FAQ's

SOME HELPFUL ANSWERS TO YOUR
AIRBRUSH TANNING QUESTIONS
"We only use organic products"

Never tried airbrush tanning? here's the 411:
if you need to WAX do it 1 or 2 days before or SHAVE the day before. of course you can SHAVE after as well, as needed. you will not be able to WAX after your treatment because it will pull away the color from your skin - so the next time you can WAX is once your Faux Glow has faded or when you want to remove the color from your skin.

Please exfoliate!
you will need to exfoliate in the shower before you come (do not use an oil based exfoliating scrub "sugar scrubs or salt scrubs" - this will leave a residue on the skin which can act as a barrier when we apply the product on your body). please don't put on any lotion we want to get the product on to clean skin.

What about a manicure/pedicure...?
it's best to do it before the treatment. if you do it after, just wait until the next day or it will cause streaking. Also if you do it the day after some of the color may come off.

We'll help you choose from the 5 shades below:

HOLLYWOOD HONEY' - light medium
SOUTH BEACH BRONZED' - medium
BAHAMA BLING' - medium dark
ST. TROPEZ SEXY' - dark
BRAZILIAN BEAUTY' - very dark

Now let's get started!

After explaining to us the color you are looking for, you will undress to either dark cotton underwear or whatever you feel comfortable in (we can also provide disposable thongs). just remember the product can stain nylon, silk or wool - but washes out of everything else. it takes around five to ten minutes to be sprayed and six minutes to dry. expect to be with us for thirty minutes. please bring something a little bit loose and dark to wear after your appointment as the color can rub off inside your clothes while it is setting. don't wear tight jeans/pants as they absorb the product from the skin. after your tan, do not be alarmed if you see any of the surface color fade from your body (this is from your clothing rubbing against your skin but once you take your shower, it will even out).

How long until I shower...?
9-12 hours is suggested - anything less you will have a diminishing result. you will see color washing off the first time you shower do not be alarmed. this is just the surface color that was applied. the tan left behind will gently and gradually fade until your next exfoliation.

What about exercising...?
again 9-12 hours is suggested.
excessive perspiration can hinder the tanning process and lessen the final result of your Faux Glow tan (so make sure if it's hot outside - don't allow yourself to sweat -stay inside with the air conditioner on). also make sure you rinse off before exercising so you don't have any surface color rub off on your clothing.

How long does it last...?
we recommend one treatment to lay down a base coat then weekly touch ups to maintain your tan. basically with one application the tan naturally fades in around 5-10 days (it varies on everyone - it just depends on how fast your skin exfoliates, the color you choose, if you exercise everyday, and if you will be in water a lot.) HYDRATED SKIN makes your tan last longer - you should apply moisturizer MORNING and EVENING (or after you shower)...this is one of the most important steps to keep your color from fading. another great tip to extend your tan - apply baby oil to your body before you shower, this will act as a barrier and extend the tan (start applying baby oil after your first shower - then continue on with every shower after that).

How can I maintain it...?
take quick, warm showers; avoid long, hot baths; gently towel dry, blot the skin lightly; and MOISTURIZE, MOISTURIZE, MOISTURIZE! avoid anything that exfoliates, especially alpha hydroxy and glycolic creams. also, there are a variety of lotions with self tanners added to give you a gradual glow - use one of these lotions or sprays to maintain the color. Faux Glow will be coming out with an organic product line soon...stay tuned!

before your next tan... if you want to start completely over on fresh new skin, you will need to soak for 15-20 minutes in a hot bath and then exfoliate (what a perfect excuse for some pampering...don't forget to light some candles).

What about my furniture, sheets and clothes...?
yes a little color may rub off - but it does wash out. we suggest wearing pajamas or sweats and putting a little towel on your pillowcase if you are worried ~ oh what we will do to get that Faux Glow. do not sit directly on leather or light fabric seats and furniture after your tanning session (sit on towel or cloth instead).

if it's raining outside the day of your service... please try to avoid getting wet - we are not responsible if your color streaks. we do have umbrellas at the spa to purchase in case you forgot yours at home. if you do get wet...just leave the color alone on your body and wait the entire 9-12 hours to shower...once you shower, the color should even out.

Is this process safe...?
there are no known harmful side effects reported with the use of self-tanners containing DHA certainly none as harmful as tanning in the sun or a tanning bed. the ingredients in our tanning products have been used safely in cosmetics for over 30 years.

How is this method different from spray tanning booths?
Airbrush tanning allows for a more personalized and precise application of the solution. we can add more solution to areas where the sun would naturally, such as the bridge of the nose, cheekbones, and shoulders. because the tanning solution is applied by your own faux glow color specialist, there will be no 'missed' spots or uneven areas that can occur otherwise, as solution application is monitored and controlled per each individual.

The active ingredient in virtually all sunless tanning formulas is Dihydroxyacetone ~ (DHA)... when (DHA) is applied to the skin, it causes a chemical reaction with the amino acids in the skin to produce a tan, much like the sun does, but without UV damage to the skin. as people are becoming aware that UV radiation can lead to skin damage, airbrush tanning is gaining in popularity. this is because it gives you a tan without exposing you to the harmful UV radiation of the sun.

(DHA) is a type of sugar which provokes a tan through a chemical reaction that stains the skin. It does not cause an increased production of melanin, therefore it is not comparable to a tan from sun exposure. So don't be misled ~ it will not protect you from getting sunburned!