Preparing, Aftercare & Maintaining your Tan
You’ve spent many weeks preparing for your show. You’re in your best ever condition and you want the best tan possible to show off your physique. Read the guidelines below to ensure your tan is the best it can be.
To ensure an even tan it is important to look after your skin. I recommend exfoliating and mositurising regularly at least a week or two before your show
Exfoliating will remove all dead skin cells and make your skin smoother. Pay particular attention to knees, elbows, tops of feet and lower legs.
Moisturising will nourish and condition your skin. Both steps will ensure a smoother and more even base for your tan.
- On the day of your show exfoliate only using a good quality oil free PH balanced scrub or shower gel/soap with an exfoliating brush or glove. Do not use any creams, moisturisers, perfumes, deodorants or any other form of skin preparation after exfoliating. Some perfumes and deodorants can react with the tan causing discolouration whilst creams and moisturisers may act as a barrier.
- Any shaving should be done the day before the show to avoid any irritation.
- Hair removal creams or waxing should be done at least a week before as these procedures can sometimes remove skin in areas and result in a ‘patchy’ tan.
- Wear dark, loose fitting clothes to avoid ‘sweating’ or rubbing the bronzer off.
- Wear flip-flops after your tan has been applied, to maintain a more even coverage and avoid unsightly sock lines.
- Do not wear the costume you are planning or using for the show (unless it is black!) An old costume or similar can be used, but you can wear as little as you want for application of your tan. You will be tanned in a tanning tent and I will always try to maintain as much privacy for the athletes whilst tanning as possible.
To maintain your tan for as long as possible after the show, Hot baths, swimming pools and saunas should be avoided. Always moisturise and keep your skin hydrated. Your tan should last from 4 - 10 days depending on your skin type.
All Spray tans contain Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) which is derived from sugar cane. It reacts with the amino acids in the top layer of your skin causing your skin to gradually darken over a few hours. The percentage of DHA in the product determines the colour (higher % darker the colour.) Most spray tans also contain a bronzer which gives you an immediate colour. The bronzer will wash off but the colour from the skin reaction to the DHA will remain. The tans we use contains a unique bronzer, which gives a perfect competition colour for your show and also contains DHA so your skin will gradually darken over the course of the day leaving you with a lasting tan even after you have showered.
If you have had any allergic reaction to sunless tanning in the past, please let me know prior to booking your tan.
