Application and Tan Care

Free Tanning Application Video

 CLICK HERE

Dove shower gel or soap, Oil of Olay Cleansers can coat skin causing uneven tanning, no color, poor fade, patchy fade(Instead use a transparent non moisturizing gel cleanser)

Curel moisturizng lotion causes rapid fading on some

Hair Inhibiting body lotions such as Jergens

Anti-aging products that “renew,” “refresh” or exfoliate skin

Skin renewel acids will exfoliate the tan.

-AHA’s (Alpha Hydroxy Acids), Glycolic, Lactic, Malic, Citric, and Tartaric Acids
-BHA’s (Beta Hydroxy Acids) Salicylic Acid

Retin-A type products (Retin-A, Renovate, Tazorac, and Trefinoin) can cause fast fade

Toners containing Witch Hazel or Alcohol can lighten tan

Anti-acne products that exfoliate the skin-Accutane or Salicylic Acid

Makeup remover cleaning products or oils used to clean away eye makeup can fade tan

Bar soaps, especially deodorant varieties or anti-bacterial, can coat skin and lessen color development or fade tan

Use (daily) of loofa or a scrub mitt etc.

Band-Aids or adhesive tape can peel away tan when removed

Facial masks or exfoliating scrubs or lotions

Adhesive facial strips can peel away tan

Wax or sugar hair removal

Depilatory hair removal products …Nair, Veet, Neet etc.

Shaving exfoliates the skin therefore fading the tan. Clients should use a new and clean razor with a lubricating product such as hair conditioner, shave gel or cream. Wash off conditioner when done. A dull razor will scrape off the tan. An electric razor exfoliates less.

Pat dry after a shower to minimize sluffing of dead skin cells; don’t rub dry

Body hair bleach products

Prolonged submersion in a hot tub, swimming pool with chlorine, salt water even a long hot bath can fade color

Women’s tans may also develop differently during various hormonal occurrences (ovulation, menstruation, pregnancy). It may be streaky, patchy, fade worse or produce a lighter, or no color tan.

Insect spray, or perfumes, when sprayed directly onto the skin can remove or fade the tan. Clients should spray clothing or a “cloud” of spray that they can walk through instead of applying directly to the skin

This would be hard for us to answer, as it will depend on your personal coordination and flexibility.

For best results, we recommend you enlist the aide of a friend. You can spray them, and they can spray you.

Freshly tattooed or “broken” skin should never be sprayed.
Do not spray tattooed area until after skin has healed completely.

Fresh tattoos may be covered with medical gauze. Cover tattoo, spray over skin (and gauze), then remove the gauze, and hand apply solution up to edges of tattoo with a paint brush or cosmetic cotton applicator. (such as a Q-tip)
Do not allow solution to drip or run into open wound, or fresh tattoo area.

Tanning solution will normally not alter the color of a tattoo. But white, pastel, or light colored tattoos may be temporarily darkened by the tanning solution. To prevent this effect, cover light colored tattoo area with a barrier cream, or gauze.

Steps to help your tan last longer and fade more evenly include:

Pretan exfoliation done regularly, more information HERE

Regular Moisturizing based on your skin needs, see HERE

Use of a DHA containing lotion or spray product as needed, between professional sprays. Lotions are HERE, a home user spray is HERE

Avoiding products that negatively impact your tan, or adjusting their use HERE

Using gentle mild gel soaps and a soft washcloth or nylon mesh “poofy” ball

Avoid bar soaps which can be harsh and drying

Regular tanning once a week will deepen and build color, as more skin cells are tinted, with time this can give tan a richer less translucent look using the correct DHA depth for your skin needs, to dark a product can cause faster and more uneven fading. See product recommendations HERE. Often a slightly lighter product, will still give very good color, with smoother fading and longer ware

Skin can change throughout the year based on climate, temperatures, use of central heat (drys out skin) hormones, medication. All can effect tan wear and fade. Adjust solution based on skin needs. A more moisturizing product such at Tan Extraordinaire or Revive may work better in winter when skin is dryer

Some areas of the body normally fade faster, face, chest neck , hands and feet. Reapply a DHA spray or lotion to them more often, between salon visits

Consider our longer later, slower fading solution such as our TanFastic

The Airbrush Tanning Solution colors the top “dead skin cell” surface layer of the skin. Millions of these cells fall off daily as part of the normal skin renewal process. As these “tanned” cells fall away, they take tiny bits of your sunless tan color with them. This is why your tan will appear to lighten over a period of days, and can fade unevenly

One way to get a smoother looking, more even tan, and also help it to last longer and fade better is through regular exfoliation, before you reapply your self tanning solution.
When you exfoliate, you are removing any loose dead skin cells that are beginning to fall off. Allowing the sunless solution to penetrate more deeply, and tan more tightly “attached” cells, that will adhere longer before they fall off. You also lessen any rough areas, over-dry areas, and buildup of dead skin cells that can cause the tan coloration to be uneven.

