Hollywood Tans is the national leader in indoor tanning with nearly 300 locations nationwide and over 10 locations in the San Diego area.

With four variations of high-performance stand-up tanning booths and custom Instant Tan powered by Mystic UV-free tanning solutions, men and women of all ages can finally get the perfect base tan or sparkling bronze glow they’ve always dreamed of at Hollywood Tans in San Diego.

While the stand-up high-pressure beds truly enhance and empower the indoor tanning experience, spray tanning – the hottest new trend in sunless tanning – is all the rage in San Diego this year. Susan Lutter Senior Tanologist with Hollywood Tans offers her Tan Commandments, a list of ten essential tips to achieve the ultimate spray tan experience.

“Spray tanners who follow these ten simple tips find they achieve great results and maintain their tan for a longer period of time,” said Hollywood Tans’ Senior Tanologist Susan Lutter. “The ultimate spray tan experience starts with prepping the skin before a visit to Hollywood Tans and ends with maintaining the skin following a spray tanning session.”

Tan Commandments from Hollywood Tans:

Start Fresh – For the best spray tan results, exfoliate and clean your skin to remove any oil fragrances or deodorants and expose the top layer of skin. If you need to shave, do it before rather than after the spray tan since shaving does remove some dead skin. 

Don’t Mix Oil and Water – Spray tan solutions are water-based and it’s best to use a water-based moisturizer before you tan. Oil-based moisturizers may prohibit the spray tan from developing to the best of its ability. 

Protect Fingernails, Toenails and Hands – Use barrier cream on your fingernails, toenails and palms of hands to prevent these areas from absorbing the tan solution, since they would not normally tan with natural UV exposure. 

Pull Hair Back – Loose hair can cause lines around your face or neck area. For the best results, pull hair back in a shower cap placed above your hairline and leave a tiny bit of your hair exposed to prevent lines around your face. Make sure you place the cap behind your ears, too. 

Practice Good Form – Body position is important for consistent coverage. Follow the audio instructions given to you during your session and place feet in the designated position. Also, raise your elbows slightly to create a small gap under your arms and spread your fingers apart so that you don’t get white creases in between. 

Scent Up – Use spray tan aroma droplets to enhance the experience and leave with a fresh scent on your skin. 

Pat Down – When your spray tan session is complete and you’ve left the booth, get a dry towel and use a patting motion to remove any excess solution. Use a baby wipe or moist towel to wipe off the palms of your hands, soles of your feet and in between your fingers and toes. Wash your hands with soap and water but be sure not to go past your wrist.

Wait to Shower – You should wait four to six hours after your spray tan to shower so it has time to set. Also, avoid the gym or the pool until you have taken a shower first. 

Moisturize to Maintain – A spray tan usually lasts between five and seven days, but you can extend the life of your tan and ensure even fading by using moisturizer often, since DHA (the ingredient that gives your skin the color) is a natural skin drying agent. 

Sample a Signature Cocktail – Spray tanning is very effective, but when combined with traditional UV tanning, the results are even more remarkable. Try Hollywood Tans’ unique combination tanning regiment of UV and UV-Free tanning. Use the UV tanning booth to open up pores and give skin a bit of color and then use the HT Instant Tan powered by Mystic Tan to give you a natural looking tan in just minutes. 

Learn more about Hollywood Tans – DiscoverSD.com Editor’s choice for best tanning salons in San Diego.