About Spray Tanning

Spray tanning is a way of achieving a fantastic golden tan without subjecting your skin to harmful UV rays. The great thing about having a spray tan is you can enjoy it at any time of the year, which means that you can look gorgeous, healthy and glowing whenever you want. Maybe you have a night out so you want to look your best, or maybe it’s your wedding, or perhaps you just don’t want to look the whitest on the beach when you go on holiday.

Nouvatan has been developed using active organic ingredients. It contains no alcohol or parabens so you can be assured that what you are putting on your skin is totally safe and dermatologically tested and manufactured to ISO 9001-2000 quality standards.

How it works

The primary active ingredient is a sugar derivative called Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) which when sprayed on the top layers of your skin reacts with the amino acids, thus creating a colour change similar to a UV sun tan. As your skin sheds the tan fades naturally between 5-7 days after application.

A guide colour will be applied to your body which ensures a perfect application. This guide colour is very natural looking, which allows you to go about your day without looking like you’ve been in a mud bath! This then washes off after development to leave you beautifully tanned.

Contra-indications that prevent the treatment from being carried out

• First Trimester of pregnancy.
• Skin diseases and disorders.
• Open cuts and wounds.

Contra-indications that may restrict treatment

• Eczema and psoriasis – can be covered by barrier cream, if not open and weeping.
• HRT and IVF can interfere with the result of a tan. This may also be applicable during menstrual cycle (those pesky hormones!!).
• Acne can appear darker after a tan and may aggravate serious acnaic conditions.
• Diabetics can have a tan as long as they are following their recommended treatments and have no open cuts.
• Asthma – consult with your doctor prior to having a tan, but usually it is fine if it is under control with medication.
• Allergy to DHA or sensitive skin – a patch test can be applied 24 hours prior to treatment.

Before your tanning session

• Wax, shave at least 24 hours before your session.
• Shower and exfoliate your body.
• Avoid heavy moisturising shower gels.
• Do not apply moisturisers, deodorants, oil based products, perfume or make-up.
• Wear loose dark clothing and open toe shoes, e.g. flip flops.
• Leave jewellery at home.
• Avoid silk, wool and leather garments as tan will not wash out of these materials.

The session

• You will be asked to undress to underwear or suitable swimwear to create the desired effect. It’s your choice if you want to leave your bra on or off.
• If using underwear ensure it is black as tan does not wash out of elastic or lace.
• Barrier cream will be applied to hands, feet and heel areas and any other dry areas you may have such as knees or eczema patches.
• If you have nail extensions make sure the barrier cream covers those, natural nails will be fine.
• Your session will last around 15 minutes.
• You will be dry to dress straight after.

Immediate aftercare

• Do not touch skin whilst tan is developing to avoid tanned fingers (not a good look!).
• Avoid water on skin whilst tan is developing, especially rain. (Yes that means you can’t do the washing up, what a shame!).
• Avoid heavy exercise as perspiration can spoil the result.
• Shower between 6-8 hours after treatment.
• Pat dry with towel. Do not rub.

Long term and homecare advice

• Moisturise morning and night with a non-oil based moisturiser as oil can strip your tan.
• Avoid swimming as the chlorine will strip the tan, as will saunas and steam rooms.
• Remember that the tan does not contain any SPF factor so you will still need to wear sun protection as usual.
• Ensure all tan is removed by exfoliation before your next spray tan treatment.