Let's start with the basics- Traditional rinse times are 8-12 hours, Express rinse times are 20 minutes to 4 hours. Full development of any spray tan is 24 hours post application. The tanning agent in any fake tanning product is called Dihydroxyacetone(DHA) and it is absorbed only by the upper layer of skin cells. The time it takes for this absorption to happen is based on the amount applied and the desired depth of color result. Your Body Bronzing tanning artist considers these factors when selecting a tan for you and your schedule.

Express rinse options are the "new" trend in spray tanning. An added ingredient makes being able to rinse off the tan and bronzers quickly a great fit for busy schedules, pet lovers, moms and more! The time left on the skin determines how much product is absorbed and how dark the tanning results are. So be sure to listen to your artist for the correct time to rinse and avoid overly processed(ORANGE) results!

Traditional rinse solutions are still a very popular option, especially when rinsing in the 4 hour time window doesn't work in the schedule. They do take longer to absorb and rinsing early can cause unevenness and lighter than desired results. Your skin absorbs the color over the 8-12 hours and once that time is reach, the skin has maxed out how much it can absorb. The solution then becomes a drying agent which works against the life and look of your tan. It is highly recommended to rinse once this time is reached to keep your skin from drying out and give the tan the best results.

Over the last 10 years that Body Bronzing has offered express solutions, we have learned a lot! One main thing we have learned is that absorption rates and chemical reactions vary between individuals. The added ingredient to increase absorption in the express rinse formula, can work counter to what most experience and actually block the tan from absorbing in some people. So, we now offer what we call an Evolution rinse option! These are technically traditional rinse solutions, but with higher amounts of DHA which allows for rinse times between 4-7 hours. If you are looking to be able to rinse sooner, but have had issues with express solutions, ask your artist about trying one of these at your next appointment!

We love having options for you that best fit your schedule and the tan you want to achieve! 

Stay Bronzed and beautiful and see you soon!

Ask any spray tanner or tanning artist what the #1, most important thing to getting the best spray tanning result is, and they will undoubtedly say, EXFOLIATING! Sluffing off that old, dry skin is a cathartic experience by itself, but the fresh surface is the starting ground for a long lasting beautiful tan! 

Spray  tanning is beneficial for the skin for many reasons and one main reason is the regular exfoliation. As an integral part of your spray tan routine, making sure you exfoliate before your appointment is very important, however exfoliating too close to you appointment, like right before coming in, is actually not ideal.  To allow for your natural amino acids to return and optimize your tanning results, a good exfoliation at least 12 hours prior to your tan is best. 

Also, about 7-10 days after your appointment, the old tan is usually ready to be removed. Once you notice patchy or uneven tan, get out your exfoliator and bring the fresh skin cells to the surface for the next round of tanning. While it is sad to see the tan go, an added bonus is it actually gives your skin a natural glow! The act of massaging the skin increases circulation that allows your body's largest organ to function at it's best.

​Our favorite methods of exfoliation are Green Towel Exfoliators, Bath Bomb Tan Remover by Color Me Bronze and the Blank Canvas Tan Remover by Spray Studio both available at Body Bronzing!
(For super stubborn tan removal, our Bronze Boss Stephanie Ehatt also highly recommends the Frank Body coffee scrub at Ulta)
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We hope you are enjoying these little tips in our blogs and if you have any questions or topics your like to see us address, please let us know!

Stay fresh and Bronzed friends!

Our August Trivia is underway and last week we asked clients what is the natural color of dihydroxyacetone (DHA)? The correct answer is CLEAR! Did you get it right??

That's why if you've ever seen Tanning Drops they look almost like water. Tanning drops have become popular recently, because you can essentially create your own tanning extender or self tanning lotion, by combining them with your regular skin care products. They are great for someone that doesn't want to jeopardize their skin, especially their face, but want to keep a beautiful sunkissed glow going! 

We love the ability this gives Bronzers to curate their tan to their needs, and here are some tips to get the best results! 