Most people find exfoliating thoroughly once a week, before their spray tan session is effective. Exfoliating more often can cause the tan to fade faster, unless you reapply your Airbrush spray product after exfoliation.
Daily or regular moisturizing in conjunction with an exfoliation routine is recommended to help your tan fade even slower. We provide a number of moisturizing products for your clients needs.

Many clients like to use commercial or homemade scrubs, and though they do/can work, they can have some downsides. Most scrubs leave a fine layer of smoothing silicones, moisturizers, lotions, or in some cases oils, on the skin surface. This helps the skin feel soft and smooth after the exfoliation. But (depending on your clients skin) this may also, in some cases, cause the tan to develop lighter, fade unevenly or fade faster. You may not “feel” this layer, but it is still present. That is what makes the skin feel soft and smooth to your touch, after the scrubbing action of the exfoliate.

A good, and inexpensive alternative is a pair of nylon exfoliating gloves, and a mild, non moisturizing transparent (not milky)) gel or liquid soap. You can find the gloves in many drugstores, body product shops and mass merchandise stores. These are very easy to use, and allow the client to better exfoliate all areas evenly. Client can adjust pressure on the skin, based on the amount of exfoliation needed, or their skin sensitivity. The feet, hands, knees and elbows can scrubbed more heavily, as needed.

Avoid bar soaps or heavy milky, moisturizing soaps just before tanning.

For clients with very sensitive skin, plant fiber gloves can also be used, or a paste of baking soda and gel soap, though these options may not exfoliate as well.

Soap the gloves with a plain “non moisturizing” shower gel of your choice. You do not need an expensive, exotic or special brand. Just a generic translucent gel soap, or clients choice, is fine. Opaque gels often contain added moisturizers which can leave a heavier film on skin and should be avoided on pre-tanning days.

Many bar soaps also leave a film on the skin and should be avoided. Or skin should be cleansed with gloves and gel/liquid cleanser after the bar soap use.
Dove and Oil of Olay often coat the skin with heavy layers of moisturizers, that even vigorous exfoliation may not fully remove. They should be avoided.

If a client has beading on their skin when sprayed, find out what skincare products they are using.

There is a good chance they are not exfoliating well, or using a heavy moisturizing cleanser, a daily moisturizing oil, Dove Products, or have hair conditioner residue, or other residue on the skin. All of these can effect tan development, and fade, and cause solution beading.

Our C.Y.A preparation spray can help, but in some cases, depending on the products the client is using, how long they have been using them, and how heavily they apply, it may not be enough.

If beading, poor fade, poor penetration or development continue. Advise client to avoid the suspected “coating” products for two weeks, to judge if that improves tan results.

For daily cleansing a translucent or transparent gel liquid soap of your choice is recommended. No specific brand or ingredient is needed. Specific Ingredients to be avoided are in the link below.

Bar soaps are not recommended for daily use, as they are coating to the skin.

Opaque, heavy moisturizing soaps, gels or bar are not recommended. (Oil of Olay, Dove, etc). These items leave a heavy lotion layer on the skin that can build up and prevent airbrush tanning solution penetration. They may also cause poor color development, poor fading, or fading in patches.

On exfoliation days (approximately once a week, 24-1 hour before being sprayed) skin should be evenly exfoliated.
If using a scrub product, cleanse skin thoroughly after use with gel cleanser to remove oils, lotions, silicones or other softener coating from skin surface.
If using a bar product to exfoliate, cleanse skin after use with a translucent gel to remove bar filming agents.

C.Y.A. Prep spray is recommended to help remove film forming agents from skin surface, but may not remove all products, depending on what customer has used, and how often filming agents are used.

Most daily lotions will work well, based on client preference. Do avoid Dove products which coat skin heavily. Daily use of oils to moisturize skin, can create a build up layer on some users.

For your clients needs, we carry a line of body moisturizing products that complement our Airbrush Tanning Solution products.

