A professional spray tan is one of the fastest, most effective ways to improve how you look and feel in the next 48 hours. Done well, it adds warmth and dimension to the skin in a way that takes visible effort out of everything from outfit choices to daily makeup.
A Moment’s Peace in Franklin, TN offers VersaSpa PRO spray tanning in a private, dedicated booth. A full session takes under 15 minutes. Here is everything you need to know to get the best possible result.
Why Sunless Tanning and Not UV Tanning
The American Academy of Dermatology is unambiguous on this point: there is no safe level of UV tanning. Every UV exposure, whether from the sun or a tanning bed, causes DNA damage in skin cells. Cumulative UV exposure is the leading cause of premature aging and the primary risk factor for all forms of skin cancer.
Sunless tanning produces the appearance of a tan without any UV exposure. It is the recommended alternative by dermatologists for exactly this reason. The result is a temporary color change in the skin’s outermost layer, not a physiological response to radiation.
How a Professional Spray Tan Works
The active ingredient in sunless tanning is dihydroxyacetone, more commonly known as DHA. The FDA recognizes DHA as safe for use in sunless tanning products when applied to the skin’s surface.
DHA is a simple sugar that reacts with the amino acids in the skin’s outermost layer, the stratum corneum, through a process similar to the Maillard reaction — the same chemistry that browns bread or sears meat. The reaction produces melanoidin compounds that temporarily darken the skin. The effect develops over two to four hours after application and reaches full depth in 12 to 24 hours.
The VersaSpa PRO system at A Moment’s Peace uses an Eco-Certified, pH-balancing DHA formula with an odor-eliminating agent and marine algae extracts that hydrate and condition the skin during the tan process. The three-nozzle spray system delivers even, full-body coverage with customizable depth based on your preferences.
How to Prepare for the Best Results
Exfoliate 24 Hours Before
The most important preparation step is a full-body exfoliation 24 hours before your appointment. DHA reacts with surface skin cells. If those cells are uneven, thick in some areas and thin in others, the tan will look patchy. A thorough scrub the day before creates a smooth, even canvas and extends the life of the tan.
Do not exfoliate on the day of the appointment. The skin needs time to settle and close any micro-irritation from scrubbing before the tan is applied.
Complete Waxing 48 Hours Before
Waxing opens the pores and creates a temporarily sensitized surface. A spray tan applied within 48 hours of waxing can result in uneven color and increased sensitivity. Schedule any waxing appointment at least two full days before your spray tan.
Arrive Without Products
Come to your appointment with completely clean, product-free skin. Remove all makeup, deodorant, and perfume before entering the booth. Any product on the skin surface can act as a barrier and create uneven tan development.
Wear Loose, Dark Clothing Afterward
The tan continues to develop for several hours after your session. Tight or pale clothing can cause the developing color to transfer or create lines. Wear loose, dark clothing to your appointment and keep it on for the first few hours.
What Happens During Your VersaSpa Session at A Moment’s Peace
Your session takes place in a private, dedicated room at A Moment’s Peace. The VersaSpa PRO booth is a walk-in system with three spray nozzles that deliver even, automated coverage from multiple angles. The session itself takes under four minutes in the booth.
Before your session, the VersaSpa system can be calibrated to your preference for depth — a lighter result for a subtle glow or a deeper application for more dramatic color. Your technician will walk you through the options and position guidance before you begin.
The formula used by the VersaSpa system has an odor-eliminating agent formulated specifically to address the traditional scent associated with DHA tanning products. Most clients notice no significant odor.
How to Care for Your Tan Afterward
Avoid Water for 6 to 8 Hours
The tan is still developing after you leave. Exposure to water before the process completes will create streaking and uneven development. Avoid showers, swimming, sweating heavily, and rain exposure for at least six to eight hours after your session.
Moisturize Daily to Extend the Tan
A sunless tan fades as the surface skin cells shed naturally, which happens at an accelerated rate in dry conditions. Daily moisturizing significantly extends the life of the tan by slowing that shedding process. Apply a fragrance-free, non-exfoliating moisturizer every day, especially after showers.
Use Gentle, Sulfate-Free Body Wash
Sulfates strip color along with oil. Switching to a sulfate-free body wash during your tan adds several extra days of color retention.
Avoid Exfoliating Until Ready to Fade
Exfoliation is how you prepared the skin before the tan. It is also how you remove it. Once you are ready for your tan to fade fully, a body scrub session will speed the process. Until then, avoid exfoliating products and tools.
How Often to Book a Spray Tan
A VersaSpa tan at A Moment’s Peace typically lasts seven to ten days with proper aftercare. Many clients book on a weekly or bi-weekly basis during summer and before events. The VersaSpa system also sells a 12-session package.
Book a Spray Tan in Franklin, TN
A Moment’s Peace is at 9050 Carothers Pkwy, Suite 108, Franklin, TN 37067. VersaSpa spray tan sessions are available by appointment. The session takes under 15 minutes total. Book online at amomentspeace.com or call 615-224-0770.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a spray tan look orange?
With a professional VersaSpa system, no. The Eco-Certified, pH-balancing formula at A Moment’s Peace is specifically formulated to produce natural skin tones across a range of depths. The orange tones historically associated with spray tans come from poorly balanced DHA formulas in lower-quality products.
Is spray tanning safe?
Yes. The FDA recognizes DHA as safe for external use on the skin. Unlike UV tanning, professional spray tanning produces no DNA damage, does not increase skin cancer risk, and does not cause premature aging. It is the dermatologist-recommended alternative to sun and UV bed tanning.
How long does a VersaSpa spray tan last?
Typically seven to ten days with proper aftercare including daily moisturizing and sulfate-free body wash. The tan fades gradually as surface skin cells shed, which is a natural process.
