Offering the widest selection of equipment in the tanning industry, Unlimited Tan has added seven locations throughout the Chicagoland area. I got to interview Unlimited Tan CEO Eric Anderson about spray tanning do’s and don’ts.
I’ve never had a spray tan; what is something that I should do in preparation? Should I wax? Get a facial?
Prior to receiving your spray tan, you will want to shower, shave and exfoliate. This doesn’t have to be done immediately before the tan, just sometime before. It is best to come in with fresh, clean skin, so no makeup, lotion, deodorant, perfume, etc. and certainly no oils! Exfoliate your skin, particularly the knees and elbows, as well as the neck, chest, shins and face. Also remember to cover any scabs or recent scars with Vaseline. You should avoid waxing the day before or day of a spray tan, because the newly exposed skin may tint to a different shade than other parts of your face or body that were not waxed.
Is it OK to get a spray tan the day of an event?
We recommend getting a spray tan a few days before an event so that you are able to adjust to your new look and make sure that your color is balanced so you feel most confident. This also allows you some time to adjust your makeup application routine for your new glow.
Is it OK to get a spray tan and go swimming after? Will the salt water or chlorine cause the tan to streak?
After a spray tan, it is best to stay dry for at least eight hours. After that, you should be safe to shower or swim in fresh water. As for salt water or chlorine, both will inevitably make a tan fade more quickly.
How long should the application stay on? If I want a consistent look for a season, when should I go back for another application?
You can expect the tan to last anywhere from 5-7 days, depending on aftercare. After your sunless tan has developed, you want to stay hydrated and moisturized. Remember, the tan is only developed in the outermost layer of skin, so if your skin is dry, you shave often or use body scrub, the tan will fade more quickly. Use a gentle body wash (such as VersaSpa body cleanser) and avoid harsh washcloths and loofahs.
How do I know what shade to choose?
Our tanning advisors will help you choose the best shade based on your existing skin color and desired results. It is always best to start off with a lighter shade, as results can be quite dramatic when using darker shades.
What else do I need to know?
Before stepping into the booth, apply barrier cream to cuticles, any patches of dry or rough skin or anywhere else you do not want the solution to be absorbed. The FDA recommends you to wear nose filters, eye wear, disposable undergarments, and apply lip balm to create a barrier. When wearing a hair net, be sure to expose the hairline and the ears to ensure full coverage. Use the perfecting spray we offer in the booth with your sunless tan – the perfecting spray works to balance the pH of your skin, using proteins and amino acids to ensure your body will be most receptive to the spray solution. It will also accelerate the development time from the standard 4-6 hours down to 2-4 hours.