Tips for Exfoliation HERE

Tips on personal care products that can negatively impact a sunless tan are HERE

Hands and feet should only be sprayed lightly with one spray coat. Pull gun farther back from skin surface for a softer spray.

It can be helpful to apply a thin coat of our barrier cream or another light weight hand or body moisturizer lotion”prespray” to difficult areas that get over dark. Rub in completely until it disappears (like hand lotion). Then spray solution, lastly apply a final “thin” coat of barrier cream or moisturizer lotion and again rub in completely like lotion.
This gives a very nice and soft color for hands and feet.

Barrier cream, when used to soften color, is rubbed into the entire hand, palm and wrist, foot, and ankle bones, over and between toes. Extra cream can be applied more thickly on hand palms, nails and cuticles, if needed to prevent any DHA adherence. Wipe off excess lotion after spraying with a disposable wet wipe.
Hand angling, with palms down, while you spray the solution, will lessen solution on hand palms. Client can stand on a damp towel to protect foot soles, or wear a protective foot sole cover.

Face can also be easily sprayed, for a softer spray, pull gun farther back from the skin.

Please review our Video HERE, to see a spray session from start to finish, including hands, face and feet.

This is common when there is some type of foreign residue on the surface of the skin.

This can be from sweat, lotion, perfume, cosmetics, soap, exfoliate products, deodorant residue, hair conditioner or shampoo, and other products on the skin surface.

-If feet are green it is from sweaty shoes or socks. Either worn to the salon sweaty, or sweaty footwear put on after being sprayed.

-Arm pits will turn green from sweat or deodorant and antiperspirant products.

-Chest and breast are often can discolor from sweat, hair shampoos or conditioners, cleansers, exfoliate, perfumes

-The back and arms can discolor from hair shampoos, conditioners, soaps or exfoliates residue on the skin.

– Legs that are discolored can be from shave products or lubricants, shave strips on razors, lotion applied to moisturize legs, sweat, exfoliates, cleansers

-Perfume, or perfumed cleansers and exfoliates can affect the entire body, depending on where they are used.

The product residue reacts with the self tanning solution and can temporarily look greenish. Normally the green discoloration disappears after showering, and cleansing skin well.

ANY Residue on the skin surface can also alter how well the solution penetrates, and even effect the way the tan develops and fades in some cases.

If the solution is not green in the cup, nor green when sprayed on a white cloth or paper, then you have confirmed the issue is related to something on the clients skin.

Using a prep spray on the clients skin before you tan them, will allow you to remove residue from the skin, and prevent this from happening.

You can purchase our C.Y.A. Prep spray HERE.

If solution is green when sprayed on white paper, then solution is bad and should be replaced. Please confirm your solution is being stored correctly at cool temperatures, with no exposure to heat, air, or light. Refrigeration is the recommended storage method for best long term storage and product stability. If stored at room temperatures, product can degrade quickly.

To minimize overspray while spraying:

Confirm equipment is correctly adjusted (per equipment manual)

Use a 4 inch width spray pattern (measure if unsure, a standard sheet of printer paper is 8 inches wide, the average length of the human male’s middle finger is approximately 84 mm or 3.3 inches, and female’s is 74 mm or 2.9 inches)

Spray gun should be 4 inches distance from skin surface. Further distance from skin will create excess overspray

Use correct solution amounts – 2 oz per application is recommended. More solution creates more product in the spray environment

After confirming the above is correct, you may choose to utilize an enclosed tanning tent to keep excess solution in an enclosed easy to clean area.

Optionally you may also choose to add a standard square household fan with paper filter, for additional solution control.

Place the square box fan behind the tent, outside of the tent. There is an opening in the back of the tent for this purpose. Place fan snug against the opening.

Purchase a paper central heat/air furnace filter or HEPA paper filter approximately the same size as the fan you are using (20×20 is a common fan size)

Using double sided Velcro hook loop tape, attach the paper filter to the fan back (the side where the fan cord is attached)

Turn the fan, so fan back, with attached paper filter, is at the vent opening in tent. This will pull air, and solution, from inside the tent, through the vent opening.

Excess solution is drawn through tent back, through the paper filter. Clean air will blow out the fan front.

Replace filter as it gets dirty.

There are no products skin friendly products currently available that will completely remove a spray tan 100% without damaging the skin.

