FAQ's

How do I prepare for my airbrush tan?
Please shower, exfoliate and shave prior to your appointment. Avoid using deodorant or makeup. When you use an exfoliant, choose a water-based vs. oil based product. We will give you further instructions once you have scheduled your appointment with us (or use the link below to download and print).

How long will my airbrush tan last?
The longevity of a sunless tan depends on the type of tanning application, the skin's natural exfoliation process, and on the skincare regimen followed before and after application. A sunless tan received at a salon or spa, will last longer than an at-home application as there is usually a greater percentage of DHA used.

  At-home application (lotions, sprays, foams, etc.) = 3 to 5 days
  Professional application (spray units, airbrush) = 6 to 10 days

The "life span" of a sunless tan also depends on your skin's natural exfoliation. Skin naturally replaces itself every 28 days, so with any type of tan, it will fade if not cared for properly. The faster your skin turns over, the faster the sunless tan will fade. The tan created by the DHA 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.

Following a good skin care regimen before and after sunless tanning will help a sunless tan last longer. Exfoliating prior to a sunless tanning application and keeping skin moisturized afterwards are essential. Sunless tan-extending products with a light self-tanning bronzer containing DHA (Dihydroxyacetone), will help hydrate skin and maintain even, natural-looking color longer.

How do I care for my airbrush tan?
After tanning, wear loose fitting clothing for at least eight hours and no moisturizing, swimming, exercising/sweating or showering for 6-10 hours. When you shower, use a moisturizing body wash to keep the skin moist; it should also be non-medicated. Avoid hard scrubbing; it will remove your tan. When drying off, pat the skin dry and don't rub. You should moisturize twice a day. When you purchase your tan, you will receive a client instructional handout with more detailed information.

How long does it take?
Upon arrival to your home or preferred place to be tanned, the tanning process will only take about 20 minutes once we set up. We guarantee we will be in and out in 45-60 minutes and you will have a beautiful natural looking custom airbrush tan.

Should I moisturize before a sunless tan?
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 self tanning and often beginning only after your first shower. A moisturizer applied immediately prior to self tanning could interfere with the reaction of the DHA (the active self tanning ingredient) with your skin. Any moisturizer applied immediately after self tanning could cause streaking and also interfere with the reaction of DHA. When you do use a moisturizer, we recommend to use one which contains a light bronzer to provide skin with subtle color and extend your sunless tanning results.

Why is keeping skin moisturized essential to maintain great sunless results?
It is important to keep skin moisturized after sunless tanning as dry, flaky skin will slough off faster and color will fade sooner. Sunless tan-extending products with a light self-tanning bronzer help hydrate skin and maintain even, natural-looking color longer by providing subtle bronzers.

How frequently do you recommend spray-tanning 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. We generally recommend people with quick cell turnovers apply a self tanner every 3-4 days between sessions to keep color fresh, while others may need to apply only once a week. In addition, you can control the intensity of a sunless tan by repeating your spray application for darker results. It is best to wait at least 2 to 3 hours between applications to allow the DHA to react and set on the skin before applying a "second coat."

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 absolutely necessary you wear a sunscreen when outdoors to protect your skin from burning.

Why do some sunless tanners make me turn orange?
It can be a combination of the type of sunless tanner used and the level of DHA (the active sunless tanning ingredient). Sunless Tanners have come a long way since their introduction. Traditional sunless tanners relied solely on DHA to create a temporary 'tan.' Recently, many sunless tanners started including Erythrulose, a similar type ingredient that delivers a more golden color to the skin, whereas DHA tends to be more red/orange. The use of these two sunless tanning ingredients together and with the right balance allows for a more golden-brown hue and a more natural-looking 'tan.' In addition, Erythrulose takes longer to react than DHA, therefore allowing for longerlasting sunless color.

Try a product with DHA and Erythrulose to see if the end result is more natural for you. You may also want to try a lighter layer or use a product with lower level of sunless tanning ingredients as over-saturation can also lead to unnatural-looking results.

What do I need to provide for my technician?
Safety and a perfect tan for you is Radiance's first priority. With any electrical device, fire hazards are always a concern. We recommend that you have a grounded plug (GFI-3 wire plug) available for us to use that is safe and functional. Also, a well lit area for us to apply your tan. It can be a bathroom, kitchen, or living room. Wherever the light is best, we can decide once we arrive but generally we prefer to spray in the shower.

Pre and Post Tan Maintenance
Variables that Affect Sunless Tanning Results