A beautiful bronze glow, customized to you, without spending hours in the sun.
A healthy-looking glow never goes out of style. Whether you're preparing for a special occasion, getting ready for vacation, or simply want a little extra radiance, a professional spray tan is a wonderful way to achieve a sun-kissed look without intentional UV exposure.
At Skin Therapy Wellness Center in Bethesda, MD, we offer customized, sugar-based airbrush spray tanning designed to complement your natural skin tone. Our approach is all about creating a beautiful, even, natural-looking finish, not a one-shade-fits-all tan.
Using carefully selected, skin-conscious ingredients, our spray tans help you achieve a bronzed glow that looks fresh, radiant, and uniquely yours.
What Is an Organic Spray Tan?
Organic spray tanning is a sunless tanning treatment that uses a fine mist applied evenly to the skin with an airbrush system. Many formulas use plant-derived or naturally sourced ingredients, along with DHA (dihydroxyacetone), a sugar-derived tanning ingredient.
DHA reacts with amino acids in the outermost layer of the skin to create a temporary browning effect. This is similar to the way certain foods can cause browning reactions, and it does not require exposure to UV rays.
Unlike sun exposure or tanning beds, a spray tan does not rely on ultraviolet radiation to create color.
Our sugar-based airbrush spray tans are customized to your individual skin tone and desired depth of color. The goal is to enhance your natural complexion with a soft, even bronze that looks like you just returned from a relaxing getaway.
A note about the word organic: Organic and natural ingredients can be appealing, but they do not automatically mean a product is chemical-free or suitable for every skin type. DHA is the active ingredient responsible for the temporary tanning effect, and individual formulas vary.
How to Prepare for Your Spray Tan
The secret to a beautiful spray tan starts before you arrive. A little preparation helps create a smooth canvas, allowing the color to develop more evenly and last longer.
Follow these steps before your appointment:
1. Exfoliate your skin
Gently exfoliate your entire body 24 hours before your appointment. Pay special attention to dry areas such as elbows, knees, ankles, and feet. Removing dead skin cells helps create a smoother surface for an even application.
Avoid oil-based scrubs or exfoliators that may leave a residue on your skin.
2. Shave or wax in advance
If you shave, do so approximately 12–24 hours before your appointment. If you wax, schedule it at least 24–48 hours beforehand, allowing your skin time to settle.
3. Arrive with clean, product-free skin
On the day of your appointment, avoid applying:
Body lotion or oils
Deodorant
Perfume or body sprays
Makeup or other products on the skin
These products can create a barrier and interfere with an even application.
4. Choose comfortable clothing
Wear loose-fitting, dark clothing to your appointment. Tight clothing, bras, socks, and elastic waistbands can rub against freshly sprayed skin and leave marks.
Sandals or loose footwear are ideal.
5. Plan your appointment
Try to schedule your spray tan at least one day before a special event. This allows the color to develop and gives you time for your first rinse, according to your tanning formula's instructions.
What to Expect During Your Spray Tan
Your experience at Skin Therapy begins with a conversation about your desired results. Are you looking for a subtle, natural-looking glow or a deeper vacation bronze?
Your spray tan is customized to complement your skin tone, preferences, and occasion.
Our airbrush application allows for an even, controlled finish, with attention to areas that naturally tend to be drier or develop color differently.
The treatment is quick, comfortable, and a wonderful way to enhance your natural radiance without UV exposure.
Spray Tan Aftercare: How to Protect Your Glow
Once your spray tan is complete, proper aftercare is essential. The color needs time to develop, so what you do during the first several hours can make a difference.
1. Follow your rinse instructions
Your technician will let you know when to take your first shower based on the formula used. Some solutions require several hours of development, while others are designed for an earlier rinse.
During your first rinse:
Use lukewarm water.
Avoid using soap or body wash unless instructed.
Rinse until the water runs clear.
Pat your skin dry with a soft towel rather than rubbing.
Your tan may continue developing after the initial rinse.
2. Avoid sweating and water exposure
Until your first rinse, avoid activities that may cause sweating or get your skin wet. This includes workouts, swimming, showers, and strenuous activity.
Excess moisture can interfere with the development of your tan.
3. Keep your skin hydrated
Moisturized skin helps maintain a smoother-looking tan and supports a more even fade.
After your first rinse, apply a gentle, hydrating body moisturizer daily. Avoid products with harsh exfoliating ingredients, retinol, or strong acids on the body while maintaining your tan.
4. Be gentle with your skin
To help your color last:
Avoid harsh scrubs and exfoliating gloves.
Use gentle body cleansers.
Avoid long, very hot showers.
Pat your skin dry after bathing.
Moisturize every day.
5. Avoid activities that accelerate fading
Chlorinated pools, saltwater, excessive sweating, hot tubs, and frequent exfoliation can cause your tan to fade more quickly.
When possible, limit prolonged exposure to these activities while maintaining your glow.
How Long Does a Spray Tan Last?
A professional spray tan typically lasts about 5–10 days, depending on your skin, preparation, daily activities, and aftercare routine.
Your tan gradually fades as the outermost layer of skin naturally sheds. Keeping your skin hydrated and avoiding excessive exfoliation can help maintain a more even-looking color.
When your tan begins to fade, gentle exfoliation can help remove the remaining color before your next appointment.
A Spray Tan Is Not Sun Protection
One important thing to remember: a spray tan does not protect your skin from the sun.
Even when your skin looks beautifully bronzed, it is still vulnerable to UV exposure. Continue using broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade when outdoors.
A sunless tan is a great way to enjoy a bronzed appearance without intentionally exposing your skin to UV radiation.
Your Natural Glow Starts at Skin Therapy
At Skin Therapy Wellness Center, we believe beauty should feel effortless, personalized, and aligned with caring for your skin.
Our customized organic spray tanning experience is designed to enhance your natural complexion with a beautiful, even glow, whether you're preparing for a special occasion, heading on vacation, or simply want to feel a little more radiant.
No sunbathing. No tanning beds. Just a customized bronze designed around you.
Ready for your glow?
Book your customized airbrush spray tan at Skin Therapy Wellness Center in Bethesda, MD. We look forward to helping you feel confident and radiant in your skin.