DHAis scientifically known as dihydroxyacetone and is classified as a 3-carbon sugar. When applied to skin, a chemical reaction occurs between amino acids and the outermost skin layer, the strateum Cornelius, to produce a brown color, or tan. DHA carries less health risks than any other tanning method, achieving a tan without sun exposure and UV rays. DHA is considered safe enough to be approved for external cosmetic application by the FDA, and is considered nontoxic and noncarcinogenic. DHA should be regarded as offering no spf protection against UV rays, although a small protective effect has been observed.  Always wear a sunscreen for UV protection.

1. In the shower, shave legs, underarms and exfoliate the skin afterwards with a pH balanced, oil-free scrub. Avoid bar soaps and moisturizing spa-type scrubs as some may leave residue which interferes with the development of tanning solutions. 

2. If you condition your hair, do so before you scrub. Do not apply deodorant, lotions, or perfumed products after your shower. 

 3. Clients should wear an old, dark swimsuit, or undergarments, during their session.  For your convenience, disposable thongs which create minimal tan lines are available for purchase at the studio. 

4. Wear dark, loose clothing, and sandals to your session.  Anything tight or restrictive will damage your developing tan (I.e., socks, blue jeans, exposed elastics) and is not recommended after your session. A jogging suit or long cotton sun-dress, and flip-flops are ideal. 

 5. Wear lip balm or lipstick to your appointment. 

 6. For best results, schedule mani/pedis, massages and waxing procedures at least a day before your tan.  

 NOTE: Female clients over the age of 18 may choose to tan topless or in the nude. Male clients MUST wear bottoms. 

Clients under 18 must have a parental approval form and must wear a full swimsuit. Be assured that we are professionals and will make every effort to accommodate your needs and make you as comfortable as possible whatever you choose to wear. 

You may shower 6-8 hours after your session, and the longer you wait, the deeper your tan will be. The DHA solution does continue to develop over the next 24 hours and usually lasts up to 10 days depending on hydration and exfoliation, and individual body chemistry.

DHA color will begin to appear in three to five hours, but can continue to develop for up to twenty-four hours after application. As the rate of development varies by individual, we recommend that first time clients shower between 6 and 8 hours after tanning to assess how the solution reacts on their skin. 

During color development, and until your first shower, follow these instructions: 

 1) Refrain from vigorous exercise resulting in perspiration. 

 2) Avoid getting wet - rain, swimming, splashes of water can result in streaky or uneven results. 

 3) Take care to protect clothing, upholstery, and linens from the transfer of bronzer. Although the cosmetic bronzer washes out of many items, it can stain others permanently. 

 4) Refrain from touching areas where solution was applied, as this can result in transfer of solution to the palms and subsequent unsightly color development. 

 Just as every person is different, every skin type is different. Once your "tan" is applied, with moderate care, it should last between 6 and 10 days, depending on your activities and skin type, just like a natural tan. If a natural tan will fade from your skin in four days, it is reasonable to expect your sunless tan will fade in equal time. As skin type varies, so will fading patterns and timing. 

 To maintain and extend your tan, follow these instructions:

1) Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! Twice each day, use a product which does not contain petro-derived ingredients such as mineral oil, petrolatum, or paraffin (yep, candle wax!). This is the key to even fading and tan longevity. 

 2) Apply a tan extender beginning the day after your first shower and every other day after. Alternating moisturizer and tan extender can extend your tan up to 2 weeks, keeping it smooth and even throughout its duration. 

 3) As the face is the first area to lose color, you may wish to use a facial tanner to 'refresh' the facial tan.  

 Note: The body is composed of different types of skin that absorb color differently. DO NOT attempt to scrub off color that you do not like as this will result in a substantially worse condition than the offending dark patch. 

Additionally,Do Not use any type of solvent to try and remove color. It is part of your skin, and can be removed only by exfoliation of skin cells. Please contact the studio if you experience any color issues. 

We can assess and advise a course of action in minor cases (tan on palms, water splash, etc) over the phone. For major complaints, we must see the areas of question to provide a solution, free of charge. 

Happy tanning.