FAQs

Do you have a question for us?

As experts in the field of spray tanning we pride ourselves on being able to offer you professional advice on the latest trends and techniques as well as practical advice on how to get the best results from our salon and self-tanning products.

If you have questions or feedback for us that isn't cover in our Frequently Asked Questions below, please contact info@skinwear.com.au 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Will the tanning solution stain my shower?

A: It shouldn’t stain but it’s always best to take precautions before applying a spray tan. Firstly, apply the aerosol in an easy to clean, well-ventilated area (a shower cubicle is ideal). Cover the floor with towels then apply the tan. After applying your tan, remove towels and rinse the tanning area with cold water.

Q: The last time I used a tanning aerosol, instead of a fine mist I ended up with droplets of tan all over my skin. What did I do wrong?

A: Sounds like this was simply a case of not shaking the can regularly. If this happens again, dab the skin lightly with a tissue, shake the can well and reapply.

Q: Is there any way I can prime my skin so that my tan looks fabulous?

A: After you’ve exfoliated thoroughly, the easiest way to prime your skin for tanning is to spray a little tanning solution onto a tissue and wipe all over the skin. Allow a few seconds for the spray to dry then apply tan as normal. You’ll be amazed at the result!

Q: Help. My tan is blotchy!

A: If you’ve exfoliated and your tan is blotchy, it could be a result of a pH imbalance in your skin which can affect the way DHA or main tanning ingredient reacts with your skin. Certain foods such as sardines, hormonal imbalances and several types of medication, including antidepressants can affect pH balance. Products containing AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) will adversely affect your tan as these products accelerate the skin’s natural exfoliation process.

Q: How can I prevent my hands and feet from going too dark when tanning?

A: Because feet and hands (and knees and elbows) tend to be drier than other parts of the body, they have a tendency to absorb too much of the DHA. This problem is easily avoidable by applying SkinWear Moisture Mist to these dry areas prior to tanning. The hydrating formulation will protect dry areas without creating a barrier to the tanning solution. The result? A perfect tan – and flawless hands and feet!

Q: How can I remove fake tan build up?

A: It’s really important to avoid build up if you want your tan to look flawless and natural. Ideally, you should exfoliate at least once a week and apply new tanning solution. However, if tan build up is an issue the following products remove it in jiffy; SkinWear Buffa Bar (our favourite naturally!); Lemon juice; Baby oil; or our personal favourite, a relaxing soak in the bath with your favourite aromatherapy oils.

Q: Why do some fake tans look orange?

A: Not all tanning solutions are the same and the quality of your tan is determined by the quality and blending of the tanning ingredients used. If the tanning solution contains poor quality DHA (a simple sugar derivative and the main ingredient in all fake tans) or the percentage of DHA is too high, the tan will turn orange. Generally, when it comes to spray tanning solutions you get what you pay for. so it’s worth paying a little extra if quality is what you’re after.
Another reason could be you’ve applied too much tanning solution. Go easy... you can always top up your colour the next day if necessary.
SkinWear takes the guess work out of tanning – and you’ll never have to worry about those orange tones again. Our biochemists are world leaders in spray tanning technology with over ten years experience in the industry. All our formulations are custom blended with Erythralose and our revolutionary new Biotanning Technology which stimulates the skin’s natural defences against sun damage giving you the most gorgeous natural looking colour you’ll ever experience. We guarantee you love our tans as much as we do!

Q: I’ve heard fake tans are either red or green based? What does this mean?

A: This is the latest (and certainly the most bizarre) spray tanning myth. The fact is, DHA (or Dihydroxyacetone) the tanning agent in all fake tans, is colourless. The only colourants found in spray tanning formulations are those blended to produce the topical colour – the colour that you see immediately when the tan is applied. And because this topical colour washes off in the shower after your tan has developed, it has no effect on the colour of your tan whatsoever.

Q: I tried a friend’s tanning aerosol and the spray was green. Is this normal?

A: No, it’s not. Green tanning solution is generally caused by two things: 1) the solution has gone off or has passed its use- by date, or 2) Incorrect lining in the aerosol can has caused a chemical reaction. Either way, it’s probably best not to use it on your skin and to return it to the store you purchased it from.

