Frequently Asked Questions

How should I prepare for my Sunmist Tan?
We encourage clients to shave and exfoliate the skin thoroughly in the shower prior to your visit. After showering, avoid applying lotion and/or makeup that could interfere with the even application of your tan. Come to your appointment in loose-fitting clothing to avoid transfer of the tanning solution from your skin.

What do clients wear during a Sunmist tanning session?
 Our clients are encouraged to wear as much or as little as they are comfortable to receive their ideal tan. One Eighty Wellness Spa provides you with disposable undergarments including a strapless bra and/or bikini thong to wear during your tanning session if you prefer. 

How long does a Sunmist tan last?
While it varies with individual skin types and skin care regimens, a Sunmist airbrush tan lasts from five to seven days. The life of the tan can be extended a few days by thoroughly exfoliating prior to tanning with the Sunmist Gentle Exfoliator and skin prep by the technician by using Sunmist pH Optimizer. Also, the following products, when used after tanning have been formulated to enhance and extend the life of a Sunmist airbrush tan: Sunmist pH Balanced Body Cleanse, Sunmist Tan Extend Body Moisture and Sunmist Facial Touch-up.

Will Sunmist cause the skin to turn orange?
Sunmist has been specially formulated to produce a balanced tan without an orange tint. The orange tint is often the result of excessive quantities of the DHA tanning agent being applied to the skin and reacting with the pH of the skin. Through our proprietary formulations and the pH Optimizer, Sunmist when applied properly delivers a natural looking, golden tan.

How long should I wait after a Sunmist tanning session before bathing?
Clients should wait a minimum of six hours after the session to bathe. Waiting longer is preferred because doing so allows the tanning agents to interact with skin longer, producing a deeper tan. You can expect a full tan to develop in approximately 6 hours. Bathing will remove the initial tan created by the water-soluble cosmetic bronzer in the Sunmist Bronzer and Bronzer Plus solutions, but the tanning agents will remain and develop a lasting, beautiful tan.

Will the Sunmist tanning solutions stain clothes?
While it is formulated to wash out with regular laundry detergent, clients are encouraged to wear darker, loose-fitting clothes to their tanning session. The Sunmist Bronzer and Bronzer Plus solutions contain a cosmetic bronzer, which may transfer to clothing, which in most cases washes clean in the laundry process.

What are the benefits of Sunmist to sun tanners?

• Provides a smooth, golden tan
• Allows tanning for special occasions
• Allows the tanning of specific regions and hard to tan areas
• Allows tanners to tan at their convenience
• Compliments or darkens an existing tan
• Smooth, streak-free, even application
• Eliminates tan lines
• Tan fades naturally as the skin naturally exfoliates
• Affordable alternative to traditional tanning

How does Sunmist produce a tan? 
Tanning agents in the tanning solution (Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) and Erythrulose) react with the amino acids in the outermost skin cells and subsequently darken in color. DHA and Erythrulose are sugar derivatives.

Are the Sunmist products safe?
Yes. Many years ago, the FDA approved Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) for cosmetic use. Every Sunmist tanning solution contains both DHA and DermEssential Infusion I™, a specially formulated complex of certified organic and natural botanical ingredients – aloe leaf, chamomile, rose hips, rosemary, sage, green tea, jojoba and pomegranate extracts. Additionally fortified with tan extenders, natural moisturizers and caffeine to retard skin wrinkling, all Sunmist tanning solutions enhance the safe tanning properties of DHA.

Will my hands or feet appear darker than the rest of my body?
If applied haphazardly or without proper pre-tan care, an airbrush tan may be darker in regions where the skin is dry and/or thick. Regions such as the hands, feet, elbows and knees may become darker because they tend to absorb more of the tanning solution. Exfoliating with Sunmist Gentle Exfoliator and applying Sunmist Barrier Cream to these areas prior to tanning will alleviate this problem. Your technician at One Eighty will be glad to help you apply the Barrier Cream properly to avoid any irregularities in your tan.

How long does a Sunmist tanning session take?
An entire body may be airbrushed and dried in approximately 25 to 30 minutes. It is important that the solution dry on the skin prior to clients putting their clothes back on to avoid smearing or removing solution from the skin.

What are the benefits of Sunmist?
Sunmist is a complete program of sunless tanning and skin care products and represents the most comprehensive and advanced sunless skin care system you can offer your customers. Created by leaders in dermatology, beauty and personal care the Sunmist sunless skin care system provides your customers with a natural golden tan while promoting beautiful healthy skin. The Sunmist Clear, Bronzer and Bronzer Plus solutions are the heart of an enhanced skin care line-up including: Sunmist Gentle Exfoliator, Sunmist ph Optimizer, Sunmist pH Balanced Body Cleanse, Sunmist Tan Extend Body Moisture, Sunmist Facial Touch-up. Each of these Sunmist products contains DermEssential Infusion ITM, a specially formulated blend of botanical and certified organic ingredients – aloe leaf, chamomile, rosemary, rose hips, sage, green tea, jojoba and pomegranate extracts as well as Vitamins C, E, A and B-5. The combination of these ingredients stimulates, rejuvenates, protects and moisturizes the skin.