SUNLESS TANNING PREP
1.) EXFOLIATION: The most important pre-tan step is to exfoliate the skin. This should be done at least twice before the spray tanning session. Use of a spa grade exfoliator is recommended (SJOLIE Exfoliating Body Wash or SJOLIE Sugar Scrub, available here).
If you exfoliate regularly, then 24 hours prior to the session is acceptable.
If you do not exfoliate regularly, then you should exfoliate 12-24 hours prior to your spray tanning session.
Exfoliation is a natural skin process that occurs daily. Different areas of the skin exfoliate at different rates and that is why it is important to exfoliate your skin properly. Over a 28-day period, the skin is completely “recycled” and new skin has taken its place. Every week 25% of the skin dies off and either sits on top of the skin or is exfoliated off. Therefore, the skin starts to fade, both with a sunless and UV tan. If you do not exfoliate properly, the sunless application will be applied to dead skin cells that will fall off within a day or two. Properly exfoliated skin will leave you with fresh, new skin that is ready for the DHA absorption.
2.) SHOWERING/BATHING BEFOREHAND: If you need to shower on the day of your spray tan, exfoliation should be done at least four hours prior to the spray tanning session.
Only use warm water to rinse your body off because many commonly used soaps, conditioners and body washes can leave a residue on the skin. This residue can act as a barrier to the sunless tanning solution.
Showering immediately before the session could cause pores to open. Open pores will allow the solution to penetrate, causing a “freckled” look, most commonly seen on the chest and lower leg area.
3.) WHAT TO WEAR TO AND FROM YOUR SESSION
No lotions, makeups, deodorant, perfume or any other products should be used after the final shower. These products can, and more than likely will, create a barrier for the sunless tanning solution. If you insist wearing deodorant or makeup to your appointment, you will be asked to rinse it off with cool water on a towel. Such will also take from your allotted appointment slot and your service completion, and results may be affected.
You should wear dark, loose fitting clothing to the session. Long-sleeved shirt and pants are recommended to avoid all skin-to-skin contact; which is imperative. Tight clothing will rub on the skin and could affect the overall outcome of the tan
4.) DURING YOUR SESSION:
You should always wear some type of undergarment. If you do not wish to wear your own, disposables/reusables will be provided (sometimes with a small fee). You will also be offered eye protection, nose filters and lip protectant. All mucous membranes need to be protected. Spray Tan is NOT recommend for anyone who is, or potentially is, pregnant without doctor approval-they need to consult with a physician prior to receiving a sunless tan. This also applies to anyone with any respiratory issues, severe allergies or any other medical condition.
SUNLESS TANNING AFTERCARE
You should maintain a good moisturizing routine. This includes use of a moisturizing lotion twice a day. It is also important to always stay hydrated from the inside out. Moisturizing of the skin should be done immediately following the shower. This helps lock in some of the moisture absorbed by the skin during the shower.
A tan extender lotion (SJOLIE Tan Extend available at All In Aesthetics) should be used every two to three days. It is recommended to wait at least one full day after the spray tan to begin use. Tan extender lotions typically contain DHA within them, so you do not want to apply too much DHA to the skin in a short period of time. Apply the tan extender lotion in an even motion. Be sure to wash the palms of your hands thoroughly after applying the tan extender lotion.
You should “pat” dry when the exiting the shower. Rubbing the skin in any way is going to speed up the exfoliation process.
You must avoid contact with abrasive products. Many skin care products contain ingredients, such as mineral oil, which are detrimental to a sunless spray tan. It is also recommended to avoid body wash with microbeads or texture which can exfoliate a tan before intended. As a rule of thumb, most expensive or “cheap” skin care products are made with lesser quality ingredients.
Avoid sweating as much as possible. It is not uncommon for sunless tans to last for a shorter period during the summer months. Sweat causes dead skin to accumulate quicker, therefore the skin will exfoliate at a faster rate.
Avoid excessive water submersion. The chlorine in pools will affect the wear and fade of the tan. Hot tubs cause the skin to be warm and exfoliate at a faster rate. The ocean contains sand in the water which can act as an exfoliator. If you are going on vacation and will be in the water, make sure you are keeping up with post care maintenance.