FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: When do I need to exfoliate, and what do I use to exfoliate?
A: If tan perfection is your goal, it is vital you start with a blank canvas i.e., clean polished skin. Exfoliating prepares your skin to be more receptive to the tan. It helps your tan last longer and ensures your tan fades evenly. Purchase a loofa or exfoliating gloves (usually $3-5 per pair). Gently exfoliate all over your body every time you shower/bath PRIOR to having your Spray of Sunshine – Mobile Spray Tan done. ‘You do not need to rub your skin off!’ Gently does it.
Q: How can I remove fake tan Build up?
A: It is very important to avoid build up if you want your tan to look flawless and natural. Ideally, you should exfoliate at least once a week and apply new tanning solution. However, if tan build up is an issue the following products remove it in jiffy; Lemon juice; Baby oil; or our personal favourite, a relaxing soak in the bath with your favourite aromatherapy oils.
Q: My spray tans are usually fabulous but the last one was blotchy even though I exfoliated and did not apply moisturizer. What went wrong?
A: The way your spray tan develops is influenced by the pH balance of your skin, which in turn, is influenced by many factors. Certain foods such as sardines can affect the pH balance of your skin, as can the ‘time of month’ and certain medications (particularly antidepressants). This pH imbalance affects the way in which the DHA reacts with your skin and for no apparent reason you can get a dodgy tan. Have you used a product containing AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids)? An anti aging chemical can ruin your tan.
Q: After tanning, my feet and hands are darker than the rest of my body. What I can do to prevent this?
A: Skin on feet and hands tend to be drier than other areas on the body and can absorb too much of the tanning Solution resulting in darker areas. Skilled tanning consultants will be able to avoid this but generally, the only way to prevent this happening is by using a barrier cream. Spray of Sunshine – Mobile Spray Tanning uses the SOL unique pre-tan moisturiser that inhibits the tanning process on dry areas while still allowing enough solution through to give you a tan.
Q: I have heard fake tans are either red or green based. What does this mean?
A: This is the latest (and certainly the most bizarre) spray tanning myth. The fact is, DHA (or Dihydroxyacetone) the tanning agent in all fake tans, is colourless. The only colorants found in spray tanning formulations are those blended to produce the topical colour – the colour that you see immediately when the tan is applied. Because this topical colour washes off in the shower after your tan has developed, it has no effect on the colour of your tan whatsoever.
Q: Will I look orange from my Spray of Sunshine – mobile spray tan?
A: DHA OVERSATURATION, We’ve all seen them… those orange hued bodies that make us vow never to ‘fake’ it again. However, there is no reason your sunless tan should not be sensational and natural looking. Just remember that when it comes to fake tanning use the Spray of Sunshine motto… “LESS IS BEST”.
If you constantly ‘top up’ your tan, you’re going to over saturate your skin with DHA (the main tanning ingredient in all sunless tans). The more tan you apply, the more orange you’ll become it’s as simple as that. The secret to drop dead gorgeous colour is to exfoliate your skin after two tan applications, then start again. Remember, skin sheds constantly so if you keep ‘topping up’ your tan won’t only look orange, it’ll become patchy and dull.
Q: Why do some fake tans look orange?
A: Not all tanning solutions are created equal and the quality of your spray tan is determined by several factors:
- The quality and blending of the tanning ingredients used. If the tanning solution contains poor quality DHA (a simple sugar derivative and the main ingredient in all fake tans) or the percentage of DHA is too high, the tan will turn orange. Generally, when it comes to spray tanning solutions you get what you pay for. Therefore, it is worth paying a little extra if quality is what you are after.
- Oversaturation. Another cause of the dreaded orange tan is applying too much tanning solution. Go easy... you can always top up your colour the next day if necessary.
Q: I tried a friend’s tanning aerosol and the spray was green. Is that normal?
A: No, it’s not. Two things generally cause Green-tanning Solution:
- the solution has gone off or has passed its use-by date, or
- Incorrect lining in the aerosol can has caused a chemical reaction. Either way, it’s probably best not to use it on your skin and to return it to the store you purchased it from.
Q: Can I exercise after having a Spray of Sunshine - Mobile Spray Tan applied?
A: Having a workout or just building up a sweat after having your Spray of Sunshine - Mobile Spray Tan done can play havoc on your tan. It has to do with the enzymes, chemicals (and water) we emit when we sweat. If you want to hang on to your tan for as long as possible, it is probably best to cut back on the gym. Remember not to exercise on the day you apply your tan!
Q: Will anything happen to my Spray of Sunshine – Mobile Spray Tan if I swim or use a spa?
A: You have probably noticed after a long relaxing soak in the tub how your skin tends to clump and peel off when you rub it? For the life of your Spray tan, the same thing is going to happen and your tan. It will simply peel off! If you are swimming in a chlorinated pool or soaking in a spa, it is a double whammy as chlorine ‘bleaches’ the skin. Too long in the shower has the same effect as does excessive perspiration. To maintain your tan, opt for a quick shower and gently pat skin dry.
Q: What happens to my Spray of Sunshine – Mobile Spray Tan if I wear PERFUME?
A: Due to high alcohol content, some perfumes can leave patchy areas on your tan. So when applying your favourite fragrance its best to spray or dab onto the pulse points like the wrists and inside elbows or on your clothes & hair rather than on the neck or between the breasts.
Q: Do I only moisturise during the life of my Spray Tan?
A: At the risk of repeating ourselves, hydrated skin is ESSENTIAL if you want an even, longer-lasting tan. So remember to moisturise both DURING the life of your Spray Tan and keep it up after. This will prepare your skin for any climate changes (air con/ heating/ wind etc) and allows you have keep you tan looking beautiful & longer lasting for when you do have another Spray of Sunshine – Mobile Spray Tanning applied. So remember... moisturise...moisturise...moisturise!
REMEMBER THESE TAN KILLERS
- PERSPIRATION/EXCESSIVE EXERCISE
- DHA OVERSATURATION
- SWIMMING
- PERFUME
- DRY SKIN