The following is a list of things that are known to shorten the life of an airbrush tan (as well as any other form of sunless tan). Avoid them after an airbrush tan for best results!
Many people have found that Dove soap and Dove Shower gel will fade a tan faster. Mineral oil and petroleum-based lotions should be avoided, such as Curel. Baby oil should also be avoided. Hair Inhibiting Lotions (Jergens etc.) tend to make an airbrush tan (or any sunless tan) yellow. Anti-aging products that "renew" "refresh" or otherwise exfoliate skin lighten a tan. AHA's (Alpha Hydroxy Acids -glycolic, lactic, Malic, citric and Tartaric acids) BHA's (Beta Hydroxy Acids-salicylic acid) Retin-A type products (Retin-A, Renova, Tazorac, Tretinoin) Toners containing Alcohol or Witch Hazel Anti-acne products that exfoliate the skin - Accutane, salicylic acid or Benzoyl Peroxide. Makeup remover, cleaning products, or oils used to clean away eye makeup Loofas, scrub mitt etc. and washcloths should NOT BE USED while you are tan, they WILL slough off your tan more rapidly. Use a soft washcoth or soft poof instead. BandAid or adhesive tape applied to skin can pull the "tan" off Facial masks and exfoliating scrubs	Biore type adhesive facial strips Wax hair removal Depilatory hair removal products (Nair, Veet, Neet etc) Shaving exfoliates skin and fades tans. Use a sharp clean razor, with a lubricating product. A dull razor scrapes off more skin and thus removes the tan. Rubbing dry after a show exfoliates you more. Try to pat dry instead! Body hair bleach products Submersion in hot tub, swimming pool with chlorine, salt water (an application of a thick waterproof lotion sun block helps-try Bullfrog) Even a long hot bath can effect the "tan" on some people. A women's tan may also develop differently during various hormonal changes (ovulation, menstruation, pregnancy). It may be streaky, patchy, fade worse, or produce lighter color. People with oily skin tend to develop a lighter tan then people with dry skin. The oils can coat the skin, dry skin absorbs more product faster. That is why it is always good to go to an airbrush tanning session freshly showered!
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