The best option is exfoliation, and time. As the tinted dead skin cells on the skin surface loosen, the tan will completely fade within about 2 -3 weeks.
Regular exfoliation done before tanning, will allow tan to fade more evenly, and help lessen poor fading concerns. Moisturizing regularly and proper after tan skincare, can also help a tan fade more evenly.

The following can be done to help speed the process. Please use common sense, do not scrub skin to the point of irritation, or use any caustic substances or household cleaners on the skin. This is not only harmful to the skin, it can be very dangerous to your health. Many strong household cleaners can be absorbed into the living skin tissues, and cause harm.
Do not use a multiple of things at the same time, this will only irritate and hurt the skin.

Hands And Feet, Thick skinned areas:

Facial hair bleach products (Sally Hansen is available in many Drugstores)

Hair Remover Depilatory type products (Neet, Veet, Nair etc)

Facial Hair Dye Remover (available in many Beauty Supply Stores)

Cuticle Remover Salicylic (BHA) acid based, or lye based products, formulated for skin use only on calluses, cuticles, and thick skin (only use on soles or palms, will burn other areas) Available in many drugstores, or Beauty Supply Stores. (Callus Off)

a pumice stone can be used gently on soles or callused areas

a fine emery board/block can be used carefully on knuckles

soaking hands and feet in warm soapy water and exfoliating with nylon gloves will lighten color on entire hand and foot

Nails and Cuticles:

Acetone nail polish remover

Buffing nails lightly with a fine sanding block for nail use

cuticle remover

facial hair bleach

Polish nails with a clear polish, or cover with paint on skin safe latex adhesive product before tanning to lessen discoloration

Technicians can ware gloves to protect hands

Face:

Exfoliate the face with a commercial facial scrub product, exfoliating cloth or glove

Chemical based facial exfoliates such as Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA), or Salicylic Acid (BHA) based product made for skin safe use only. Can irritate, use carefully, following product directions. Not for sensitive skin

Hair:

To protect scalp hair, cover with a paper or plastic cap. Cover roots of hair with cap, or a thick hair conditioner product. Spray solution can be lightly blended into hair line after spraying with a soft cosmetic sponge

Body hair may discolor from solution, hair removal prior to tanning is usually the best prevention

Facial hair can be protected with hair conditioner applied thickly with a finger or Q-tip

Hair that has become discolored can be cleansed in some cases with Dawn Dish washing Detergent. condition hair after use

Heavily stained hair may need to be trimmed or lightened with fresh (not old) Hydrogen peroxide (apply with a cotton ball) or Facial, Body, or hair bleach product. (this will lighten hair color)

The Entire Body:

Cover skin in baby oil or mineral oil, and dress in long old clothing to protect furniture. Allow to soak in to skin for 20 or more minutes

Fill tub with hot soapy warm water, and soak for about 20-30 minutes. Exfoliate skin gently and carefully with exfoliating glove (see image below) and Irish Spring Original Bar Soap, or Boots Bar Soaps. (other soaps are usually to moisturizing to work correctly)

When tub session is complete, buff skin all over with a rough towel to loosen additional dead skin

This process may need to be repeated over a few days, to remove color if tan is very dark, or very fresh

Nylon gloves below work great to prep skin, once or twice a week, before tanning, when used with a mild, translucent, non moisturizing gel soap. Also effective to remove a poor fading, or off color tan

Available at many Drugstores, and Mass Merchant stores, near bath sponge products

If you feel sticky for more then 10-15 minutes after application, review the following

How much solution did you apply? Only apply 2 ounces or less total. We recommend two back to back applications of one ounce each

Confirm skin is clean, dry, product residue free. Check how client exfoliates, to confirm no residue from lotions, oils, soaps, body scrubs are on skin. Use Prep spray as needed. See exfoliation tips HERE

Do you live in a humid location. Be aware that humidity will affect product feel on skin. Change solution to a faster drying formula if needed during humid months. Consider Rapid Tan, TanFastic or Tan Envy

Installing a dehumidifier in the spray room can help cut room humidity. Spraying clients in the less humid time of day if possible

After solution is dry on skin surface (air dry with a fan or blow dryer for 5-15 minutes as needed) Dust skin lightly, especially body fold areas with a body or baby powder. Use a large powder brush

Client can apply more powder before bed if needed

Client can shower at 6-8 hours post tan, if they feel sticky, color may be slightly lighter

Client may like a faster developing product such as Rapid Tan, which allows them to shower earlier, at 2-4 or 6 hours and maintain good tan color

Generally you will need to make adjustments on solution usage for very large, or very small clients. 2 ounces, in two coats of one ounce each is the recommendation for an average medium sized client. A larger client may take 4-6 ounces of solution per spray session.

