A sunless tan can last up to 6 days depending on the formulation you choose and the condition of your skin. Sunless tanning formulations contain DHA, the FDA-approved active ingredient that produces the long-term tan effect. When applied, DHA reacts with the proteins in the skin’s outermost layer to form a golden brown color. Your skin begins to darken two to three hours after application and will reach its peak color within 24 hours. The color will gradually fade through natural exfoliation.

Yes, use a product line that features ingredients that are specially formulated for sunless tanning. Over the counter products are not formulated for sunless tanning, and they may block the tan’s application and impede the development process.

There are a few things you can do at home the night before to maximize your sunless results: shaving your legs and doing a full body exfoliation treatment with non-oil based products will improve the longevity of your tan. Using sunless enhancing products designed to improve the skin’s condition prior to your session will enhance your results and accelerate tan development. Note: avoid using over the counter lotions and moisturizers the day of your sunless session if they’re not designed specifically for sunless tanning. Your salon or technician will have a full line of products specifically designed for sunless tanning. Anything else may impede the process and produce unsatisfactory results.

You step into a booth, press start, and let the system do the rest. Automated sunless systems even walk you step-by-step through the entire process with voice guided directions, leaving nothing to chance. Today’s automated sunless systems let you choose your desired color, from glow to dark and you can customize your session with additives and skincare treatments.

Sunless tanning formulations have been thoroughly tested by a third-party lab and the results showed no eye or skin irritation. However, protective eyewear is provided by the salon should you wish to use it.

While no one should purposely inhale or ingest the sunless tanning spray, it is known that DHA (the active tanning ingredient) is a non- hazardous compound and causes no adverse reaction in moderate quantities when applied topically or even ingested. Testing has shown that DHA is less toxic than aspirin, caffeine and even common table salt. Ingesting a small amount of DHA should pose no health risk to the consumer. However, nose filters are provided by the salon should you wish to use them.

Most people wear nothing. Since the room is completely private, going for “an all-over” treatment is completely up to you. However, if you do wear a bathing suit or underwear, please note that it may become stained. The instant color cosmetic bronzer is water-soluble and should wash out, but the DHA may permanently stain what you wear during the sunless tanning session.

Many customers wear a disposable shower cap provided by the salon or technician to keep hair dry. Other customers choose to get their treatment without covering their hair. The sunless tanning formulation does not penetrate the hair follicle. However, if you choose to use an instant color cosmetic bronzer and have very light or white hair, your hair may become temporarily stained.

Some people notice a slight starchy smell on their skin a few hours after a tanning session. This is simply the DHA reacting to proteins in your skin and it fades away fairly quickly. Today’s sunless formulations now use an odor control system that helps eliminate this DHA reaction.

The components used in sunless tanning formulations have been successfully used in cosmetics and food products for decades, and are proven safe for use on the skin. If you’ve had previous allergic reactions to self-tanning lotions or cosmetics, you may want to do a “patch test” first. Put a small amount of sunless formulation on a small area of your skin to test for possible reactions

Swimming in chlorinated water or salt water can fade your sunless tanning results, cause possible streaking and will diminish the length of your tan. However, normal activities such as bathing, showering or physical activities will not affect the quality of the sunless tan.

To give the DHA enough time to fully set, we recommend waiting a minimum of 4 hours after a sunless session. Showering sooner may diminish the intensity of the tan. If you tanned using a cosmetic bronzer, the instant color bronzer will wash off in the shower, but the DHA that creates your longer-lasting tan will remain.

Not at all. Before automated spray booths most self-tanners were creams and lotions applied by hand - that meant inconsistent coverage. Too much lotion applied in one place left the skin looking orange while not enough lotion left unattractive streaks. Today’s automated sunless technology ensures that a uniform micro-spray of sunless formulation covers the entire body in the exact amount required to produce a smooth, even, natural-looking tan. LSA locations only use the latest sunless technology that insures the most natural looking tan possible every time.

If any excess moisture remains on the skin’s surface after the session simply use a towel to remove it. Towel off completely just as you do when you shower - this won’t streak your tan. (Systems with equipped heat and dryers minimize or completely eliminates the need to towel off after each session).