♥A few drops is all you need! Adding too much to your skin or lotion, will result in oversaturation and orange tones. We recommend 4 drops to your normal amount of lotion for your face, and 10 drops to the amount of lotion for your entire body. The body lotion amount should be separated out into smaller amounts. For example, 3 drops for arms, then 3 for legs, and 4 for the rest of the body.
♥ Only mix up what you plan to use immediately. Unfortunately, mixing the drops in your lotion for future use is not recommended as it will cause the tanning agent to break down and you may end up with little to no tan.
♥ Be mindful of any permanent jewelry. Ideally removing all jewelry is the easiest way to get an even application, however if that is not an option, be sure to blend well around any items that cannot be removed. 
♥ Always wash your hands after applying! We also recommend Micellar water on a cotton ball or pad to completely remove the tanner and avoid orange palms!

Yes, we have tanning drops for purchase at Body Bronzing! They are the best quality on the market and a great addition to your tanning game! 

Stay Bronzed and glowing friends!☻

Or any liquid misshape really. 

Have you ever had a raindrop hit your fresh spray tan? Or the loving licks of your fur baby leave your with a not so cute pale swish? You look at that spot like Macbeth's, and wonder what to do to remedy this unfortunate situation without completely ruining the tan or having to undo all the lovely results by hopping in the shower too early. This blog post is just for how to fix spots on a fresh tan!

First, don't panic. Likely just the cosmetic bronzers have been affected and your tan will develop evenly and show beautifully after your rinse. This is most often the case if you had a clothing piece like a dress strap or shirt sleeve brush the area and grab the color guide a bit. As long as there was no very tightly rubbing article involved, your tan will be intact after rinsing.

Now, if you had the unfortunate scenario of a significate water drop, or other liquid, you will want to do the following:
1. Pat the area with a dry towel, paper towel, napkin...some sort of absorbent fabric or material. (you never know where you may find yourself, so creativity might come into play)

2. Blend the area with a makeup brush, like a foundation or contouring brush. You will GENTLY brush the surrounding tan back over the affected area. You can also use a towel or soft paper like a tissue to do this. Start with a dry item first, then if needed, add a VERY small amount of water,  like a little mist, to the brush or towel and again gently move the surrounding area over the spot. This step is not always needed and the dry brush step is usually enough to do the trick.

3. Don't overdue it! A little goes along way and it's important to understand that this will not visually look better. It will look worse before it looks better, because you are moving the bronzers it will seem like you are creating more of a problem, however the goal is moving the tanning agent Dihydroxyacetone(DHA) back over the area to continue the tan absorption. So, you will have to wait with a slightly odd looking area for a few hours until your time to rinse, but the end result will be worth it!

4. After rinsing, if the spot is still visible, put a spot of self tanner directly on the area. The amount will depend on how large the affected area is, but less is more when adding self tanner. 

This has worked for our clients and ourselves on many occasions, so we hope this helpful tip will be of use to you as well!

Stay Bronzed friends!

With summer break wrapping up in Savannah, we hope you have lots of great vacation memories that will last for years!

Summer vacations often consist of outdoor activities with a decent amount of sun exposure. So, coming back from vacay with a nice tan has been the standard for as long as anyone can remember. Unfortunately, the underlying damage from those UV rays lasts for years as well. The increased knowledge of the lasting damage from UV rays has made the option of sunless spray tanning becomes more desirable. There is a definite distinction between the two types of tanning, albeit for the better of your skin.

First, spray tanning requires time. To adhere properly, the skin must be prepared by exfoliating, moisturizing dry areas, avoiding use of moisturizers after a certain period and planning to have a light schedule post application. Non of these factors are part of a UV tanning experience, so it is a learning curve for most. For more of a guide to these preparation steps, see our blog on timing below!

Next, the depth of color is a bit different than in the sun. We have learned over 50+ years of using DHA that ITS natural hue is an amber, golden look. We also have learned that everyone has a "breaking point" for their skin, and when it's reached, the results can look brassy or the dreaded term "ORANGE". So, while one may think that darker is better, it is not that way with sunless tanning. 