Some tips to help:

A quick dry solution blend, with a medium bronzer will usually work better on this type of client. TanFastic would be a recommended option in our line.

The more moisturizing blends such as Tan Extraordinaire, may dry more slowly in the body fold areas, or because of the extra solution amounts needed, for correct coverage.

The very Dark Bronzer products such as Tan Envy or Aussie may create more pale skin area contrasts from being rubbed off in body fold areas, as the bronzer can contribute to final coloration

Some larger sizes clients have problems with temperature regulation, and may be “hot” all the time, or sweat more than the average client. A sweaty client may have problems with product absorbing into the skin, both because of sweat on the skin surface, and sweating during and after the spray session. Use a prep spray on these clients to clean skin surface well.

Adjust the room temperature to a cooler range to minimize sweating, or have fans going around the room to circulate the air better. If you are in a humid location, a room dehumidifier will be very helpful to minimize sweating and speed drytime

You will probably need more than one coat of solution, overlapped, for best coverage.

Client may need to lift overhanging skin or breast tissue, or pull skin taunt during the spray session, to allow you to spray, and blow dry specific areas. Provide gloves for them to minimize solution transfer to hands.

A cosmetic sponge or foam paint brush can help paint solution into body fold areas, and creases that are hard to spray. Dry the area with a handheld blow dryer or air from the spray gun to help minimize solution rub off

Dry client in front of a fan, cool air will be best to minimize sweating, they should try to stay cool at home for at least 6 hours to allow tan to devlope.

After solution dries on skin, dust skin and body fold areas with a body powder or baby powder of your choice (type does not matter) using a large fluffy cosmetic brush. Client may use more powder at home as needed.

Even with tips above – you will have some solution rubbing off where skin folds, and loose tissues, rub back and forth against each other during the development process. The client can wear a bandeau or “tube” top, or loose old bra, while being sprayed, or put on after breast have been sprayed and dried. This can help prevent breast from rubbing on freshly sprayed skin on the lower chest wall, and rubbing away fresh solution. You may paint some solution on lower chest wall below breast after client contains breasts with a garment.. (garment may become discolored or stained)

Client can touch up any pale rub areas after tan development with an aerosol or lotion spray tanner.

Be honest with the client when they arrive. Let them know you want to work with them to give them the best tan possible, and that the two of you will need to work together to accomplish this. Also advise them, because of the uniqueness related to their body sizing, that the tan will not be completely perfect. But you will do everything you can to help them have terrific results, and make adjustments as needed for the next spray session, to find which application methods will work best for them

To cover Vitiligo patches, or tan lines you need a muti-step approach.

First “tan” all pale skin areas to help them more closely match darker surrounding skin. To do this it is usually going to work best doing a hand application. You will need to dab solution onto all pale areas with a cosmetic sponge or paint brush, blending at edges. You will usually need to do one to two coats this way.

After all pale areas are filled in, let them dry. Then do a light single coat of spray tanning solution misting over the entire body including all pale areas, to even out skin tone all over and help it match the areas you have just blended.

You will usually want to see the client again in 24 hours to check work, and do any touch-up that may be needed. Results will not be perfect. But they can look very nice.

The pale area will often fade differently, and may look rusty or speckled after a few days. This is normal because of the lack of pigmentation in the skin.

The client may choose to touch up these areas at home with an over the counter sunless lotion, or some of the solution you used, sold to them in a small take home bottle.

If your client is vigilant about sunscreen use every day, this will lessen the contrast in darker and lighter areas, and make the tanning process much easier, and help the results look more natural.

Client may also choose to use a cosmetic bronzer on top of the spray tan to help further blend, and even out skin contrasts. A water resistive product with some pearlescence works well such as MAC Cosmetics Skin Sheen.

Aged skin can be difficult to work with, and often one may see spots appear after spraying – like moles all over. The spots are actually a type of transparent mole, related to aged or UV damaged skin. They increase with age, and darken from sunless tanners, as the texture is dryer then surrounding skin, and they absorb solution unevenly.

They are very common on the legs, which also has the most UV damage, on most women.

It is very difficult to completely eradicate them.

Some things that can help.

Use a lighter DHA product. Try in the range of 6%, 7% and 8% DHA. 10% and higher can be to dark for this type of skin.

