Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to frequently asked questions about UV Tanning, our Automated Airbrush system and Self Tanning Bronzers and Lotions. Learn more about our Tanning and Sunless Spray Tanning.
Why should I use a lotion when UV tanning?
Dry skin does not take a tan as well, so tanning lotions help to replenish the moisture that is lost during tanning. They also can help break through tanning plateaus. Some lotions also provide some bronzing self-tanner to deepen your tan even more.
What is the best way to prepare for a spray tan?
Moisturizing the days before, showering and shaving just prior, and making sure you have no lotion on before you spray is the way to ensure you get the best, most even color.
How can I extend the length of my spray tan?
Using a good quality body moisturizer daily, like our Hempz® body lotion, can help to keep your skin from drying out, which would ultimately result in your spray tan flaking off with your dry skin. Ensuring your skin is completely hydrated and moisturized helps to lock your spray tan in for longer. You also want to avoid anything that can be abrasive on the skin like shaving or rubbing your skin with a towel after a shower – it is better to pat dry.
Do I need an appointment before I come to the salon?
You do not need an appointment for UV tanning. We take appointments for spray tanning only, but they are not required.
How often do I need to tan?
Your skin tans by stimulating the production of melanin (pigmentation) in your skin which leads to a base tan. It is recommended that you tan 3-5 times within an 8 day period to develop a base tan. In order to maintain color, we recommend 1-2 visits a week and don’t forget to use a Tan Extender! These products are essential in helping preserve, protect and prolong the life of your tan!
Why should I rotate tanning beds?
Sun tanning uses two different UV rays – UVA and UVB. UVB is used to help stimulate melanin production for a base tan while UVA oxidizes your melanin for deeper, darker, longer lasting color. For best results, always rotate to a bed with higher UVA output every 3 sessions.
Why do I need to wear sunscreen even if I have a sunless tan?
Although you may feel and look like you have a real tan, a sunless tan is only the temporary appearance of a tan and therefore provides your skin with no real sunburn protection. It is still recommended to wear sunscreen when outdoors to protect your skin from overexposure.
How do I apply Barrier Cream correctly?
Barrier Cream is applied as a protective barrier to prevent unwanted color on the skin’s porous areas such as hands, feet, elbows, knees, nails and cuticles. Dispense a generous amount of Barrier Cream onto your hands and apply an even coating to the palms of the hands, in-between the fingers, tips of fingers, covering nails and around the cuticles. Also apply a generous layer of Barrier Cream to the bottom of feet, in-between the toes, covering toenails and cuticles and to the bending, rougher portions of elbows and knees.
Can I work out after an Automated Airbrush session?
It is best to wait about 6 hours after your Sunless session before partaking in any strenuous activities that may cause perspiration. This will give the DHA time to fully react with skin proteins as well as prevent streaking that could result from excessive perspiration.
Can I do an Automated Airbrush session and a tanning session the same day?
Yes, in fact, we recommend it! This is called a tanning cocktail and who doesn’t love a good cocktail? Since Sunless tanning is UV-Free, we recommend tanning prior to your automated airbrush session to help open pores for deeper, darker, longer lasting results from your airbrush tan!
How long should I wait after my Automated Airbrush session before I shower?
Shower time depends entirely on the solution you choose. Rapid sunless tans may be rinsed in as little as 1-3 hours after application. While for classic sunless tans, it is best to wait at least 6 hours after application. Waiting the appropriate amount of time gives the DHA time to fully react with skin proteins. Remember, the first shower after a spray tan should be water only- no soap!
How frequently do you recommend going in for a Sunless session? Can I do it several days in a row?
The frequency of Sunless tanning application depends on your skin cell turn over and preference of color intensity. People with quick cell turn-overs may want to do a Sunless session every 3-4 days to keep color fresh, while others may need to apply only once every 7-10 days.
How many days will a Sunless tan last?
The longevity of a Sunless tan depends on the skin’s natural exfoliation process, and on the skin regimen followed before and after application. On average, a sunless tan will last 4-7 days. The “life span” of a Sunless tan also depends on your skin’s natural exfoliation. The faster your skin regenerates, the faster the sunless tan will fade. The tan created by the DHA and Erythrulose affects only the top layer of the skin and will begin to fade after 4 to 5 days as the skin naturally begins to exfoliate. Remember to moisturize for the longest lasting color!
Should I moisturize before I do an Automated Airbrush session?
You should use a moisturizer regularly to keep your skin hydrated and healthy, which will contribute to a more even, natural looking sunless tan. However, it is recommended NOT to apply moisturizers 2 hours prior to sunless tanning and 4 to 6 hours after.
Why is keeping skin moisturized essential to maintain great Sunless results?
It is important to keep skin moisturized after your Sunless session as dry, flaky skin will slough off faster and color will fade sooner. Sunless tan-extending products with a light self-tanning bronzer helps hydrate skin and maintain even, natural looking color longer by providing subtle bronzers.
Will the solution from the Sunless come off on my clothes?
Some of the bronze “cosmetic tint” color may rub off on clothing or bed sheets. This is most likely to happen when you get dressed immediately after tanning. To minimize the chance of the bronzers transferring to clothing, we recommend that you towel dry after your session and wear loose-fitting, darker clothes after your Sunless session. The Cosmetic tint is water-soluble. Therefore, in most cases, the color will come out of clothing in the wash.
Why do some self tanners make me turn orange?
It can be a combination of the type of self-tanner used and the level of DHA (the active self-tanning ingredient). Self-Tanners have come a long way since their introduction. Another common reason we see this type of orange color is from pH imbalance in the skin. We always recommend using body washes and soaps that are sulfate and alcohol-free. This will not only help keep your pH level balanced but aid in longer-lasting color too!
What bronzers and lotion do you stock?
We only carry name brand bronzers and lotions that offer the most benefits to beautify and enhance our guests’ skin and their tan. A product has to live up to our high standards before we stock it.
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Upgraded + Elevated Tanning Salon
The best option in Tampa for customizable sunless spray tans and high-quality UV tanning beds, giving you a natural sun-kissed tan so you look and feel refreshed.
Automated Airbrush Sunless Spray Tan
Go from Zero to Sexy in 60 seconds! Become a Sunless Sensation! Sunless Airbrush Tans look radiant and inspire confidence!
UV Tanning Services
It doesn’t take all day to get a tan indoors. Maintain your tan for as little as 60 minutes a month. We make sure you tan and not burn.