What is DHA? DHA is the short term for dihydroxyacetone. DHA is a derivative of sugar cane / beet and has been used in tanning products for over 30 years. The amount of DHA added to the lotion will alter its strength and therefore the colour of tan.

Why are there 3 Su-do colours and how do I know which one is right for me? Everyone’s skin is a different tone and will tan differently in the sun, so a choice of colours are available to suit you. Your Su-do therapist will discuss with you your natural skin tone, how you tan in the sun naturally and what colour you would like to achieve and then advise you which DHA% will be most suited to you.

I have very fair skin, can I still have a spray tan? Yes, the Su-do Bronze Solution contains a low percentage of DHA and is renowned for offering a very natural, flawless tan for even the fairest of skin tones.

Why do I have to do a Patch Test? It is quite unusual for clients to be allergic to self-tanning products, however it is recommended that a patch test is performed on all clients and monitored over a 24-hour period to ensure that they do not have an allergic reaction.

How will the patch test be done? A small amount of the liquid will be placed on a hairless area of skin, ideally the top of the thigh, the wrist or top of the arm. It will stain the skin for 7-10 days; however the tanning treatment will blend and cover this up once performed. If any irritation, redness or itching occurs, you will not be deemed suitable for a spray tan treatment. This procedure needs to be repeated every 6 months to ensure that there are no allergies to the products. If the client does not wish to have a patch-test a disclaimer should be indicated on the record card.

Can it cause an allergic reaction? It is possible, although a rare occurrence, for an individual to have an allergic reaction to the tanning solution. If you know that you are allergic to Aloe Vera or DHA you should not have a Su-do spray tan treatment. Your beauty therapist should ensure that a Patch Test is conducted 24hours before your first spray tan treatment to check if an allergic reaction is likely.

Can I have a spray tan if I am pregnant? Although the tanning lotion is safe, spray tanning is contra-indicated in the first trimester of pregnancy. A spray tan is not advisable during pregnancy as the results can be unreliable. This is due to an imbalance and fluctuation of the hormones. It is possible that the resulting sunless tan may become patchy or uneven. In the 2nd and 3rd trimester there is much less risk of uneven pigmentation as the hormones settle down.

Is there a minimum age limit for having a spray tan? It is possible to have a spray tan at any age, however we advised that if a person under the age of 16 wants a spray tan then they must seek parental approval prior to treatment.

Why should I have a spray tan instead of going on a sun bed? Recent studies have shown further evidence of links between sun bed tanning and melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. As well as increasing the risks of melanoma, sun beds also cause premature ageing, making skin look course, leathery and wrinkled before it’s time.

What should I wear when I go to have my spray tan? Clothes worn to the salon should be loose fitting and dark. Tight fitting clothing can cause removal of product; creating patchiness. The Su-do Professional lotions rarely stain clothing. Any residual colour may be easily removed in the wash from natural/cotton fabrics; however you should be aware that the lotion will stain synthetic garments. Loose fitting shoes, sandals or ideally flip flops should also be worn.

What do I do before the spray tan? Exfoliate thoroughly the night before the treatment to remove dead skin cells, paying particular attention to any dry areas such as elbows, knees, ankles and heels; good exfoliation will dramatically improve the look of the tan and particularly how long it lasts. This process ensures the newest skin surface is treated. This will allow the tanning agents to adhere to the ‘true’ skin.

After exfoliating, moisturise the skin all over during the night before your treatment, but ONLY with a non-oil based moisturiser – most moisturisers contain large amounts of oil, if you are unsure then do not moisturise. Again, pay particular attention to elbows, knees, heels and ankles etc. This will ensure the skin is supple and even enough to soak in the tan treatment.

Should I wax or shave before my Su-do spray tan? Waxing of any area should be carried out at least 24 hours before tanning; hair removal with a razor can be done the day before. This will allow time for the pores to close and prevent any ‘spotting’ and sensitivity.

How long will my Su-do Tan last? Preparation is the key to a long lasting tan. If you exfoliate thoroughly all over the night before and the morning of your tanning treatment, your tan can last as long as 7-10 days. The less thorough your exfoliation, the more dead skins cells will be remaining and therefore the more quickly the skin cells/sunless tan will fall off/fade.

How long should I wait after my spray tan before showering? At least 5-6 hours if you have been sprayed with the Su-do Solution, however you can wait to shower off until the morning if you wish, leaving the tan to develop overnight.

Can I go swimming after my Su-do tan? During the 5-6 hours immediately following your Su-do spray tan treatment you must not swim. After 5-6 hours you will be able to shower and then you can swim as normal. We would advise however that chlorine in swimming pools and Jacuzzis will fade your tan more quickly than normal.

Will I still get a tan in the sun after a Su-do spray tan? Yes you will tan in the sun as normal. A spray tan does not provide any protection from the sun’s rays, we advise regular application of sun protection when exposed.

Does the spray tan provide me with sun protection? No, a spray tan does not provide you with any UVA or UVB protection. We advise that you apply sun protection regularly while exposed.