Make sure skin is well exfoliated. Often aged skin has many areas that may be a bit dryer and produce a dotty or uneven look in tanning. Exfoliation regularly can help. Nylon Mesh Exfoliating gloves, with a mild bar soap, or shower gel works well.

Premoisterizing skin with our Moistaire sprays or Hydration treatment may help for some clients.

Do not leave solution on too long. Leaving solution on over 8 hours, helps “spots” absorb more color. Shower at 6- 8 hours to help them absorb less. Tan will be slightly lighter, but spots will also be lighter.

Use one of the products with a lighter Bronzer Like Tan Extra Ordeniare or Revive, which are more moisturizing and work better with older skin.

Some of the darker bronzer products like Tan Envy for example, can make spots darken even more.

We have some blends available in clear formulas with no bronzer added, this can also help with dark spot issues.

About every 4-6 weeks the “spots” may get very dark from repeated tanning. Have the client take a break from tanning for a week or so, and exfoliate skin carefully every day or every other day, to remove as much color buildup on the dark spots as possible. This will allow them to start tanning again, with Less spots.

Keep skin well moisturized, as older skin often contains less moisture, and tan can fade much faster, making “spots” more visible, as tan starts to fade – as they do not fade as fast.

A quick fix to help spots look better on legs, before you go out, applied over a sunless tan is MAC SkinSheen. A water resistive bronzer, with light defusing particles, to help the legs look smoother and less dotty. It is a sheer mousse you rub onto skin. It will not completely cover dots – but makes them look much less dramatic.

www.maccosmetics.com

Assuming your client has showered and cleansed skin well before dressing, When you see brown “rub off” you are seeing dead skin cells rub off. They are now tanned so you see them. Normally they (dead skin cells) are “clear” or invisible.

You will never, 100%, prevent all dead skin from coming off daily, as they come off every day in the thousands as part of the skins normal growth process. The older the tan, the more will come off. Freshly exfoliated skin will shed less. Your skins individual exfoliation rate also will be a factor.

If you exfoliate well, and shower with a mild cleanser gel soap before dressing, and the tan is very fresh, (a few days after spraying or less) – color transfer will usually be minimal.

A client may have some rub off on tight inner under garments and seam edges, but this is easily removed when garment is dry cleaned. Just advise her to tell the dry cleaner that she wore deodorant and self-tanner, when the garment is turned in for cleaning. This is a common practice, and many women tan before wearing formal wear or bridal dresses.

The clients first, best prevention to minimize any color transfer – is to make sure skin is well exfoliated, and lotion and product free before you spray them. This includes removal of exfoliation scrub residue, soap residue etc. Please have her exfoliate as noted in this link.

https://www.tampabaytan.com/Scripts/airbrush_tanning_faq_display.asp?FAQID=39&FAQGroupID=13

Make sure she comes to you with clean, product free skin.

You may use a prep spray to help remove any sweat or lotion from skin. Our CYA prep spray is available in our PRE/POST TAN CARE link under SHOPPING SHORTCUTS

Do not over apply solution, apply normal amounts, and have client shower at 8 hours -12 hours

Tell client NOT to apply a heavy moisturizer under tight clothing areas, before dressing for her event, as some lotions can build up on skin, and “roll” or peel off, especially when sweating in tight clothing, this can also cause more tinted skin cells to peel away and transfer to clothing.

Have client apply a body powder or baby powder to all skin inside her bridal undergarments before dressing to help products slide easily over skin and minimize skin drag and pull. Use a large powder brush to apply.

Some tan facilities like to use a clear/non tinted product on brides. This prevents any cosmetic bronzer tint from being placed on the skin, as some clients find they personally have more rub off from a tinted product vs. non tinted.

This usually this is not necessary, just a personal preference, and we have many of our blends that can be purchased in a clear untinted formula. So you may try this option if you are comfortable spraying a clear untinted product.

Keep in mind models for runway shows and photo shoots (even in bridal magazines and live event shows) are all sprayed with a tinted spray tanner and bronzer, as well as body makeup if needed, before they dress in the very very expensive designer and bridal garments. Any color transfer is usually minimal and inside the garments, and easily cleaned away with professional cleaning.

