There are many variables that affect the quality of a sunless tan. Two individuals can receive the exact same sunless treatment and experience very different results. Following are the eight key factors that affect sunless tanning.

1. Skin Type – Sunless color reacts differently with different skin types. What may appear as a deep, dark color on one person may look more golden on another person. Also, in general, tanners with darker skin tones will experience darker sunless tanning results. The only way to know for sure how a sunless tan is going to look on someone’s skin is to do a spot test prior to application.

2. Pre-Application Care – It is recommended that customers exfoliate prior to a sunless tanning treatment and carefully apply barrier cream to hands and feet. If a tanner has not thoroughly exfoliated, their tan will fade faster and they may experience a spotty appearance on the skin as their tan fades. If barrier cream is not properly applied, it can result in stained cuticles or unnatural-looking spots and streaks on the hands and feet.

3. Post-Application Care – For the first 6 hours following sunless application, it is critical that customers avoid any activity that could interfere with the sunless reaction on their skin, including bathing, moisturizing, swimming, or other physical activity that could cause excessive perspiration. After the first day, it is recommended that they moisturize daily, especially after bathing, to prolong their sunless tanning results.

4. Spray Equipment Used – If the tan was applied in an automatic spray unit, the results may vary from individual to individual. The one-size-fits-all application may not give every tanner a complete, even, full-body application.

5. Maintenance of Spray Equipment – The quality of a spray application, both from handheld spray equipment and automatic spray units, can be compromised if a regular cleaning and maintenance regimen is not followed. Equipment that is not properly maintained could result in less solution transference, too much solution transference, or uneven application.

6. Skill Level of Person Applying Product – The skill level of the person applying the sunless tanning solution or product, whether it be a spray technician with handheld equipment, the esthetician in a hand-applied treatment, or the individual doing a self-application at home, affects the end results. Applying sunless products to the skin is an acquired skill and the more experience someone has, the more likely the results will be natural-looking.

7. Quality of the Sunless Spray Solution – Sunless solutions vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. The differences in solutions can affect the immediate color on the skin, the color of the developing sunless tan, and how long the results last.

8. Sunless Product and Spray Solution Storage – For best results, sunless products should be stored in a cool, dry place and protected from prolonged exposure to heat. In addition, sunless products should be tightly capped between uses to minimize exposure to oxygen. Sunless spray solutions should be used within 6 months from manufacturing and within 2 weeks of being opened. At-home sunless solutions and sprays should be used within 18 months and tightly capped between uses. Sunless products that age beyond the recommended usage period, or are exposed to heat or air for prolonged periods, may decrease in effectiveness or change color or fragrance.