Berwick Spray Tanning

Pre and Post Spray Tanning Information

Preparation for your Spray Tan
To ensure that you get the most from your spray tanning session, please follow this simple preparation guide.

• Always perform any hair removal (i.e. waxing, shaving, etc) at least 8 hours prior to your spray tanning appointment.

• Exfoliate your skin the night before your tan, using an exfoliant that is not oil based.  Exfoliating your skin before your tan will ensure an even coverage, and increase the duration of your tan.
• Don't wear any makeup, deodorant, perfume or moisturiser on the day of your tan.  These will interfere with the absorption of the tanning solution into your skin.
• If you are going to have a manicure or pedicure for your special occasion, it is best to have it done prior to your spray tan.

Tips for Extending the Life of Your Tan

• Water is your enemy!  Avoid showering for a minimum of 8 hours after your standard solution tan, 1-4 hours after your rapid tans. You can choose the tan and the development time that best suits your needs on the day with Vikki - they are all the same price, so the choice is yours.
• Wear loose, dark clothing immediately after your spray tan as tight clothing can damage your spray tan.  Also, to preserve your tan, it is advisable to leave your bra off after the tan application.  Do not wear denim jeans, as these may cause your tan to develop unevenly.
• Avoid any strenuous exercise or anything that may cause you to perspire, as your tan will come off in the places where you sweat.
• Moisturise after each shower; the more nourished your skin is, the longer your tan will last.
• When towelling dry - pat your skin dry, don't rub.
• Avoid long, hot baths and showers; also avoid swimming for long periods.  All of these will reduce the life of your tan.

Please be aware that your spray tan DOES NOT protect you from the negative effects of sun exposure. It is advisable that you always wear sunscreen with a high Sun Protection Factor (SPF) when you are exposed to the sun.

Frequently Asked Questions How does a spray tan work? The active ingredient is dihydroxyacetone (DHA). This (DHA) causes a chemical reaction with the amino acids (proteins) of the outer most layer of the skin.  This reaction causes the colour of the skin to change; producing a beautiful natural looking tan. DHA is combined with a bronzer colouring agent, which is primarily included to show the applicator where they have applied solution and where they have not. Bronzer is not an active ingredient but the invisible and active DHA ingredient starts to react with the skin within 2 hours of the tan application and continues to do so for a total of 24 hours, after which time you can wash off the bronzer and be left with a lovely looking tan. The rapid tans can be washed off in 1-4 hours. It is important to understand that the colour you see immediately after and when you leave is only the bronzer; which will all be washed off when you shower, while the invisible DHA ingredient continues to darken over the next 24 hours. There is no benefit or advantage in leaving the bronzer on longer than the recommended time. The spray gun is used to spray a combination of air and tanning solution directly onto the skin, which dries almost immediately. In just 15 minutes you can have a flawless tan that will develop over the next 8 hours, or sooner with the rapid tanning solutions. Will I end up turning orange? Some spray tanning solutions don't suit particular skin types and the wrong selection can create that orange look, especially when tanners apply it too heavily on the wrists, legs and feet. Today's modern spray tanning solutions are available in green, violet and chocolate bases, which gives me a lot of choice for you. I have all of these on hand and will quickly asses your skin type with you on the day to determine the best based colour for you; calling on over 6 years of spray tanning experience and thousands of different clients. Many of my regular girls have a special custom blend prepared for them, which is accurately recorded and tweaked as needed, to suit each individual. How long does a spray tan last? Depending on a person's activities, skin type & condition of the skin, the tan will last approximately 5 - 10 days. With follow up applications, a person can maintain their tan indefinitely. Using moisturiser on the skin daily will help extend the life of your tan, while keeping the tanned skin looking healthy and giving it added glow. Certain products fade quicker than others and some fade more evenly than others. I can advise you on the best tanning solution for your skin type and occasion.

How do I prepare for a Spray Tan session?
For maximum results; before your session, shower and exfoliate your skin. 
Make sure your skin is free of perfumes, lotions, oils, deodorants, gels or any
product for the skin that would create a barrier. These products may also cause
your tan to have a green hue in areas (the green will wash
off with your first shower).
Remove all jewellery (and don't put it back on for a few hours after your tan).

Should I get a Rapid Tan or a Standard 8 Hour Tan?
Both tans provide a similar colour, so it is totally up to you and your own circumstances on the day.
For Debs and Weddings, I recommend the 8 hour tanning solution as it is a very reliable product, to ensure your special day is perfect.
You may choose a rapid tan if you have a morning timeslot or if you have to go to go out or to work within a couple of hours.
If you have an evening timeslot and prefer not to sleep in your tan or you tend to sweat at night, a rapid tan would be best for you too.

What should I wear?
Clothing for women is whatever you are comfortable with.  Many things can be done to minimize tan lines.  The key is your comfort level.
Clothing for men is boxers, swim trunks or shorts.
Loose dark fitting clothing should be worn immediately after a spray tan.
I use the utmost discretion and am a fully trained professional with mulitple agency certifications.

How long should I wait after a tanning session before showering?
To give your spray tan enough time to develop. It is recommended waiting a minimum of 8 hours after tanning (unless otherwise instructed). Showering sooner may diminish the intensity of your tan. The rapid tan products allow you to shower after 1-4 hours depending on how deep you want your tan colour to be.

Will swimming affect my spray tan?
Swimming in chlorinated water or salt water can fade the results and diminish the length of your tan.

Can I shave before or after the spray tan application?
Shaving is a form of exfoliation so you should shave at least 8 hours before your spray tan.
Shaving after will take off some of your tan, so best to shave beforehand.

What is the difference between being spray tanned and using cream or lotion sunless tanners at home?
Even with the greatest of care, and help from a friend to get all the places you can't reach, you can't duplicate the even consistency and natural look of a spray tan.

Does a spray tan provide SPF protection?
No. Spray tans Do Not provide any sunscreen protection, so you should apply sunscreen accordingly.  There is no Sun Protection Factor (SPF) in the spray tanning solution, so your skin is still exposed and vulnerable to the sun.

If you choose to expose your skin to UV rays either from the sun or a tanning bed, it is important to use a lotion with SPF to protect you from those harmful ultraviolet rays.