Spray into a towel or cloth, and confirm gun is spraying “spotty”. That the problem is not occurring after solution hits the skin surface.
If the problem occurs after skin contact, see this link.

https://www.tampabaytan.com/Scripts/airbrush_tanning_faq_display.asp?FAQID=48&FAQGroupID=7

If problem is related to spray leaving gun unevenly, see below:

Adjust flow control knob on back of gun for correct setting for your solution thickness. Each solution blend is a different thickness, so you may need to fine tune your adjustment when you switch blends.See your equipment product manual for specific adjustment details and steps for your gun type.
Set gun pattern adjustment to spray a flat, horizontal, fan spray pattern. (a flat line going side to side)
Turn knob all the way to the side, to open flow knob to its most open/widest setting, confirm solution sprays smoothly, correctly, and evenly. (you may spray a towel or cloth)
Next, start to gradually “close”, turn the flow knob to narrow/shrink spray pattern width (when spraying with a flat horizontal fan pattern). Setting should be adjusted to roughly a 4 inch wide “flat” spray pattern, when gun tip is held four inches from the body. Fine tune adjustment so solution sprays evenly with no spots, yet maintains a “rough” 4 inch pattern width.

Adjust pattern setting to the option you prefer. (horizontal, vertical, airbrush/circular)

Readjust as needed, for each solution product you use.

If you still have spotting:

Completely Remove and clean needle, gun tip and removable spray parts and clean thoroughly. (see your product manual)
After cleaning, spray water through the gun (you may tint with food color or soda to increase visibility if needed). Confirm water sprays correctly.
If water sprays correctly, fill cup with solution, and adjust with above steps, keeping a smooth spray.
If problem continues, confirm solution if fresh and undamaged. Use a known good solution to test.

Blotchy tan appearance of solution as soon as it hits the skin surface is usually caused by any of the following:

applying to much product to skin, Use only one oz per coat, and apply two thin coats; as first dries, immediately apply second coat. (for 2 ounces total coverage with two coats)
spraying over the same “wet” area. Spraying wet solution on a wet solution layer, can cause runs or beads and blots. In the same manner applying a coat of wet paint over a previous wet layer of paint, prevents fresh paint coat from sticking to the surface below, and can cause drips. Instead apply one fine thin solution coat, (1 oz) letting dry briefly, then a second fine coat. Generally as soon as you spray one coat of solution over entire body, head to toe, front and back, skin has dried enough to allow second one oz layer to be applied immediately.

Do not go back and forth over the same area repeatedly, excess saturation is not necessary

not moving gun quick enough while spraying, entire two coat session should take 5 min or less. Watch our application video HERE

spraying to close to the skin surface, spray gun should be 4 inches from the skin, measure to confirm distance

skin may have sweat, lotion, oil, hair conditioner, soap or other residue on it. (use C.Y.A. prep product if needed)

Skin is poorly exfoliated Change exfoliation method if needed. Click HERE

If only blotchy in some areas, are they dry skin areas? If so, they should be well exfoliated, and pre moisturized. Hydration pre treatments are HERE

High heat or humidity in the spray area causing client to sweat during application. Adjust temperature, or use dehumidifier in spray room in humid locations

Blotchiness or cracking after a few days is related to Tan Wear and fade

Review how client is exfoliating, and products used on skin . Change exfoliation method if needed. Click HERE

Review skin care products to avoid HERE

Confirm client is moisturizing skin as needed, and avoiding drying skincare products

To dark a product or to high a DHA level for clients skin, can cause blotchiness and poor fade. Change to a lighter DHA depth, a lighter product, and or advise client to shower product off sooner. (4-6 hours instead or 8-12 for example)

Seasonal changes such as lowered humidity, use of central heat and air, and body changes such as medication, lifestyle changes, hormonal changes, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause can all alter the skins ability to hold and maintain moisture creating dryer skin

Adjust to a more moisturizing product for this client such as Tan Extraordinaire or Revive

You should not warm solution by placing it in warm or hot water or by microwaving it. Adding heat of any type will degrade the solution, and lessen the products ability to tan the skin.

You can place a small amount of solution onto a counter (the amount you will use) a few hours before spraying to allow it to drop to room temperature.

However the spray equipment blows air to disperse the solution, air blowing onto wet skin, causes evaporation, which causes a cooling effect. There is little you can do to prevent that.

We recommend you run your equipment before use to allow it to warm up, which can make the air blowing out of the unit feel warmer. We also recommend a small portable heather in the immediate spray area, and possibly a tent to lessen drafts. Warm the immediate spray area up very warm, but do not cause the client to sweat.

