What is Airbrush Tanning?

In airbrush spray tanning, the tanning solution is applied by a certified, fully trained and experienced spray tan artist using the best airbrush tanning system on the market. Spray tanning solutions contain an active ingredient known as dihydroxyacetone (DHA) which is an ingredient derived from sugar, which reacts with the amino acids on the skin to create the darkening reaction or tan! It works with the amino acids on the top layer of your skin to produce a natural looking tan. The generation of color is reached within 4 to 8 hours, so the color will continue to darken after the initial application and 1st rinse. DHA has been used in cosmetic preparations for almost 30 years to date! Airbrush tanning solutions also typically have a normal bronzer that provides an immediate tan effect and helps the spray tan artist to distinguish areas of the skin that are applied and unapplied. As the dead skin cells are naturally sloughed off and the color of the tan gradually fades.

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The Skin, Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) and The Sunless Process

The skin, which varies in thickness from 1.5 to 4 millimeters(mm) or more in different regions of the body, has two distinct layers. The outer layer is the epidermis, a thick membranous tissue and the layer of skin where the complete sunless process takes place.
 

Skin Color

Not including the sunless process, three pigments contribute to the skins natural tanned and untanned color: melanin, carotene, and hemoglobin. Carotene is a yellow to orange pigment derived from certain plant products, such as carrots. It tends to accumulate in the stratum corneum of the epidermis and in fat tissue of the hypodermis. Color derived from carotene is most obvious in the palms and soles, where the stratum corneum is thickest.

The pink tone of Caucasian skin reflects the red color of oxygenated hemoglobin in the capillaries of the dermis. Since Caucasian skin contains little melanin, the epidermis is nearly transparent in untanned individuals and allows blood's color to show through more predominantly.

Melanin, the most prominent pigment and is made from an amino acid called tyrosine. Melanin ranges in color from yellow to reddish to brown to black. Its production depends on an enzyme in melanocytes called tyrosinase. Freckles and pigmented moles are localized accumulations of melanin.

Sunless solutions are currently the most popular way of gaining a natural looking tan-like appearance without harmful ultraviolet exposure. The active ingredient in sunless tanners is the compound dihydroxyacetone (DHA). DHA is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in externally applied cosmetics intended to add color to the skin. DHA reacts with amino groups in the proteins of the top layer of the skin, called the stratum corneum. The first step in the sunless process is known as the Maillard reaction, the same process that leads to the caramelization of sugars and the browning of bread.
 

How does the DHA in our product work?

DHA (dihydroxyacetone) which is in many sunless tanning solutions on the market and is the spray-tanning agent we use, reacts with the top layer of your skin to create your sunless tan. Every person's skin is different therefore results will vary because the DHA mixes with your unique skin tone to create your tan, basically it works with the chemistry of your skins natural pigment delivering a natural looking bronze tan! Our solution Paradise Bronze's DHA comes from a True Color Technology giving you a True DHA. It is FDA approved.

All effective sunless tanners contain DHA. It is a colorless three-carbon sugar that when applied to the skin causes a chemical reaction with amino acids in the surface cells or keratinocytes of the skin producing a darkening effect. DHA seldom causes any adverse reactions to the skin as it only affects the outermost cells of the epidermis.

Concentrations of DHA usually range from 5% to 14%. This may coincide with product ranges that list shades as light, medium, or dark. A lower concentration (lighter shade) product may be better for new users as it is more forgiving of rough surfaces. Some solutions (like ours) will also contain moisturizers and anti-aging. Users with dry skin will benefit from this skin treatment.

It has been routinely reported that DHA provides no protection against UV rays. IMPORTANT CLARIFICATION: Ecocert does NOT certify “organic” DHA (Dihydroxyacetone).

Ecocert has noticed numerous tanning products claiming they contain “organic DHA certified by Ecocert”, which is false and misleading to the consumer.

Indeed, Ecocert has not certified DHA as organic (according to the “Ecocert Natural and Organic Cosmetic Standard”) from any manufacturer and has seen no evidence that organic DHA exists. As such, any representation by a seller of tanning products that they use “Eco Certified (Eco-Cert) organic DHA”, “Organic Ecocert-certified DHA” or other similar wording is false and misleading to the consumer.

