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FAQ'S SECTION
Products
What is DHA?
DHA (Dihydroxyacetone) is derived from sugar. It is the active ingredient in all self-tanners and spray tanning formulas and was approved by the FDA for use on the body in 1977. It’s safe and dermatologist recommended.
How long does it take DHA to develop?
DHA interacts with the amino acids on the top layer of skin which produces the 7+ day browning effect. Once applied, DHA takes a full 8 hours to develop into its result. When DHA is developing, it’s important to refrain from water exposure or heavy perspiration.
After DHA has developed, how long do results last?
The effects of DHA naturally slough away as dead skin cells shed. It takes 7-10 days for the browning effect to fully disappear. Younger skin naturally sloughs the tan faster, closer to 7 days, whereas older skin is a bit slower, around 10 days. Using a gritty scrub or exfoliating mitt can help lift the dead skin cells faster.
Will I turn orange or have a faux appearance?
When used as recommended, South Seas products are formulated to give you that flawless beach-ready glow. To avert an orange or faux appearance, avoid over application. Since DHA is mixing with the amino acids on the top layer of skin to produce the browning effect, it has a limit to its results and is unable to get exceedingly darker with application after application.
Does DHA protect against UVA/UVB exposure?
The great thing about a spray tan is that you achieve beautiful, tanned skin without the UVA/UVB exposure. Just one indoor tanning session can increase your risk of developing skin cancer: melanoma by 20%, squamous cell carcinoma by 67%, and basal cell carcinoma by 29%. We always recommend applying an SPF daily. However, DHA can offer a slight protection with long wavelengths of UVA rays that come from the sun.
How do you achieve the perfect beach-ready glow?
Give our office a call and chat with a live representative who can help assist in application tips and tricks to ensure your results are flawless!
What is the shelf-life?
The shelf-life of South Seas products vary, but on the back of the bottle, look for a symbol that looks like a jar being opened. Inside the symbol is a number. The number indicates how many months the product is good for once it’s been opened.
Where can I find ingredients for each product on the website?
After a product is selected, you can find the ingredients under the product photo in a section called, “Additional Information.”
Are self-tanners safe during pregnancy?
We recommend the following protocol during pregnancy/breastfeeding:
1.) Check with your doctor first
2.) Avoid spray tanning and self-tanners during your first trimester
3.) When spray tanning or using self-tanners after delivery, avoid application on the chest
I've made an oops - now what?!
Mistakes can happen when a self-tanner isn't blended-in well enough OR an area is missed. Email us a photo of what you're experiencing and we can help in finding a resolution.
Professionals
What is DHA?
DHA (Dihydroxyacetone) is derived from sugar. It is the active ingredient in all self-tanners and spray tanning formulas and was approved by the FDA for use on the body in 1977.
How long does it take the tanning solution to develop?
All tanning formulas take a full 8 hours to develop and stop developing at 8 hours. If using the Tahitian Tan Solution or Lava Tan Solution, your clients can rinse off at 8 hours or leave it on until their next shower. When using the Fiji Express Tan Solution, have clients rinse off at 2 hours for the results of the Tahitian Tan Solution and at 3.5 hours for the results of the Lava Tan Solution. The Fiji Express will not yield its final result after the 2-3.5 hour rinse. After rinse, it will continue to develop into its final result (taking the full 8 hours to develop). If wishing to turn the Tahitian Tan Solution or Lava Tan Solution into a rapid rinse like the Fiji Express Tan Solution, please call our office for guidance (970) 461-9200.
After I’ve applied their spray tan, how long do their results last?
The effects of DHA naturally slough away as dead skin cells shed. It will take 7-10 days for the browning effect to fully disappear. Younger skin naturally sloughs the tan faster, closer to 7 days, whereas older skin a bit slower, around 10 days. Using a gritty scrub or exfoliating mitt can help lift the dead skin cells and tan faster.
How do I ensure my clients won’t have an orange or faux appearance?
