Frequently Asked Questions
With over a decade of experience, we assure you that you are in the very best hands possible. As the leading spray tanning experts in the Santa Cruz area, we are able to answer all your spray tanning questions.
Spray Tanning FAQ
Questions and Answers
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What is a sunless tan?
The main active ingredient in sunless tanning products is Dihydroxyacetone (DHA). A colorless sugar, DHA interacts with the proteins and amino acids in the outer layer of the skin to produce a golden brown color. Most sunless solutions have bronzers added so that the product goes on with a tan shade. The addition of color also makes application easier, since the applied and un-applied areas are distinct. deSoleil does offer our Perfectly Clear solution as an option.
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In contrast, a sun tan involves ultraviolet rays penetrating multiple layers of the skin which stimulates the production of melanin, a pigmented substance that both produces a tan appearance and provides additional UV protection.
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Since the sunless tan is on the outer layers of skin, it lasts until these skin cells shed in the normal exfoliating cycle.
What is in our spray tan solution?
Since our opening in 2007, we have exclusively used Infinity Sun products. Infinity Sun is a pioneer in the sunless tanning industry, known for delivering the safest, fastest, most highly customized and technologically advanced beauty treatment system. Our solutions contain the highest grade DHA, erythrulose (a natural-based keto-sugar), which when combined with DHA makes the tan last longer, fade better and creates a beautiful tan. In addition there are antioxidants and botanicals in the solutions. Some of them are Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Green Tea, Ginger Root Extract, Walnut shell extract, and Aloe. All of our solutions are vegan, paraben free, cruelty free, and eco-certified.
How is the solution applied?
Our expert technician applies a customized mist to the client’s body using the patented and unparalleled Infinity Sun Spa. For optimal results, each individualized treatment is applied by a thoroughly trained and professionally certified technician in a spacious, well-ventilated, private room.
How does airbrush tanning differ from spray tanning?
Currently the antiquated term airbrush tanning is applied synonymous with spray tanning. Strictly speaking, airbrush tanning is a type of spray tanning that is applied with an airbrush rather than a spray gun. Since spray tanning involves applying a uniform, background spray pattern, the extra control of an airbrush is not warranted. The market has increasingly moved to spray equipment adapted specifically to spray tanning.
How long does a spray tan last?
A typical tan lasts from a 7-14 day period depending on the preparation and aftercare, a person's activities and the general nature of a specific person's skin.
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The sunless tan develops on the outer layers of the skin and lasts until these slough off in the natural cell renewal process. Proper exfoliation and cleansing before the sunless tanner is applied ensures the removal of dead cells ready to shed and the best contact of product and skin. This can lengthen the sunless tan. The application of a moisturizer after the sunless tan can extend the tan also. For maximum results, a tan extender containing a small amount of DHA can renew the sunless tan. The strength of the sunless formula is also a factor -- if appropriate to your skin type, a stronger formula can produce a more long lasting faux tan.
How long will my appointment be?
This depends on the services you've chosen. Typically your appointment will be 15 minutes.
Does a sunless tan offer UV or SPF protection?
No. While the skin in a sunless tan is brown, this is not due to melanin pigmentation. Melanin does protect the skin from UV damage. The production of melanin is stimulated by UV exposure. The sunless tan is developed without UV exposure.
Is it safe to spray tan while pregnant?
It is best to seek your physicians advice before proceeding with a spray tan while pregnant. We know of no significant health risk from DHA. DHA, the tanning agent in spray tans, is a simple 3 carbon sugar with minimal to no side effects.
How should I prepare for my appointment?
Please reference our Instructions page for detailed information on how to to prepare and care for your spray tan.
Reference our Instructions page for further spray tanning information.