prep & care instructions
Skin replaces itself naturally every 28 days. Twenty-five percent of skin is exfoliated each week, causing UV to wear away. Sunless spray tans affect only the top 25 percent of skin. Sunless tanners should use a tan-extending program to maintain the level of the sunless tan longer.
Prior to your session
48 HOURS PRIOR
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Schedule your manicure, pedicure, facial, waxing and hair appointments. Blow Dry's are only recommended to be done either prior to spray tan or AFTER your first rinse.
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If you are going to shave or wax (recommended) before spray tanning, do it a day before, since you need the pores to close properly after hair removal. If they don't, excess spray tan solution can lodge in those pores and that will give a spotty look. The wax from the shaving bar can also cause streaks if used less than 12 hours before tan.
24 HOURS PRIOR
• Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate! I cannot stress the importance of pre-session exfoliation. Exfoliate with a basic loofah or wash rag. Also, stay away from any heavy exfoliating oils - use oil-free body scrubs/exfoliating wash. After showering DO NOT apply lotions, oils, or perfumes.
DAY OF THE APPOINTMENT
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Take a basic shower the morning of your spray tan.
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Do not apply lotions, creams, or perfumes prior to session. Use deodorant very sparingly, as a harmless green tint can appear when solution and deodorant mix.
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Wear dark, loose fitting clothing and open toed sandals flip-flops if possible tanning solution will wash out of most fabrics, but may stain nylons, and silk. Cotton is recommended. While your tan is developing, you do not want clothing or foot wear that will rub against the skin to avoid skin on skin contact which can result in uneven or blotchy patches of skin.
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Cover your car seat with a dark or black towel to prevent sweating and streaking.
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Avoid wearing a bra, socks, or other restrictive clothing immediately after your spray tan session. The looser fitting the better to avoid any streaking as the tan is developing
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Follow the rinse off time's provided during session (I will input instructions below for reference as well.) You should refrain from showering until then. This is based off your skin type, which solution they use etc.
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If you get a late night tan, it's OK to sleep overnight with it. My regular clients use old sheets to sleep on the night of their tan or old towels, just in case the temporary bronzer rubs off on your sheets during the night. It will wash out, but just be aware this may occur.
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Your first shower post spray tan should be just a rinse. Absolutely NO soap. A really slow rinse with luke warm water is best. Only use your hands to remove the bronzer rubbing in a circular motion, and focus your attention to your legs, behind your arms, in your ears and around your nose etc. The #1 cause for streaks is the bronzer not being rinsed off properly and this can stain the skin for a few days so it's important that the first rinse is thorough. You will notice the temporary bronzer washing away, leaving you beautifully bronzed underneath. Your tan will continue to develop even after the shower, so do not be alarmed if you're not as tan as you expect to be you will continue to develop over the next 24 hours. Pat yourself dry with a soft towel afterwards. From this point on hydration is the key!
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If you see streaks after your initial rinse hop back in the shower and do another rinse. If that doesn't help, you can use soap or rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab will help remove the streak. Keep in mind that it will also remove the tan in the area you apply it to. I do not recommend respraying if this occurs.
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Post care after your session
Maintenance after tan
The length of your tan depends on the maintenance afterwards.
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Pat Dry after showers. Refrain from showering in hot water to prolong your tan as well.
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Moisturize twice a day to extend the life of your beautiful spray tan.
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Soft Moisturizing Crème. Avoid moisturizes with AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) as this ingredient promotes exfoliation. Also avoid any type of DHA product that has a self-tanner it can potentially cause yellow tone.
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The life of your tan will depend on the frequency of your workouts, showers, and your skin's exposure to chlorine and salt water. If you plan on swimming, apply a thick layer of sunscreen lotion, as this puts a barrier between your spray tan and the water.
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It is recommended not to shave skin till day 3 after sunless tan application, because this is also a form of exfoliation.
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We recommend that after every five weeks of spray-tanning, let your skin rest for 10 days. I recommend a body scrub at a professional place.
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Most people notice their tan begin to fade after about 4-7 days. Moisturizing and staying hydrated are two important factors that help create healthy, hydrated skin that will retain the results of your sunless tanning session longer.
Results will vary by individual.
Rinse time reference - Senza Sole 9.5% should be left on for about 6-8 hours and Senza Sole 12% and Senza Sole 14% can both be rinsed off in 4-6 hours. For 9.5%, do not leave the bronzer on longer than 10 hours. This can cause over dehydration in the skin which can lead to snake looking skin or spotting. For 12% and 14%, do not leave the bronzer on longer than 8 hours for the same reason. Leaving on the cosmetic bronzer longer than the time allowed will not make your tan darker.