The color results also depend on natural skin tone, skin condition and hormonal factors. Hormones factor greatly into spray tanning results, as they aid in the production of essential amino acids that react with DHA. Medications like antibiotics, thyroid and more all can alter hormonal production and cause varied results.

Natural variations of melanin in skin tones, or the amount of sun exposure in areas like arms and legs, will create different results even for an individual. So, lets say you play a lot of outdoor sports or your arms are exposed more regularly to sunlight compared to your legs, your legs will likely still be a bit lighter than your arms after a spray.  Spray artists can address this will different techniques, so please let your artist know your tanning goals and areas of concern to you, and they can help you achieve your desired results!

Finally, the longevity of a sunless tan is much reduced compared to UV tans. The way many think of a tan's longevity is derived from UV sun tanning along with, however, it's important to have the correct expectations for results using this sunless method.  The main reason for the length of a traditional suntan is that UV rays reach deep into the tissue of the skin. Conversely DHA only reaches the top layers that exfoliate off in approximately 10 days or less. So, darker does not mean the tan will last longer, instead it will just be more obvious as the color fades and reveals the natural skin underneath. This is not a complete negative though, as it leaves no damage to the skin and long term, avoids aging lines and damage. 

So, while the differences between the UV and Sunless tans are distinct, having the right expectations allows for the most satisfaction with the results and worth the benefits of keeping your skin healthy for years to come!
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Stay Bronzed and Healthy friends and see you soon!

We love throwing shade- and by that we mean a beautiful, even Bronze! Contouring adds an extra layer of shade, directly to the shadows that naturally occur near muscle groups and bones structures. By adding extra tanner to these areas, a sleek, defined look is created with a believable, toned appearance.  

We offer Contouring Sessions that can be partial or full body, and include the overall full body spray tan. Yes, we can get those abs looking hot! These sessions take a bit more time(30-45 minutes) as we customize the contour to the individual for a natural appearance. 

Mini contouring can be added to any full or partial body sessions for an additional $10-$15. This is done within our regular spray session appointment(15 minutes) and is an abbreviated version of our in depth contour. Hitting the highlights of arms, legs, abs and gluts to make your Bronze pop!

Stay Bronzed and Contoured friends!

Spray tanning in Savannah, GA is all about timing. When you schedule your tan makes a difference on how the color will look for your vacation or event. We always want you to get the most out of your tan and have the best results, so this is an important post.

The typical life of a Bronze is about a week, 5-7 days, for most people. The best days of the tan are usually days 2-4. This is why we recommend tanning 2 days before an event, and the day before you leave for vacation. Using products like spray tan friendly soaps, lotions and extenders will help get the most out of your tan. Then having a good exfoliating mitt or tan remover is the best way to clear the remaining tan from the skin and prep for your next one!

When tanning for events or vacation, all other beauty services should be completed before coming for your tan. Here is a general list for reference of times that other services should be completed:

24-36 hours prior: Massage, facials, waxing/sugaring, Sugar scrubs 
24 hours prior:       Nails(Especially feet) and Hair

The above services are all great ways to help with exfoliating and of course wonderful selfcare. Massages, facials and hair removal all help with lifting the dead skin cells and getting your circulation moving. Sugar scrubs are a good way to cleanse the skin before tanning, just like nail appointments, which generally include soaking, scrubbing and lotions or oils. 

That being said, thoroughly rinsing off the leftover oils from the skin is essential to the best tanning application. which can block absorption and reduce tanning results. Since this generally requires soap, it's best to do these services a minimum of a day before your tanning appointment.

Happy tanning and have a great week!

We love a good party and some tasty drinks, but one topic we need to address is the effects alcohol can have on a spray tan. As the body does it's job of purging the alcohol, it can lead to a drying effect on the skin- read in Brassy tones and cracked, flaking tanning results. Now, most of us get tanned for events where we will likely imbibe, so how can you combat this undesired result? 

First, combat dehydration from the inside and make sure your are drinking enough water with electrolytes alongside your spirits. Water with fruit or cucumber can help your liver as it works to clean your system, as well as ease potential headaches or hangovers. Eating some tasty berries and veggies for added vitamins to support your system is also a great way to increase your water intake.

