Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions we receive on a daily basis. If you can’t find an the answer to your question below, please feel free to call us at (215) 588-8891.

How does Airbrush Tanning work?

Sunless tanning is a temporary bronzing of the skin. The active ingredient that creates this appearance is DHA (Dihydroxyacetone). DHA is derived from natural sugar cane which interacts with the proteins and amino acids on the outer layer of the skin to produce a brown color.

Why should I do Airbrush tanning instead of UV Tanning?

In addition to the instant tan you receive with an airbrush tan, there are no harmful side effects (i.e. skin cancer, early skin aging). Our solution is enriched with potent age fighting, skin firming, and cell rejuvenating properties.

Will my airbrush tan protect me from the sun?

NO! Sunless tanning solutions do not have sunscreen protection, and will not protect you from damaging effects from UV exposure. Whenever you go into the sun you should always apply a sunscreen!

If I am pregnant, can I still receive an airbrush tan?

Important: All of our solutions are organic and natural!

DHA is FDA approved and only penetrates the outermost layer of the skin. There is no evidence that DHA is harmful. However, we do recommend that you consult with your physician first. A doctor’s note is needed for our technician to perform the tan.

How deep a tan can I get from an airbrush session?

Many people think that the darker the tan the better. Our goal at Sunboat Tan is to provide a natural looking tan. Your airbrush technician will assess your skin and suggest the shade that will best suit your needs. Only one application is needed to achieve results.

What should I do to prepare for my airbrush session?

Please refer to our Pre Tan section. Click Here…

Are there any products I should avoid before my session?

It is recommended that you do not use any lotions, oil-based exfoliating scrubs or moisturizing creams before your session. Also do not wear deodorant or makeup.

What should I wear to my session?

While being sprayed you can wear whatever makes you comfortable. We do require bottoms of some sort. We provide disposable bandeaus and panties. For men we provide disposable boxers.

Afterwards you will want wear dark loose fitting clothing and avoid wearing a bra, socks or other restrictive clothing immediately after your session, as this will make unwanted lines in your tan.

Will the airbrush solution stain my clothing?

Most sunless tanning solutions contain an instant bronzer for immediate color. This is temporary and washes off during your first shower. The bronzer can leave color on clothing and/or sheets. The solution is water soluble and will wash out of cotton. Silk, leather and other materials may stain.

How long will my airbrush tan last?

An airbrushed tan will typically last 7-10 days. It all depends on your skin type and how you care for it following the tanning session. Airbrush tanning produces color on the outermost layer of the skin, and that layer is being discarded, cell-by-cell. If you wear your skin hard, take long hot baths or showers, wear clothes that chafe, or do anything to encourage the skin to “shed,” so does your tan. You can extend the life of your tan by using St. Tropez Body moisturizer and Gradual Tan lotion at least once daily.

Are there ways to extend the life of my tan?

Use St. Tropez’s Everyday Body Moisturizer (Gradual Tan) as needed to keep your color looking fresh. St. Tropez’s Everyday is both a moisturizer and tan extender containing DHA.

Can I swim, or go in hot tubs with my airbrush tan?

We don’t recommend it. If you must get wet avoid the hot tub and try the pool. We recommend that you liberally apply a waterproof sunscreen before you enter the water. Pat dry with a towel (do not wipe) and apply a moisturizer immediately after you are done swimming or getting wet.

How long does an Airbrush session take?

Your first session takes approximately 30-45 minutes. During your first session you will need to fill out your client profile and also instructions will need to be given for the tan. After your first session, sessions will then only take about 25-30 minutes. It takes approximately 15-20minutes to airbrush the tan. Drying usually takes 10 minutes.

Is it OK for people of any age to spray tan?

Yes it is. However, we require the signature and presence of the parent or guardian for those less than 16 years of age.

Will I get orange or streaky with an Airbrush Tan?

No, absolutely not! Orangeness is the result of older tanning agents or a level of DHA too dark for your skin tone. A professional Airbrush tan with modern tanning agents avoids this, and your technician picking the right level of tan for your needs. Streakiness is caused by improper application.

Allergic to the Sun?

Sunboat tan is a complete UV free tanning system. You will look great without any exposure to the sun or UV tanning beds.

Sun Rash (AKA: Polymorphous light eruption)

Is caused by exposure to the sun and tanning beds, typically for those people with sensitive skin. Our Airbrush tanning system has no exposure to UV.

Solar Hives (Urticaria)

Solar hives are an allergic reaction to sunlight. At Sunboat tan there is no exposure to UV rays like the sun produces. We use a professional Airbrush Spray tanning system that offers a complete Tan within your first visit.

Home Tan Products

Home Tan Products – Are available at Sunboat Tan. We are distributors of the St. Tropez product line. See our retail section of this website or ask for a product demonstration at your next visit.

Do you have tanning beds?

You will not find Tanning beds at Sunboat Tan. Are system is a spray on tan, better known at Airbrush tanning. Our system gives you immediate results with in the first session.

How can I tan my fair skin?

At Sunboat Tan we know your skin type and we formulate a color to match your skin. See our Tan Menu for more information.

Sunless Tanning?

Yes, Sunboat Tan is a completed UV free, Tanning Bed Free, tanning system.

Self-Tanners?

We offer a completed line of self tanners. Please see our retail section of our site for more product information.

Tanning Addiction

Yes, tanning can be addictive, but with our Airbrush tanning system you can have the safest tan available. So be a Tan Junky!

Do you have tanning booths?

We don’t have tanning booths, we have Airbrush tanning stations. We customize a tan that matches your skin tone, and professionally apply with a state of the art Airbrush Tanning System.

Can I get sunburn?

Don’t expect to get sunburn at our salon. We offer a completely safe spray Airbrush Tan, within your first visit.

Can my skin freckle when exposed to a bit of sun or when in a tanning bed?

We offer a complete UV-Free tanning product. Our professional staff will match your skin type and apply the healthiest looking tan you ever had.

Is this healthy for your skin?

Yes we offer the best and safest products available in the spray and airbrush tanning market.

Will my spray Tan be uneven

Sunboat Tan offers the best airbrush tanning service available. Our modern system allows us to apply a spray tan evenly over your entire body. So now we can say “uneven spray tans” are a thing of the past!

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Yes, SAD can get you down, but Sunboat Tan can help you out of your slump with a safe Airbrush tan. Make yourself feel better by making yourself look better with a health “Winter Glow Full Body” Tan.


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