Ecocert is currently in the process of informing the concerned tanning industry participants of these incorrect statements in their marketing materials, and is asking all sellers and distributors using such wording to discontinue immediately.

Actually, Ecocert has only validated DHA from certain suppliers for its use in organic products certified in accordance with the Ecocert Natural and Organic Cosmetic Standard. This validation is in no way equivalent to a certification as organic and the DHA will not even count as organic in the calculations applicable to the certified products under the Ecocert standard.

Additionally, parties with no affiliation with Ecocert are using the trademarked term “Ecocert” without authorization. Specific approval from Ecocert for each use of this trademarked term is required and Ecocert reserves the right to pursue legal remedies for trademark violations and reputation parasitism.

Read more about “Ecocert Natural and Organic Cosmetic Standard”: http://cosmetics.ecocert.com.

For further information or questions on the Ecocert standard, please contact ECOCERT Greenlife at 0033 5 62 07 51 09 or one of its subsidiaries (contact available on our website). Ecocert statement on DHA.

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How Long Will My Airbrush Tan Last?

Your tan can last between 7 to 14 days or more with proper care. Tanning extenders are a great way to prolong your tan longer. When your tan fades, usually the face and hands are the first to fade then the rest of your body. With our exclusive premium solution your tan will fade evenly, not blotchy but it is also up to you on how you maintain your tan.

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FAQ's

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Q: What form of payment do you accept?
A: We accept cash, venmo, and credit cards.

Q: My teenager would like to get a tan, do you tan teenagers?
A: Yes! Our policy for minors (under 18 years old), requires a written consent form to be signed and completed prior to the tan. Also, a parent or other family member must be present during the tanning session.

Q: How do I prepare for my customized airbrush tan?
A: Avoid bar soap as it leaves undetected patches on your skin. We recommend to exfoliate with our "Natural Sugar Scrub” prior to your appointment to remove all loose and dead skin cells.

Q: What should I wear during my spray tan?
A: You can wear whatever you’re comfortable with: For women, a swimsuit or underwear for tan lines, or if you feel comfortable going naked. Disposable undergarments are available upon request. State Law requires men that are spray tanning to leave their undergarments on.

Q: What should I wear after my spray tan?
A: Loose fitting clothing, flip flops are recommended. Please NO jeans as they cause exfoliation. Avoid tight clothing, bras, elastic, tops with straps, buckles, belts.

Q: How long does the custom spray tan session take?
A: It’s a quick process which is about 15-20 mins, that includes drying. The spray tan itself takes about 10 mins.

Q: When will the color show up?
A: You will get instant results; the cosmetic bronzers will immediately show on your skin and reach its darkest potential after 8 hours of leaving it on.

Q: How long will my custom spray tan last?
A: Between 7-14 days with proper care but can be more or less depending on your skin type. Keeping your skin hydrated and moisturized with lotion will also help your tan last longer and fade more naturally.

Q: Will the solution stain my sheets etc?
A: No. The bronzers in our solution can get on clothes and sheets but will wash out. It may stay stain silk, nylon or spandex. You can opt for our clear solution, it does not contain bronzers.

Q: Is spray tanning solution safe for my skin?
A: YES. Our solution is made from DHA (a sugar derivative), organic and natural ingredients. It is approved by the FDA to be externally applied on the skin. We also added other great ingredients like aloe vera, Matrixil 3000, green tea extract, and vitamins to nourish and moisturize the skin. DHA has been used cosmetically for over 30 years with no adverse effects.

Q: Can I get an airbrush tan if I am pregnant?
A: We advise you to consult with your physician first. However, most of our clients are comfortable being airbrushed after their first trimester.

Q: How can I protect my spray tan?
A: Avoid activities that will cause you to perspire or sweat. Avoid water until you have showered, after 8 hours.

Q: What if I want to get a tan a week later but have my remaining tan on?
A: If you have your remaining spray tan on you, you can either scrub it off, or we can spray over it if it has faded nicely.

Q: Where does the tanning take place?
A: T he tanning takes place at your location. All we need is space for our 4x7 foot tent and a power outlet. The common places to set up is in kitchens, master bathrooms or living rooms,or anywhere you have room at your location. During warmer months, some of our customers prefer we tan them on their patio, backyard, or garage.