Avoid over application so your clients are getting their desired results. If spraying 4-6” away from the body, and 8-10” away from the face, hands and feet, we recommend 1-2 ounces per tan. Less is always more on fair complexions. Also, don’t hesitate to contact us (970-461-9200)! We want you to feel confident in your spray tan application.
Should I recommend an SPF to my clients after their spray tan?
Yes! An SPF should always be recommended to ensure a client’s skin doesn’t burn or receive the damaging effects of UVA/UVB rays. Spray tanning and self-tanners do not contain SPF therefore are unable to protect against the sun’s rays. The Coral SPF 30 Lotion doesn’t strip the tan or leave a white cast behind and is a perfect pairing to their spray tan.
How much should I apply on my clients?
When using an HVLP tanning system, spray 4-6” away from the body and 8-10” away from face, hands, and feet. For your everyday client, no more than 1-2 ounces is needed. 2 ounces may be exceeded if your client is desiring a look that’s darker for an on-stage event like a dance or body building competition.
What is the tanning solution shelf-life?
The tanning solutions have a 6-month shelf-life symbol on their labels but they can last up to 2 years! Opened or unopened, the "cosmetic bronzer" (or FD&C colors) in tanning solution starts to oxidize between 6-9 months. (This is part of the natural aging process of tanning solution.) The cosmetic bronzer is comprised of FD&C colors, and when FD&C colors start to oxidize their coloring shifts. Fortunately, the tanning solution isn’t "bad" or cannot be used when the cosmetic bronzer shifts! When the coloring shifts, the Bali Bronzer Drops (cosmetic bronzer additive) can be added to help restore any brown-tones that have shifted from the oxidization process.
DHA (Dihydroxyacetone) is the active ingredient that creates a lasting (7-10 day) browning effect on the skin. DHA is a clear (colorless) ingredient and can last 2 years from purchase. Since DHA is a clear ingredient, the FD&C colors (cosmetic bronzer) are added to the tanning solution so you can see how you’re applying the spray tan onto the skin. At about 6 months the cosmetic bronzer will start to oxidize exhibiting an olive undertone overtime. The cosmetic bronzer rinses off in the first shower, so it is unable to leave any lasting olive hues on the skin.
Can spray tanning stain clothing or sheets?
If a client prefers sleeping with their spray tan, slight rub-off from the cosmetic bronzer (FD&C colors within the tanning solution) can occur. Any rub-off on sheets can be rinsed out using a cold rinse cycle in the washer. A cold rinse cycle can also be used if rub-off occurs on clothing.
Can the tanning solution formulas be mixed?
Yes! The solutions can be mixed, and we recommend 50/50 ratios. However, please call our office so we can help assist in finding the right mix for your clientele. (970)461-9200
Is spray tanning safe during pregnancy?
We recommend the following to your clients when they are pregnant or breast feeding:
1.) Have your client check with their doctor first
2.) Avoid spray tanning clients during their first trimester
3.) After delivery, have your clients wear a bikini top to cover their top-half due to breast feeding
Clients with Vitiligo
If your client has vitiligo, it's A-OK! The areas that have lost skin pigmentation will still take on the effects of DHA. If they're looking to blend in their vitiligo as much as possible, you can take a small make-up sponge and dab tanning solution on the lighter areas. After, complete their spray tan as per usual.
My client has tinea versicolor - what do I do?
Tinea Versicolor is a fungal infection of the skin caused by an overgrowth of yeast. When a client has tinea versicolor and is spray tanned, it can cause the tinea versicolor to become more visible, highlighting the light and dark patches. Tinea versicolor can't be corrected with spray tanning but, a cosmetic bronzer like the Island Glow Body Bronzer can help blend in the area.
I've made a mistake - what can I do?
Mistakes can happen when spray tanning is over-applied, overlapped or an area is missed. Email us a photo of what you're experiencing and we can help find a resolution! If spray tan was accidentally applied on the inside of palms or over-applied on the body, best method is for your client to soak in a hot bath for 15-20 minutes and then take a dry rag, loofah, or scrub to help "lift" the color in those areas.