Second, combat from the outside with a top quality moisturizer. Providing your skin with replenished oils and hydrants prolongs your tan and prevents brassy tones, by keeping skin cells from drying out. In the same measure, make sure to avoid lotions and creams that contain alcohols or mineral oils and petrolatum, to keep from further drying out or creating a barrier that traps drying agents on your skin.
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Lastly, add a little tan extender to boost your color and fill in tan that may have been lost to celebratory activities! We offer wonderful, natural moisturizers, oils and extenders to ensure you get to enjoy yourself and get the most out of your Bronze.
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Stay happy and Bronzed friends!

As you become familiar with sunless tanning, you quickly realize how timing plays an important part in the success and longevity of your Bronze. We have previously talked about how important the products you bath with are for your tanning results, but now we want to focus on the time for rinsing, showering, shaving and other activities. 

Rinsing- 4 hours prior to appointment; post appointment at the time specified by your tanning artist.

Rinsing the day of your tan is a great way to remove any remnants of moisturizers, including any that come from the strip on your razor, that might block the tan. Also, rinsing should be done at the time specified by your tanning artist for the proper depth of tan. Use warm water, not hot or cold, use your hand to help remove bronzers, and avoid soap when you are rinsing. It's also a great habit to rinse after being in pools, oceans or doing water activities, so the skin will not dry out from chlorine, salt or other chemicals.

Showering- 12 -24 hours prior to appointment; at least 24 hour post appointment.

Showering the night before or no closer than 12 hours to your tan will allow your natural amino acids to return to your skin. The amino acids are what the tanning agent reacts with to give you the correct color and longest life for the tan. Showering after the application should be done no sooner than 24 hours to allow for the full development of the tan. Whether you use a self tanner or get your Bronze on with us, give your tan the full amount of time to process, before using soap and you will notice how much better the tan does.

Shaving- 12-24 hours prior to appointment; at least 24 hours post appointment.

Shaving and other exfoliating activities should be done with the pre-appoinment shower at least 12 hours before the tan. Shaving helps with the exfoliation process and can leave tiny cuts on the skin, so it's best to give your skin time to recover and regain its oils before your appointment. After application, wait 24 hours at least, but the longer you can go without shaving, the longer your tan will hold up! We recommend using a fresh razor to avoid unnecessary skin cell removal.

For the longest lasting results, use a cleanser that is formulated to eliminate dirt and grime without stripping your skin and shortening the life of your tan!

Happy Bronzing and stay fresh, clean and tan!

Venturing into the world of self-tanning can be overwhelming, with all the options and mastering the application technique for even results can be a daunting task to say the least. As tanners ourselves, we know these struggles all too well! However, having a self tanner handy is something we highly recommend. Rainy days and pop-up showers are common in Savannah, Ga, plus life can through a lot at you, some times literally- from toddler tantrums to sweet fur-baby kisses, we've seen a lot!

​Since your fresh tan is vulnerable, having a self tanner to fill in any mishaps during absorption is essential. A soft blending tool, like a kabuki brush, is how we like to add just a hint of tanner to any areas that might be left untanned after the first rinse. Also, for extended trips, or trips with lots of fun water activities, having a self tanner works wonders to reapply color that is lost to chlorine or salt, or an amazing spa experience!

Our formula for applying to the whole body is this: We highly recommend applying in front of a mirror in good lighting to check that all areas are evenly covered. Then use two pumps of mousse or two quarters amount of tanning lotion per appendage(i.e. leg, arm, etc). Apply one coat at a time, allowing each coat to dry before adding the next coat. We start with legs and work up, leaving the inside of the arms, where the elbows crease, to the end. The ease of achieving even results with a mitt is wonderful, but regular plastic gloves work well too, as long as you blend in thoroughly. Use the remaining residue on the mitt to tan feet, hands and face, or use just a small dot of tanner on a blending brush.

We are still working on the best application method for the back! Honestly, nothing beats having a little help to get that area covered evenly, but if that's not an option, we have liked using a wooden or plastic back scrubbing brush, putting the mitt over the brush, and applying in a circular motion.