The Glow Guide
Ask the Painted Lady.
How to prep, what to wear, when to shower, and what’s actually in the solution.
01 · Spray tans
Frequently asked.
Prep and aftercare checklists live on The Tan.
Will my skin look orange?
Not at all. Before sunless spray tanning, most self-tanners were creams and lotions applied by hand, which meant inconsistent coverage: too much in one place left skin looking orange, and not enough left streaks.
Our Lavish airbrush solution has a brown-sugar base for golden-brown color, with no orange tones.
What is sunless spray tanning?
A mist of sunless tanning solution applied to the areas you choose. Its active ingredient, DHA, reacts with proteins in the skin’s outermost layer to form a golden-brown color. Your skin begins to darken two to three hours after application and reaches its peak color within 24 hours. The color fades gradually through natural exfoliation, just like a tan from the sun.
How should I prepare?
Exfoliate and shave the day before your session (preferred) or the day of. On the day, skip moisturizers, perfumes, lotions, oils and deodorant, which can create a barrier between your skin and the solution. You can use them again after your first shower.
What do I wear during the spray tan?
The Mystic Tan booth is private, so most people go nude. For an airbrush tan, dress according to your comfort level: we provide disposable underwear, or you can wear your own, go topless, or go nude.
Which solutions do you use?
Sjolie Sunless Tanning Solution for Mystic Tan, and Lavish Tan for airbrush tans.
How long should I wait to shower?
Follow the time for your tan: 5–7 hours for a Mystic Tan or Lavish airbrush tan, and 2–4 hours for Lavish Express. Showering sooner may diminish the intensity of your tan.
If your tan included an instant cosmetic bronzer, that color washes off in the shower, but the color from the DHA stays.
Will swimming affect my tan?
Swimming in chlorinated or salt water can fade your results, may cause streaking, and shortens the life of your tan. Normal bathing, showering and physical activity won’t affect its quality.
Does the solution have a smell?
Some people notice a slight starchy smell a few hours after a session. That’s simply the DHA reacting with proteins in your skin, and it fades fairly quickly.
Will the bronzer stain my hair or clothing?
The bronzing formula is completely water soluble. You may notice some cosmetic color on the inside of your clothing at first, and it washes out in cold water. The DHA in the formula, however, may permanently stain what you wear during your session.
How long does a spray tan last?
It depends on the formula you choose and the condition of your skin. A Lavish airbrush tan lasts 7–12 days.
Can I make my tan last longer?
Yes. The Painted Lady’s retail take-home products are made to enhance and extend professional spray tan results. Over-the-counter products aren’t formulated for sunless tanning: they can block the tan’s application, get in the way of its development and cause uneven fading.
02 · The science
About DHA.
For the FDA’s complete position on DHA, visit FDA.gov.
What is DHA?
DHA, or dihydroxyacetone, is the active ingredient in almost all sunless tanners, from tinted moisturizers and self-tanners to spray tan solution. It’s a carbohydrate (a monosaccharide sugar), often derived from beets or sugar cane.
Its skin-darkening properties were discovered in the 1920s, it was first marketed as a tanner in the 1960s, and it was added to the FDA’s list of approved colors for cosmetic products in the 1970s.
Is DHA safe to use?
The FDA has approved DHA for external application to the skin. For misting applications, the FDA recommends protective measures to prevent eye contact, inhalation or ingestion: protective eyewear, nose filters, lip balm and protective undergarments.
Has anyone had an allergic reaction?
Yes. If you’ve had allergic reactions to self-tanning lotions or cosmetics before, consult a health care professional before spray tanning.
What if solution gets in my eyes?
The FDA recommends that DHA not be used in or around the eyes, which is why protective eyewear is recommended. If you choose not to wear it and your eyes feel irritated, gently splash them with water. With further questions, consult your health care provider.
What if I inhale some?
The FDA recommends that DHA not be inhaled, which is why nose filters are recommended. If you choose not to wear them and your nose feels irritated, consult your health care provider.
What is the FDA’s spray tan advisory?
The FDA advises avoiding inhaling or ingesting DHA or getting the spray in your eyes. With an all-over spray or mist, it can be difficult to avoid exposure where DHA isn’t approved, including the eyes, lips and mucous membranes. Protective measures include:
- Protective eyewear
- Nose filters
- Sealing your lips with lip balm
- Protective undergarments
Ask your tanning professional for details, and consult your health care provider with any concerns.