Sunless Tanning – Tan Savers Vs Tan Killers

The easiest way to a perfect sunless tan lies in preparation and maintenance. To help you, we’ve listed a few tan savers and tan killers. Simply follow our tips and you’ll never have to settle for less than perfection again.

TAN SAVERS…

EXFOLIATION
If tan perfection is your goal, it’s vital you start with a blank canvas i.e., clean polished skin. Exfoliating prepares your skin to be more receptive to the tan, helps your tan last longer and ensures your tan fades evenly.
We recommend: SkinWear Buffa Bar. The gentle exfoliating loofah can be used all over the body (even the face) and is perfect for polishing skin prior to tanning or for removing tan build-up before your next tan. The PH balanced cleansing bar can be used daily to cleanse the skin without stripping colour from your sunless tan.

MOISTURISING
Hydration is the key to a longer lasting tan as it slows down the skin’s natural ‘shedding’ process. However, most moisturisers leave a film on the skin and create a barrier to the tan so it’s important to use one that has been developed specifically for this purpose.
We recommend: SKINWEAR TAN EXTENDING MOISTURE MIST with illuminisers - this magic mist will hydrate dry areas WITHOUT creating a barrier to the tanning formulation. After your tan has developed (and following your post tan shower) apply the Tan Extending Moisture Mist morning and night. Illuminsers will make your skin glow and the skin pampering ingredients (calendula, vitamin E and elastin) will tone and nourish the skin whilst prolonging the life of your tan.

PH BALANCED CLEANSERS
Once you’ve applied your sunless tan you want to keep it looking gorgeous for as long as possible, right? Did you know that most soaps contain chemicals that strip colour from your tan? What’s more, cleansers containing AHA’s speed up the exfoliation process, drastically shortening the lifespan of your tan.
We recommend: SKINWEAR BUFFA BAR. You’ve already used this dual-purpose gem to exfoliate and polish your skin prior to tanning. Now, the heavenly scented (organic mango) ph balanced cleansing bar can be used daily to gently cleanse and nourish your skin WITHOUT stripping colour from your tan.

AND NOW, THE TAN KILLERS ...

PERSPIRATION/EXCESSIVE EXERCISE
Working out may work wonders on your body but it’ll wreak havoc on your sunless tan. It’s got to do with the enzymes, chemicals (and water) we emit when we sweat so if you want to hang on to your tan for as long as possible, it’s probably best to cut back on the gym. And remember not to exercise on the day you apply your tan!

DHA OVERSATURATION
We’ve all seen them…those orange hued bodies that make us vow never to ‘fake’ it again. But there’s no reason your sunless tan shouldn’t be sensational and natural-looking. SkinWear’s reputation as the ‘most believable’ tan takes the guesswork out of tanning. But it’s still important to remember that when it comes to self-tanning LESS IS BEST.

If you constantly ‘top up’ your tan, you’re going to over saturate your skin with DHA (the main tanning ingredient in all sunless tans). The more tan you apply, the more orange you’ll become it’s as simple as that. The secret to drop dead gorgeous colour is to exfoliate your skin after two tan applications, then start again. And remember, skin sheds constantly so if you keep ‘topping up’ your tan won’t only look orange, it’ll become patchy and dull. Not a good look!

SWIMMING
Sad but true. Waterlogged skin isn’t conducive to a glowing gorgeous tan. You’ve probably noticed after a long relaxing soak in the tub how your skin tends to clump and peel off when you rub it? Well it stands to reason that if you’re wearing a sunless tan, the same thing is going to happen and your tan will simply peel off. And, if you’re swimming in a chlorinated pool, it’s a double whammy as chlorine ‘bleaches’ the skin. Too long in the shower has the same effect as does excessive perspiration. To maintain your tan, opt for a quick shower and gently pat skin dry.

PERFUME
Due to a high alcohol content, some perfumes can leave patchy areas on your tan. So when applying your favourite fragrance its best to spray or dab onto the pulse points like the wrists and inside elbows rather than on the neck or between the breasts.

DRY SKIN
At the risk of repeating ourselves, hydrated skin is ESSENTIAL if you want an even, longer-lasting tan. So remember to moisturize!