heal before you get a spray tan.
getting wet & what appts to avoid
Before making your appointment date- Be sure that the day you choose to get your spray tan you will be able to refrain from getting wet for UP TO 8 hours! Each clients wait time varies and you will be informed of yours. But you should always make sure that hair appts, nail appts, brows etc. are always made days prior to spray tan OR 24 hours later. I would not recommend getting any kind of FACIALS or MASSAGES during the DURATION of your spray tan because it can result in blotchy areas due to the amount of soaking, steaming, and chemicals in products used. This also includes PEDICURES! Soaking in the water/products, and exfoliating legs can cause the tan to come off or result in splotchy legs and feet!
With the rapid solutions you can achieve:
2-3 Hours: A subtle, light glow.
3-4 Hours: Light/Medium
5-6 Hours: Medium/Dark
6-7 Hours: Dark
8+ Hours: Ultra Dark
How to prep for your spray tan appointment
Click the amazon cart below to view my amazon spray tan must haves & easily add to your own cart!
AFTER CARE
EXFOLIATING 24hrs prior to your spray tan is CRUCIAL to achieving an even tan! Exfoliating involves the removal of dead skin cells from the skin’s surface, which allows fresh, new skin cells to emerge. Exfoliating EVENLY & all over makes the difference!
If you do need to shower the day of your tan, try to do it at least 3/4 hrs prior as your skin will hold on to that moisture and it can cause blotchy areas.
What NOT to do before your first "Rinse" (Rinsing off bronzer)
-Dishes/Mopping
-Bathing your children or pets
-Washing your hands (I know! Eeew, but don't) the water will always drip on your leg or run down your arm causing streaks!
-Sleep with your palm to your face, or in between your legs! I don't recommend sleeping in your tan anyways, but if you do, the tan can and will rub off on the palms of your hands! AND if you drool in your sleep, be ready to blend that out the best you can when you wake up using a beauty blender!
When rinsing your spray tan do not use any soaps, loofas, or cloths. You also shouldn't wash your hair during your rinse, as shampoos will run down your back and legs and can effect the outcome of your tan. And I have to say it....(Please don't pee in the shower either.) Urine can cause a white streak down your legs!
Shower using LUKE WARM water, and use just your hands to wipe the bronzer away. It's like rinsing dye out of your hair. You wipe the "color" away and wait for the water to turn clear. A quick in and out and then blot dry with a dark colored towel. Until your second shower using soap always assume your tan is going to transfer onto things like clothes, sheets, and BABIES! (For my breast feeding Mommas!) Lay down a towel on your furniture and assume that it will stain if not. I have a beige couch, beige sheets, and have worn light colored clothing...the tan did transfer a little, but luckily it did wash out! Florida Baked Spray Tans cannot be held responsible for stained belongings.
In conclusion, after your first rinse, you can resume normal activities, but it is recommended that you wait until the following day when your tan is fully developed to shower normally, and use your normal everyday products.
How do I maintain my tan longer?
HYDRATION is key to maintaining your spray tan! Applying a hydrating lotion DAILY like Hempz will help to quench your skins thirst for moisture and maintain the color longer. Hot tub frequenters and clients who live in chlorine swimming pools will likely not be able to maintain their tan as long as opposed to others who don't.
Body soaps like "Dove" are harsh on the skin and leave behind a residue. This is why it's important to exfoliate prior to getting your tan, to remove dead skin cells and build up that products can leave behind. Switching to an organic soap a few weeks prior to getting your tan will also help lengthen the tan duration. Having nice clean skin, and then an organic body wash to use afterwards is best recommended.
And lastly, avoid super hot showers! Try lukewarm warm showers to make your spray tan lasts as long a possible!
Check out my Amazon list for spray tan must haves and you can view my favorite lotions, exfoliants, and face washes! Just click on the amazon cart above! The exfoliating glove is my #1 recommendation! Using these products will help you achieve the most even tan, and help you to maintain it as long as possible!
