Sunless Tanning at Tropi Tan
Get natural-looking results perfectly matched to your skin tone with just one visit with a sunless tanning.
An important note: Sunless Tans are completely cosmetic. They do not provide protection from the sun.
Here’s what you should do before your sunless session:
Follow these guidelines to obtain the best results from a sunless session at Tropi Tan: You should wear dark, loose fitting clothes to the salon for your session; the spray solution that contains cosmetic bronzer can get on your clothes, but it washes out easily. It is recommended that you remove all jewelry prior to your session. To prepare the skin to fully absorb the sunless solution you should remove dead, dry skin by exfoliating your entire body in the shower just prior to your session, paying special attention to typically dry areas such as your knees and elbows. Avoid using bar soap, high-pH shower gels or in-shower moisturizers, as these products can halt the full development of the DHA-bronzing reaction. Any waxing should be done no less than two days prior to your session. Also, elevated body temperature, perspiration or moisture on the skin can hinder DHA development and results; Tropi Tan salons offer pre-session products to prepare your skin for the session.
Here’s what you should do after your sunless session:
Wait at least four hours before showering or bathing, to allow the tanning process time for full development. To avoid fading and stripping of instant bronzing results, bathe with plain water only for the first 16 hours after your session. Avoid using bar soap, high-pH shower gels or in-shower moisturizers, as they can halt the full development of the DHA bronzing reaction. Tropi Tan salons offer products created specifically for post-session skincare. If possible, avoid activities that may cause you to sweat, swimming pools and spas for at least 24-hours after your session. Use tan extenders to prolong the life of your new sunless tan. Tropi Tan salons offer products created specifically for extending your sunless tan.
Do NOT apply lotions, moisturizers, deodorant, perfumes, make-up or any other personal care products prior to your session, as they will prevent even application of the sunless solution.
Prepare
Preserve
Extend
The first steps to getting the perfect sunless tan happen before you even get to the tanning salon.
- Shower, shave and exfoliate your skin.
- Avoid using moisturizers and lotions that are not specially formulated for sunless tanning before your sunless session.
- Avoid wearing perfumes or make-up that provides a barrier for absorption.
- Wear DARK loose-fitting clothing to your session.
Your sunless tan will last up to 5 days. With proper care, you can preserve your tan by following these easy steps:
- Wait at least 4 hours before bathing, swimming or coming in contact with water.
- Avoid engaging in activities that cause you to sweat heavily, at least 3-5 hours
- Moisturize daily with a post-sunless product
Proper skin care before, during and after sunless tanning will extend the life and look of your tan.
Sunless Tanning at Tropi Tan
Will my skin look orange?
No. The advanced technology currently used in sunless tanning solutions is designed to ensure a natural, bronze tan. The salon staffer can help you select the proper level of tanning solution to best match your skin tone.
What is sunless tanning and how does it work?
Sunless tanning is the process of applying a solution to the body either by airbrush, aerosol canister or a sunless spray booth. Tropi Tan offers the latter two methods. The main active ingredient in all sunless tanning preparations and airbrush/spray-booth solution is DHA (Dihydroxyacetone) an FDA-approved, all-natural, sugar-based substance. First recognized as a skin coloring agent by German scientists in the 1920s, DHA is commonly used in many cosmetics and in food preparation. When applied to the body for sunless tanning purposes, DHA reacts with amino acids in the top skin layer to produce a golden-brown color.
Your skin begins to darken two to three hours after application and reaches its peak color within 24 hours. The color will gradually fade through natural exfoliation, just like a tan from the sun.
How should I prepare for my Sunless Spray Tanning Session?
Exfoliate and shave the day before or the day of the sunless spray tanning session (day before is preferred).
The day of the Sunless spray tanning session refrain from using moisturizers, perfumes, lotions, oils or deodorants that may create a barrier between the skin and the Sunless tanning solution. You may resume using these after your first shower or bath.
How long should I wait after a session before showering?
To give the DHA enough time to fully set, it is recommended to wait a minimum of 4 hours after a sunless spray tanning session or 8 hours for optimal results. Showering sooner may diminish the intensity of the tan. If you tan using an Instant Cosmetic Bronzer, the Instant Cosmetic Color will wash off in the shower, but the color produced by the DHA will remain.
What is the Sunless Spray Tan (FDA) advisory?
The FDA advises that users avoid inhaling or ingesting DHA or letting the spray get into the eyes. When using DHA-containing products as an all-over spray or mist, it may be difficult to avoid exposure in a manner for which DHA is not approved, including the area of the eyes, lips, or mucous membrane, or internally.
The FDA recommends protective measures to eliminate eye contact, inhalation or ingestion during a spray tan session, such as:
- Eye protection
- Nose filters
- Ear plugs
- Lip balm
- Undergarments
For additional questions or concerns regarding DHA, consult a health care professional. To understand the complete FDA position on DHA, visit the FDA website
How long before I start to see results from my sunless session?
Spray solution that contains a cosmetic (instant) bronzer will give you an immediate result, and the tan begins to develop 2-4 hours after the session. Depending on the solution formula used, the skin will continue to darken for 24-72 hours, as the natural process continues.
Will I turn “orange” after my sunless session?
Sunless spray solutions have been refined since they were first introduced; the biggest development is the variety of custom solution formulas, which allow tanners to choose a level of tan that will best compliment their individual coloring and skin tone. The Tanning Consultants at Tropi Tan can help you determine which session will give you the best result.
What is the price of a session – do you offer any sunless memberships?
Sessions start at $18. The Sunless One-Month Membership: $49.95/month. Includes (5) Level-1 or Level-2 sessions per month, plus 15% off all sunless upgrades and products. The Sunless Sun Club: $39.95/month. Includes (1) session every 6 days, plus 25% off all sunless upgrades and products. Pricing may vary by location. See store for complete details.
Can I use sunless tanning in addition to UV tanning?
Yes, in fact many people utilize both UV tanning and sunless tanning to give their color a boost. We call this “Double Dipping” – see below for money saving offers on Double Dipping.
Can I use the sunless booth if I’m pregnant?
The major concern with tanning and pregnancy is the heat produced by traditional UV tanning systems; raising a pregnant woman’s core body temperature can be harmful. In addition, a woman’s balance/coordination can change slightly as her pregnancy progresses, making it possibly dangerous to get in and out of a sunbed or booth. There is no heat concern with a sunless session, it is very short in duration and the spray solution is all natural; but it’s always best to check with your physician beforehand.