FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: My spray tans are usually fabulous but the last one was blotchy even though I exfoliated and didn’t apply moisturizer. What went wrong?
A: The way your spray tan develops is influenced by the pH balance of your skin which in turn, is influenced by many factors. Certain foods such as sardines can affect the pH balance of your skin as can the ‘time of month’ and certain medications (particularly antidepressants). This pH imbalance affects the way in which the DHA reacts with your skin and for no apparent reason you can get a dodgy tan. Have you used a product containing AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids)? It is an anti aging chemical that can ruin your tan.
Q: After tanning, my feet and hands are darker than the rest of my body. What I can do to prevent this?
A: Skin on feet and hands tend to be drier than other areas on the body and can absorb too much of the tanning Solution resulting in darker areas. Skilled tanning consultants will be able to avoid this but generally the only way to prevent this happening is by using a barrier cream. SOL has developed a unique pre-tan moisturiser that inhibits the tanning process on dry areas while still allowing enough solution through to give you a tan.
Q: How can I remove fake tan build up?
A: It’s really important to avoid build up if you want your tan to look flawless and natural. Ideally, you should exfoliate at least once a week and apply new tanning solution. However, if tan build up is an issue the following products remove it in jiffy; Lemon juice; or a relaxing soak in the bath with baby oil or your favourite aromatherapy oils.
Q: Why do some fake tans look orange?
A: Not all tanning solutions are created equal and the quality of your spray tan is determined by several factors:
- The quality and blending of the tanning ingredients used. If the tanning solution contains poor quality DHA (a simple sugar derivative and the main ingredient in all fake tans) or the percentage of DHA is too high, the tan will turn orange. Generally, when it comes to spray tanning solutions you get what you pay for. So it’s worth paying a little extra if quality is what you’re after.
- Oversaturation. Another cause of the dreaded orange tan is applying too much tanning solution. Go easy... you can always top up your colour the next day if necessary.
Q: I’ve heard fake tans are either red or green based? What does this mean?
A: This is the latest (and certainly the most bizarre) spray tanning myth. The fact is, DHA (or Dihydroxyacetone) the tanning agent in all fake tans, is colourless. The only colourants found in spray tanning formulations are those blended to produce the topical colour – the colour that you see immediately when the tan is applied. And because this topical colour washes off in the shower after your tan has developed, it has no effect on the colour of your tan whatsoever.
Q: I tried a friend’s tanning aerosol and the spray was green. Is that normal?
A: No, it’s not. Green tanning Solution is generally caused by two things:
- the solution has gone off or has passed its use-by date, or
- Incorrect lining in the aerosol can has caused a chemical reaction. Either way, it’s probably best not to use it on your skin and to return it to the store you purchased it from.
TAN KILLERS
PERSPIRATION/EXCESSIVE EXERCISE
Working out may work wonders on your body but it’ll wreak havoc on your spray tan. It’s got to do with the enzymes, chemicals (and water) we emit when we sweat so if you want to hang on to your tan for as long as possible, it’s probably best to cut back on the gym. And remember not to exercise on the day you apply your tan!
DHA OVERSATURATION
We’ve all seen them…those orange hued bodies that make us vow never to ‘fake’ it again. However, there’s no reason your sunless tan shouldn’t be sensational and natural-looking. Just remember that when it comes to fake tanning LESS IS BEST. If you constantly ‘top up’ your tan, you’re going to over saturate your skin with DHA (the main tanning ingredient in all sunless tans). The more tan you apply, the more orange you’ll become it’s as simple as that. The secret to drop dead gorgeous colour is to exfoliate your skin after two tan applications, then start again. And remember, skin sheds constantly so if you keep ‘topping up’ your tan won’t only look orange, it’ll become patchy and dull.
SWIMMING
Sad but true, waterlogged skin isn’t conducive to a glowing gorgeous tan. You’ve probably noticed after a long relaxing soak in the tub how your skin tends to clump and peel off when you rub it? Well it stands to reason that if you’re wearing a sunless tan, the same thing is going to happen and your tan will simply peel off. And, if you’re swimming in a chlorinated pool, it’s a double whammy as chlorine ‘bleaches’ the skin. Too long in the shower or bath has the same effect.
PERFUME
Due to high alcohol content, some perfumes can leave patchy areas on your tan. When applying your favourite fragrance it’s best to spray or dab onto the pulse points like the wrists and inside elbows rather than on the neck or between the breasts.
DRY SKIN
At the risk of repeating ourselves, hydrated skin is ESSENTIAL if you want an even, longer-lasting tan. So remember... moisturise...moisturise...moisturise!