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Preparing, Wearing and Maintaining your Airbrush Tan

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  • ​​Prior to your appointment, you'll want to shower or bathe and exfoliate well. Smooth, clean skin produces the most favorable results. After you shower and exfoliate, do NOT apply lotions or perfumes. Light application of deodorant is okay, but keep in mind, your underarms may not develop quite as dark as the rest of your body. Avoid Dove soap (too much moisturizer in Dove) and don't use a loofah (can cause small scratches and that may result in streaking) and instead use a nylon body scrubber, rough wash cloth or try an exfoliating glove and some JMT Exfoliating Gel. That is my favorite combination! Shaving, waxing, massages, manicures, pedicures, should ALL be done PRIOR to getting a spray tan, so be sure to plan accordingly. 

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  • What to wear DURING your session? That's easy: For the ladies, as much or as little as you want (swimsuit, bra/undies, thong, nude, etc). For the guys, you'll need to wear something on bottom (underwear, boxers, swim trunks, etc). 

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  • AFTER your session, we'll make sure you are dry and you will put on loose-fitting, dark colored clothing and flip-flops. **Tight or rough clothes, like jeans, can rub on your skin and reduce the effect of your tan.** The tanning solution may stain silk, wool and synthetic fabrics, so these should not be worn in the first 24 hours after your spray tan session. Once you have your first shower and wash off the bronzer, you shouldn't have to worry about that anymore. If you are concerned about bra-strap lines, wait at least two hours to put your bra on or straps up. If it's raining, I will make sure you reach your car under cover of an umbrella. It's critical that you do not get wet for at least 8 hours. (Note: With the exception of the Rapid Tan which you will shower after 2-4 hours). DHA will continue to react with the amino acids in your skin for up to 24 hours. 

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  • Limit physical activity for 8-12 hours after your session to make sure you're not sweating.​

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  • When you take your first shower after your session, you'll notice the bronzer rinsing off your body, leaving you with your spray tanned skin. You'll want to wash gently. Avoid exfoliating facial washes or cleansers containing alpha hydroxy. I recommend using JMT Moisturizing Body Wash for best results. After you shower, pat dry, don't rub, and be sure to moisturize well! The better you moisturize, the longer you'll keep your color and the more evenly your tan will fade. I offer JMT Buttercream Bodybutters in a variety of scents. They are amazing!

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  • While long, hot baths or showers are great for pre-tan exfoliation, they soften the skin and can cause your spray tan to fade prematurely. If you'll be frequenting the pool or hot tub, you'll definitely want to use some JMT Light Sunless Lotion (more like a tan extender or gradual tanning lotion) or JMT Dark Sunless Lotion (to maintain a deeper color).

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  • Shaving while having a spray tan requires a bit more care. I recommend using a sharp blade and something that will allow the blade to glide smoothly with a light touch. For example, some people use hair conditioner. I personally use JMT Moisturizing Body Wash. Find what works for you, and remember to moisturize well after each shower! 

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  • To maintain a healthy, UV-free tan, be sure to schedule your next appointment! I suggest booking a week apart. This allows your "old" color to fade some, exfoliating removes any "loose" skin cells, and we start fresh each time. 

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  • Most importantly, enjoy your healthy, bronzed skin! I always say, with sunless tanning there is NO reason to sacrifice your health and safety for vanity's sake! 

BEFORE YOUR SESSION

Bella Sunless Custom Airbrush Spray Tanning in Ames, Iowa

© 2023 by Bella Sunless Proudly created with Wix.com

Bella Sunless, 2714 Aspen Rd, #102, Ames, IA 50010 319-823-0643 

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