Sunless Tanning Tips
» What is spray tanning?
» Why choose sunless tanning?
» What is the tanning solution and is it safe?
» How long does a spray tan last?
» Tips for before your tanning appointment.
» Tips for during your tanning appointment.
» Tips for after your tanning appointment.
» Who we serve.
» Do I have to be 18?
What is spray tanning?
Spray tanning is a one of the newest available ways to get a perfect tan, without exposure to UV rays produced by the sun and tanning salons. A dihydroxyaceton (DHA) tanning solution (FDA approved and 100% safe) is evenly applied to your body by one of our trained technicians.
Why choose sunless tanning?
There are many reasons why mobile spray tanning is superior to traditional solons and sunbathing. On one level it is very convenient, with the entire process completed in your home in less than a half an hour. But the most important reason has to do with UV radiation and your health. While a great tan from the sun or tanning solon may give a great appearance of youth and health, you are actually receiving long term effects that achieve the exact opposite. Over time and with repeated exposure, UV rays break down the collagen (elasticity) in your skin, accelerating the aging process. Risk of skin cancer increases over time as well.
Now that everyone is aware of the sun and UV ray’s harmful effects there should be no reason not to try a safe alternative. With True Tan you can have the same great looking tan, with none of the side effects.
What is the tanning solution, is it safe, and how does it work?
The active ingredient in our formula is dihydroxyaceton (DHA). It has been FDA approved and not only is it 100% safe, but it is a much healthier alternative to tanning solons and sunbathing. When applied, DHA reacts with naturally occurring amino acids to darken the outermost layer of skin, creating a tan appearance. After your session, this tanning effect can continue for up to six hours.
An additional ingredient (although non-reaction-causing) is a topical bronzer. You will notice its residue washing off your body during your first shower, but it will have left behind a nice dark skin tone that combines with the effects of the DHA to make a very natural-looking, even, and professional tan.
Allergic reactions are rare, but consult with your physician before your appointment if you have had reactions to other skin care products before, or should you have any other concerns.
How long does a spray tan last?
How long your tan lasts can depend on both your individual skin type and how well you moisturize afterwards, but typically it will be between 7-10 days. Additionally, tan extender is a special lotion containing DHA, which will further prolong the tan, and we always keep tan extender(s) available for purchase at the time of your appointment.
Tips for before your tanning appointment
To get the best and longest lasting results from your tan, you should lightly exfoliate your skin and shave or wax at least 8 hours prior to your appointment. Spraying onto a fresh and healthy layer of skin ensures that no bits of the tan flake off, and that you get even coverage. You also do not want to use any sort of makeup, moisturizer, deodorant, or lotion products because they prevent the spray from contacting the skin and the tanning process cannot take effect.
Tips for during your tanning appointment.
You can dress to expose whatever areas you want tanned, and going completely nude is acceptable as well. Many people will choose to wear a bathing suit, and we also have disposable bottoms and disposable hair caps available. The topical bronzer in the solution may rub off on clothing, so a darker color may be preferred just to be safe, but the solution will also wash out of most fabrics. String bikinis can often result in uneven lines, so it is not recommended that you wear one during your session.
Tips for after your tanning appointment.
You should wait a minimum of 8 hours before doing anything that could contact your skin with water or cause you to perspire. So things like showering, exercising, or using a pool should not be done during this period. You should also plan accordingly if the weather could be rainy, as you don't want to get caught outside.
The most important step you can take to care for your tan is to continually moisturize your skin. Starting the day after your tan is applied you should moisturize in the mornings and evenings on a daily basis. Some additional things you can do is to avoid using Dove brand soap as well as moisturizers containing AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid). Avoid chlorinated pools and hot tubs and avoid taking long hot showers and baths.
If you are interested in even further prolonging the life of your tan, tan extenders containing DHA are available for purchase at the time of your appointment.
Who we serve.
We offer our spray tanning service to both male and female clientele in the San Francisco and North Bay areas. We are based in Tiburon CA but, as we are a mobile service, we cover the city of San Francisco, Marin County, southern Sonoma County. Please give us a call to see if we cover your area.
Do I have to be 18?
Since spray tanning has been found to be 100% safe, there are no age restrictions that prohibit minors from using our service. Although there are also no restrictions for UV tanning, there is currently a movement to ban the use of tanning beds for people under 18 because of the especially harmful effects UV rays have on children's developing bodies. This is just another reason why you should choose True Tan to help you or your child look their best for all the special high school events, so contact us today.






