What If I Have A Sunburn?

"Can I get an Airbrush Tan if I have a sunburn"?

The answer is not quite just a simple "yes" or "no".  That being said, we will do our best to make it as simple as possible.  Airbrush Tanning is what we do!  It would seem ridiculous that we would say there is a time to NOT get an airbrush tan, right?  However, there is most definitely a time we do not recommend getting sprayed: When fresh peeling from a sunburn is occurring.  If the client has exfoliated to the best of her ability, and still has evidence of peeling, we do not recommend adding an airbrush tan to that.  Quite simply, the burn will continue to peel, taking with it the tan that the client just paid for. This can result in a very dissatisfied client.  (NEVER the goal at Spraytopia!)  However, if the client is desperate for some color for a specific event (being informed of the risks, as well as how to properly maintain), or if she just needs to fill in certain areas that did not receive enough sun- then, by all means, we are happy to oblige! 

Now, if the client is just pink, with no signs of peeling on the horizon (or if all evidence of peeling is gone), then an airbrush tan can add just the right amount of color for a beautiful summer glow (all year long).  

Can I Swim or Got to the Beach?

With Spring Break knocking on our door, so many clients are headed to the beach, or places with swimming pools.  This brings up a whole new batch of questions.
What about swimming? Chlorine Water/ Salt Water?  How can I protect my tan?
We've all heard the horror stories of a person with a spray tan coming up out of the pool with very little, if any of their tan left.  So, what's a girl (that wants to be tan when she arrives at the beach/pool) to do?  The answer is simple really.  An airbrush tan, when taken care of properly, can make it through swimming (in either salt water or chlorinated water).  There are just a few extra precautions that will need to be taken.  
First, we recommend using a waterproof or water resistant sunblock (without mineral oil).  The lotion is better than the spray.  That greasy feeling is a good thing.  (Think of it as creating a barrier between the skin and the water.)  Also, following the directions on the back of the sunblock tube, reapplying as often as recommended is extremely important.  Next, we suggest having a tan extender or self tanner (no mineral oil) on hand.  In case of emergencies, the these can be used to fill in any spots or fading that might occur.  We recommend applying the tan extend or self tanner with a makeup applicator or Q-Tip, and don't forget to wash the palms with soap, to avoid staining the hands.  Following the regular airbrush tan tips (provided with your tan), as well as these few additional steps will ensure a long lasting golden glow.

What if I have an Open Wound/Scarring?

We are asked quite often what to do about an open wound.  Can a person actually get an airbrush tan while they have an open wound?  The answer is yes!  A few simple precautions will need to be taken, in order to avoid irritation/infection.  The client will need to make sure they have applied an ointment (creating a barrier against any overspray), as well as a bandage to cover the wound.  Our solution is organic in nature, but we still don't want to spray inside an open wound.
What about scarring?  The spray is not quite like the sun, in this instance.  Since airbrush solution does not require melanocytes to produce a tan, a lighter scar will appear to be darker with the tan.  If the scar is darker to begin with, it will also darken up with a spray tan.  However, we suggest using a q-tip to apply the barrier cream to the darker spots (that the client doesn't want to go darker), which will prevent the tanning solution from absorbing.  This should produce a nice even tan all over.  The same process can be used when trying to prevent sun spots from darkening up as well.

What about Faces?

What about the face?  

We are asked so many questions about the face.  Here's a little Q & A for FAQ's regarding an airbrush tan and the face.  

Q:  "Do you spray the face?"

A:  The answer is that with an airbrush tan (vs. a spray booth), it is left up to the discretion of the client.  On average, I would estimate that 95% do spray their faces, 5% choose not to.  

Q:  "Do I have to go without moisturizer on my face before the tan?"  

A:  Again, this is left up to the discretion of the client.  That being said, if the client knows that her face is an area that just can't go without moisturizer- we suggest they leave it on.  The tan solution may just not soak in quite as much, depending on how long the moisturizer has been on the skin.  (The more recently applied, the more likely it will create a barrier, not allowing the solution to absorb). 

Q:  "Do I have to remove/go without my makeup?"

A:  This answer is similar to the above question regarding moisturizer.  It is completely up to the client.  However, depending on how "thick" the makeup is, the tanning solution will not be able to soak in, leaving the face a few shades lighter than the rest of the body.  Another option is that wipes are provided at Spraytopia to aid in removing the makeup/moisturizer immediately before the tan is applied.  

Q:  "Do I have to change my facial cleansing/moisturizing routine?"

A:  No.  We generally do not recommend changing facial cleansing/moisturizing routines, in order to prevent breakouts.  However, we do advise that the face will most likely fade at a faster rate than the rest of the body, depending on the products used.  (Proactive and similar products have bleaching agents in them, which cause the face to fade much quicker).  

Q:  "What if my face does fade faster- anything I can do to even it up?"

A:  Yes.  There are a few of options here.  If the client's face is fading at a faster rate than the body, depending on the severity of the color difference, she can:

1)  use bronzing powder to fill in

2)  use a darker foundation to blend properly

3)  use a facial tan extender (Spraytopia sells one that works well with our solution, or you can purchase at a drug store.)

Thank you for asking the questions!  We always want to make sure our clients are 100% satisfied with their custom airbrush tan.  Hopefully, this has helped.