We believe a beautiful tan starts with education, not guesswork. Our goal is to give you natural, skin-like color you feel confident in and that means understanding the process just as much as the service. Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions about spray tanning, safety, prep, and aftercare so you always know exactly what to expect before you glow.
What is DHA?
DHA (Dihydroxyacetone) is a colorless sugar derived from plant sources like sugar beets and sugar cane. It’s the active ingredient in sunless tanning that creates a bronzed look without UV exposure.
It has been FDA approved for topical cosmetic use for decades and is the same ingredient used in virtually all professional spray tans and self-tanners.
How does DHA work?
DHA reacts with the amino acids in the top layer of your skin (the stratum corneum) through a natural process called the Maillard reaction (similar to how food browns when cooked but on a microscopic level).
This reaction forms melanoidins (the pigments that create your tan color)
Because it only affects dead skin cells, the tan gradually fades as your skin naturally sheds (about 5–10 days).
What is the history of spray tanning?
Sunless tanning was discovered in the 1950s during medical research when scientists noticed DHA darkened skin upon contact.
By the 1990s, professional spray tanning systems were developed as a safe alternative to tanning beds and UV exposure (which are now classified as carcinogenic by health organizations).
Today’s modern formulas are dramatically more advanced:
- Custom undertones
- Hydrating ingredients
- Natural looking color development
No more streaky orange 2000’s tans 😉
Will it make me orange?
No ! modern professional solutions are formulated with olive, violet, or brown undertones to counteract orange tones.
Orange results usually come from:
- Incorrect shade selection
- Poor prep
- Over-the-counter/self tanners
- Skin dehydration or product buildup
Your tan is custom matched to your skin tone and goals so it looks like your skin.
Is it organic?
Spray tans are considered naturally derived cosmetic products, not fully organic products.
Many solutions (including ours) are:
- Plant-derived DHA
- Paraben-free
- Cruelty-free
- Free of heavy metals
“Organic” in cosmetics is a marketing term. What matters more is cosmetic safety standards and ingredient quality, which professional solutions meet.
Do I still need SPF?
Yes. A spray tan does NOT protect you from the sun. DHA provides color only ! It does not stimulate melanin or create UV protection. You still need sunscreen daily to prevent:
- Skin cancer
- Premature aging
- Uneven fading
Think of a spray tan as makeup for your body (not protection)
Is spray tanning safe during pregnancy?
Current research shows DHA does not penetrate beyond the outer dead skin layer, meaning it does not enter the bloodstream.
Most physicians consider topical DHA low-risk during pregnancy.
However, we always recommend:
- Consulting your doctor
- Using nose filter or mask
- lip balm during the service
- Well ventilated & professional application
Many expecting moms choose spray tanning as a safer alternative to UV tanning.
Is spray tanning only for lighter skin tones?
Absolutely not! Spray tanning is for all skin tones and ethnicities. We customize depth and undertone to enhance your natural complexion … not change it.
Results:
- Fair skin → warm glow
- Medium skin → golden bronze
- Deep skin → rich radiant enhancement
The goal is always believable, skin-like color.
Do you offer mobile services
We only do in studio or luxury mobile spray tanning parties .
Perfect for:
- Brides & bridal parties
- Bachelorettes
- Girls’ nights
- Busy moms
- Events & photoshoots
We bring the full professional setup, pop-up tent, and ventilation syste. While you and your besties just relax and get bronzed.
(Travel radius and minimums apply.)
Why are prep & aftercare so important?
A flawless spray tan is a partnership. 50% is the artist’s application & 50% is how the skin is prepared and maintained.Spray tan solution only develops on the outer layer of dead skin cells. If that layer isn’t healthy, balanced, and clean then the tan cannot develop evenly or last properly. Even the best spray tan in the world cannot overcome:
- Lotion barriers
- Dehydrated skin
- Shaving irritation
- Heavy body washes
- Improper first rinse
That’s why we educate every client because great results are created before and after the appointment, not just during it.
Think of it like this:
Your artist paints the canvas. Your skin is the canvas. Prep determines how smooth the color lays. Aftercare determines how beautifully it fades. Following the guide = longer wear, even fading, and natural color