Give the client a hand held blow dryer on warm setting to blow dry skin after application. Or use a space heater that blows warm air into the room.

Your tan may look different in unusual lighting conditions.

Photographs are a 2D image, and the lighting and coloring is often perceived by the eye differently, than what one sees in real life, which is 3D. It is not unusual for pale untanned skin, UV Tanned skin, and Sunless Tanned skin to look different or “off color” in photographs. Professional photographs in magazines are retouched and adjusted after development to compensate for skin tonality and color. The Playboy girls really do not look like those photos. :)

Florescent lights do not correctly reflect the entire color range back to the eye. Often colors will look off. This is related to the type of light spectrum florescent lighting emits. Using “Real Tone” spectrum bulbs can help to a limited extent.

Cloudy or overcast days effect the visible color spectrum in relation to the way light and colors impact the eye. This will affect the way the eye perceives color, tone, and depth.

Sometimes applying a lower percentage DHA can help compensates for these color variances.

An airbrush applied sunless tan is made up of two colorant agents. The temporary brown instant visible tint, you see when the product is first sprayed onto the skin, and the slower developing, longer wearing DHA based tint.

The cosmetic brown color you see when airbrush tanning solution is first applied to the skin is a temporary water soluble brown tint. This will wash away in the first shower. This is normal, this is NOT your sunless tan.

This will leave the more permanent DHA based sunless tan behind, which will last through normal daily activity. This takes 2- 8 hours to develop color, and can darken for up to 24 hours. Color will last for 5-7 days depending on your skins exfoliation rate, your skin care habits and lifestyle.

If you exfoliate skin well before tanning, and apply airbrush tanning solution to clean dry product free skin, then shower before sweating or activity, you tan will not sweat off. We recommend a pair of nylon mesh exfoliation gloves and a mild non moisturizing gel cleanser for exfoliation. Many exfoliation scrubs can leave a moisturizing coating on the skin which can cause tan to apply unevenly, rub off of fade faster.

Regular moisturizing will enable your tan to fade slower. We offer a range of post tan moisturizing products.
Heavy exercise, sweating, or swimming may cause a tan to fade faster, just reapply tanning solution more often, or use our Tan Therapy extending lotion to help rebuild faded color as needed.

To lessen tan fade from swimming, limit swimming sessions to shorter ones of 15 minutes or so, rather then a long soak. Pat skin dry upon exiting, rather then “rubbing”. A freshly applied sunless tan, applied to well exfoliated skin, will fade less then an older tan of a few days or more, or one applied to poorly exfoliated skin.

If fade is a concern, apply a light depth tan, so if there is fade, it will be less visible.

A thick waterproof lotion based sunscreen can help slow tan fade and wear related to water submersion from prolonged swimming.

Beading and/or dripping (runs) of solution once it hits the skin surface are usually caused by any of the following:

applying to much product to skin, Use only one oz per coat, and apply two thin coats; as first dries, immediately apply second coat. (for 2 ounces total coverage with two coats)

spraying over the same “wet” area. Spraying wet solution on a wet solution layer, can cause runs or beads. In the same manner applying a coat of wet paint over a previous wet layer of paint, prevents fresh paint coat from sticking to the surface below, and can cause drips. Instead apply one fine thin solution coat, (1 oz) letting dry briefly, then a second fine coat. Generally as soon as you spray one coat of solution over entire body, head to toe, front and back, skin has dried enough to allow second one oz layer to be applied immediately.

Do not go back and forth over the same area repeatedly, excess saturation is not necessary.

not moving gun quick enough while spraying, entire two coat session should take 5 min or less. Watch our application video HERE

spraying to close to the skin surface, spray gun should be 4 inches from the skin, measure to confirm distance

skin has sweat, lotion, oil, hair conditioner, soap or other residue on it. (use C.Y.A. prep product if needed) Change exfoliation method if needed. Click HERE

High heat or humidity in the spray area causing client to sweat during application. Adjust temperature, or use dehumidifier in spray room in humid locations

Body Hair: If the beading is on body hair, it is related to the hair. Use a cosmetic sponge or foam paint brush, and dab solution down through the hair to the skin surface. Mist area again lightly with solution. Blow air on hair to dry, and blow excess drops off of the hair.

Also see My spraygun spits or sputters solution

If none of the above apply, please contact us via email so we can further assist you. help@tampabaytan.com

Please obtain a copy of your equipment receipt to assist us. You must be with your equipment and able to test it when you speak with technical support.