Q: What can I use to moisturize my skin for my spray tan?
A: Always moisturize at least twice a day and after every shower to keep your skin and tan soft and hydrated. Avoid petroleum-based products such as baby oil and Vaseline or lotions with petroleum, mineral oil, and parabens. Avoid products that include Alpha Hydroxy Acids. This is a drying agent and will fade your tan quickly. We also offer a hydrating tanning extender lotion (Love My Tan) with our own DHA!

Q: Do you use just one color on everyone?
A: No. One color does not fit all. We will do a consultation with you first to see what color you are wanting to achieve. We carry our exclusive blend of tanning solution with different levels of DHA in it. This is how we customize the perfect tan for your skin type!

Q: Does Paradise Airbrush Tanning do “same day appointments?"
A: Yes we do based on availability. We do recommend booking at least a week in advance though.

Q: My last spray tan was different than the previous one, even though it was done with the same solution and machine.
A: It comes down to your skin. Your skin is a living thing, and is affected by many things like: time of the month, season, weather, food you eat, stress, medication you take etc. If your tan is different, even though solution used was the same, the most probable cause is the condition of your skin or how well you prepped your skin before your tanning session.

Q: What differences should I look for as the solution is being sprayed?
A: The sunless tanning solution we use is very different from any others on the market. You can see and feel the difference on your skin.

Q: My spray tan is peeling on my chest!
A: Very rare occurrence, but it can happen and this is why. As we did our research and from experience, we found that perfumes which were applied either before, or after the tanning session can do this after a tan. And it does not matter, if you had a shower and scrubbed before your spray tan. Some perfumes just permeate skin so deep, and cause this problem. Also, being sprayed with a lot of solution is also a factor.

Q: The inner part of my elbow is white and kinda blotchy!
A: This is cause from bending your elbows or friction from an item resting on your elbow such as a strap from your purse or carrying other items that cause friction.

Q: My tan became very light and a little blotchy in a few days!
A: Many things can cause this to happen. Potential fading and/or lightening of your tan may be caused by:

- Anti-aging, smoothing, or skin renewal products can increase fading and can cause blotchiness.

- Alpha Hydroxy Acids can speed up skin exfoliation.

- Beta Hydroxy Acids can increase fast fading.

- Products containing Retin-A can increase fast fading and can cause blotchiness.

 

- Toners containing alcohol can cause fading.

- Acne products can cause faster fading, peeling, and blotchiness. (Pro Active)

- Antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs can affect a tan. (Your skin won't take to the solution as much)

- Avoid bar soaps and deodorant soaps for they are harsh on the skin and can affect your tan

- Lotions with Mineral Oils should be avoided for these can cause rapid, poor and uneven fading.

- Hair removal procedures (laser & Waxing) will lighten tanned skin. Waxing can remove your tan.

- Shaving exfoliates the skin and can cause streaks; use a sharp razor and shaving cream or hair conditioner when shaving.

- Taking hot baths, long hot baths, swimming pools (chlorine), fresh or salt water can lighten a tan. Waterproof sunblock will help slow down the fading process.

- Hormonal Changes can affect your tan. A women's tan may develop differently during various hormonal changes (ovulation, menstruation, pregnancy) It may produce a lighter or no color.

- Oily areas on your body (face, chest, neck, & upper back) tan lighter than surrounding skin.

- Perfumes, when sprayed directly onto the skin, will remove or fade a tan. Instead spray a into air, and walk through the mist.

- Excessive sweating and rubbing can cause tan to fade faster.

Q: My tan came out spotty.
A: Exfoliation is the key to a perfect tan. If skin is not properly exfoliated you will see spottiness because the dry areas will absorb more solution making it look darker than rest.
 

Why is spray tanning better than the common spray tan in a booth?

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With Paradise Airbrush Tan:

• Precise applied amounts, less on already tan areas to level out an existing tan.

• Customizable, can just do the face neck and arms, waist up or whole body, control less around the feet & elbows.

• More private, convenient and in a comfortable setting.

• Get better results

• Looks more natural

• Can fix mistakes

• Fades more realistically and evenly

• Light pleasant smell or no smell

• Lasts up to 7-14 days with proper care.

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Booth Spray Tan:

• Mistakes can not be fixed.

• May not come out evenly, especially around hands, feet, & elbows.

• Best for clients already with a base tan, not good for pale skin.

• Looks less natural.

• Can fade spotty.

• Very strong smell.