Frequently asked questions

OUR MOST COMMON QUESTIONS ASKED BY OUR FIRST TIME CLIENTS 

Tanning FAQs

Teeth Whitening FAQs

How Do I Prepare and Maintain My Tan?

Pre-Tan Tips

  • Thoroughly exfoliate and shave 24 hours before your spray tan. When exfoliating, pay attention to dry areas like elbows, knees, chest and neck areas.
  • Avoid wearing make-up, moisturizers, and deodorant to your appointment, as this acts as a barrier to the spray and stops the color from developing properly.
  • Avoid showering or working out immediately before your tan.
  • Wear dark colored, loose-fitting clothing and sandals following your treatment. Baggy pants are preferable over shorts.
  • For optimal results, it’s suggested that you get your hair done, wax and have a manicure and pedicure 24 hours BEFORE your treatment.
  • For clients with heavy sun spots, put a small amount of lotion on the larger sun spot areas prior to your appointment. This will help those areas to not pull too much solution when sprayed.

WHAT TO AVOID

  • Avoid long, hot showers or baths.
  • Any products containing mineral oil, benzoyl peroxide, salicyclic acid, alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, malic or lactic acids, parabens and sulfates (see approved list of products below)
  • Avoid lotions or products with a high alcohol content.
  • Avoid prolonged soaking in water as it dries skin and may fade your spray tan.
  • Do not exfoliate your skin until the tan has faded (or just before your next spray tan).
  • NO BABY OIL EVER - this will remove the tan.
  • Do not use acne products, or acne spot treatments, as they will cause unsightly white spots.
  • Scented Lotions - i.e Victoria Secret and Bath and Body Works are to be avoided.
  • Avoid any facial scrubs, masks, strips or microdermabrasion treatments.
  • Stay clear of harsh soaps, exfoliators, loofahs or rags on the body during showering.
  • Waxing, depilatory hair removers, hair inhibiting lotions or dull razors should be avoided.
  • Though infrequent, a spray tan may develop differently during various hormonal cycles (menstruation, heightened stress) or by taking some prescriptions that affect hormonal balance.
  • Click here to view product suggestions and more detailed information on product ingredients that should be avoided.

Post-Tan Tips

  • With proper care, your spray tan will last 7-10 days on average.
  • Do not touch the skin with your hands as the bronzer will transfer to the palms.
  • IMPORTANT: You must avoid water entirely for at least four hours or you will stop the tanning action of the solution! This includes washing your hands or using lotions too!
  • Immediately after your spray tan, avoid activities that may cause you to sweat excessively.
  • Use air conditioning in your car on a hot day to avoid sweating.
  • Bring an umbrella if drizzling, raining, or snowing the day of your appointment.
  • We recommend waiting at least 24-48 hours to wax/shave after your tan. When shaving, use conditioner as a shaving agent and a new razor to help minimize tan removal and keep the skin soft.
  • Moisturize twice daily for optimal results.
  • A follow up spray tan can be applied between 5-10 days after your appointment.
  • For TRADITIONAL TANS: We recommend waiting 8-10 hours before showering. For your first shower after your tan, it is suggested that you only use luke warm water to rinse, and ONLY use soap on your armpits and private areas.
  • For RAPID TANS: You can shower in 4 hours or less pending the desired tan darkness. For this type of tan, you must use WATER ONLY to rinse. Using soap will stop a rapid tan from developing.
  • When showering, only use your hands to gently to wash the body.
  • Always PAT DRY after your showers, and leave your skin slightly wet from the shower; you want to apply lotion on damp skin to help lock the moisture in to prolong the tan and help it fade evenly.
  • The “instant color” cosmetic bronzer will wash off just as it is designed to do leaving you with a nice, even and natural color.
  • Chlorine from a pool or Jacuzzi can cause your tan to fade faster as will showering several times a day or shaving frequently.
  • Spray tanning will NOT prevent your skin from burning when exposed to Ultraviolet Light so you must still wear sunblock when going out in the sun. It is recommended that you use a paraben-free lotion.

For any other questions, please email us at annie@sugarbrushtan.com or text us at 847-331-1269!

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