Private · Appointment-Only · Santa Cruz, California · Est. 2007
deSoleil
Illuminated Aesthetics
The Bronze Protocol
Everything you need to know — before, during, and after — to achieve the multi-dimensional bronze your appointment is designed to deliver. This is not a generic aftercare sheet. It is the full architecture of a result that lasts.
The Science Behind Your Glow
DHA — Dihydroxyacetone — is a plant-derived sugar compound from sugar beets or sugarcane that reacts with amino acids in the outermost skin layer through the Maillard Reaction: the same chemistry that browns bread. The result is a non-toxic, temporary color change locked in the stratum corneum — independent of UV exposure. Every instruction in this protocol exists to protect that bond.
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Section One

Preparing the Canvas

Skin Preparation — The Foundation of Every Great Bronze

A cinematic glow is not conjured from a spray gun alone. It is built on skin that has been prepared to receive it. The DHA reaction is a chemistry event — and chemistry events respond to the conditions of their environment. The steps below are those conditions. None are optional.

Skin Science — The Maillard Reaction
Why Preparation Changes Everything
DHA reacts exclusively with the amino acids — primarily histidine, lysine, and arginine — in the dead cell layer of the stratum corneum. When that layer is uneven, oily, or loaded with product residue, the reaction fires inconsistently. Exfoliation removes the uneven cells. pH balancing ensures the surface accepts DHA uniformly. The result is not just a darker tan — it is a more architecturally precise one that holds its shape as it fades.
The Professional Foundation
Infinity Sun Exfoliating Body Masque
Bromelain (Pineapple Enzyme) + Kaolin Clay + Fine Jojoba Beads. Biochemical resurfacing — dissolves dead cells chemically, not just physically. Rinses 100% residue-free. Maximum DHA grab guaranteed. Microplastic-free. Available in-studio at desoleiltan.com/services
48–72 Hours Before Your Appointment
Waxing & laser hair removal completed. Open follicles absorb solution unevenly, leaving a dotted appearance. Minimum 48 hours in advance — 72 is better.
Manicures, pedicures, and facials scheduled before your tan. Any service with soaking, exfoliating tools, or heat must happen before your bronze. Water and abrasion strip fresh color immediately.
Prolonged sun exposure avoided. Actively shedding or sunburned skin develops and fades unevenly regardless of solution quality.
Begin applying a moisturizing lotion or hydrating moisturizer twice daily. Avoid straight (100%) oils used as moisturizer. Start 2–3 days before your appointment.
Existing self-tanner removed. Apply a dedicated remover 24–48 hours prior or request an in-studio prep add-on. Visit desoleiltan.com/book
Day Before or Morning Of — Exfoliation
Full-body exfoliation in the shower. Use exfoliating gloves, a physical scrub, or the Infinity Sun Exfoliating Skin Renew — Pineapple and Papaya enzymes + biodegradable Jojoba Beads. Focus on elbows, knees, ankles, wrists, and décolleté.
Can I exfoliate the day of my appointment?
Exfoliate the day before, not the morning of. If you exfoliate immediately before arriving, skin may be mildly sensitized and absorb solution unevenly at the surface.
Shaving completed at least a few hours prior — not immediately before. Freshly shaved skin absorbs solution differently at the follicle level.
Day Of — Products & Conditions
No moisturizer on appointment day. Even light formulas create a barrier that blocks DHA absorption and causes surface patchiness.
What about just on dry areas like elbows and knees?
Especially not there — elbows, knees, and ankles are high-absorption zones. Moisturizer causes patchy pooling in exactly those spots. Leave all product off on appointment day. Extra exfoliation on those areas the day before is the correct prep.
No deodorant or antiperspirant. Aluminum-based formulas block absorption and react with DHA to produce a green or ashy tint under the arms.
What if I forgot and applied deodorant?
Aluminum-based deodorants react with DHA and can produce a green or gray tint in the underarm area. If you applied it, wipe the area clean with a damp cloth before arriving, then pat completely dry before your session.
No perfume, cologne, or body spray. Fragrance compounds react with DHA and cause uneven color development — most visibly on the neck and chest.
No coconut oil, body oil, or oil-based products of any kind. Pure oils create a physical barrier against DHA and dissolve the Maillard color bond. This ban applies for the entire life of your bronze.
Complimentary Studio Amenities — Everything Provided
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Hair Clips & Ties
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Hair Caps
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Disposable G-String
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Foot Protection
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Makeup Remover
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Absolute Privacy

Ready to book? Appointments available Mon–Fri 10am–6:30pm, Sat–Sun 11am–2pm.

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Section Two

What to Wear

To the studio, and for the rest of your day

Clothing is the last thing most clients think about — and one of the first things that determines whether their bronze survives the ride home. Tight waistbands, bra straps, and elastic pressing against freshly-applied solution will mark it before it dries.

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✓ Wear to Appointment
Loose dark pants or maxi skirt
Relaxed-fit top or oversized tee
Slip-on sandals or loose flats
Dark soft underwear — no elastic waistbands
Zip-up hoodie, not a pullover
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✗ Never Wear Post-Application
Tight jeans or athletic leggings
Underwire or padded bras
Knee-high socks or compression wear
Structured waistbands or cinched belts
Light-colored synthetic fabrics
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✓ Accessories to Bring
Hair completely off neck and ears
All jewelry removed before arriving
Event outfit or neckline for coverage matching
Dark towel for your first evening
Hair accessories & disposables provided in-studio
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✓ During Application
Fully unclothed for seamless full-body coverage
Bikini or thong for defined lines
Strapless bra if needed for the application
Disposable g-string, hair cap & foot protection provided
Your privacy is absolute
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The bronzer in your solution transfers to light-colored and synthetic fabrics during the first few hours of development — this washes out completely. It is cosmetic guide color, not permanent staining. Darker clothing protects your developing bronze and your wardrobe. The real color is bonding in the stratum corneum and cannot be washed away.
Immediate Post-Application Comfort
Infinity Sun Dolce Dust — Luxury Finishing Powder
A professional-grade, talc-free setting powder used in the deSoleil studio. Eliminates the post-tan sticky feeling, minimizes transfer onto clothing and linens, and protects friction zones — inner elbows, underarms, behind knees — during your pre-rinse window. Coconut Cream scent. Shimmer and Matte. Talc-free · Hypoallergenic · Organic · Vegan · Cruelty-Free. $90 · desoleiltan.com/shop. Immediate Sovereignty — available in-studio.
Section Three

The Development Window

When to rinse — and why timing is your most important decision

At deSoleil we use Infinity Sun Rapid Development solutions exclusively — featuring Proprietary Acceleration Technology: a blend of amino acids and mild catalysts that trigger the Maillard reaction at an accelerated rate. Rinsing too early under-delivers. Rinsing too late over-processes. The window below is calibrated to your result.

2 hrs
Light
Natural warmth, luminous glow
3–4 hrs
Medium
Golden, dimensional bronze
4–5 hrs
Deep
Rich, saturated depth
8–12 hrs
Ultra Dark
Bronze Organics & Perfectly Clear only
← Lighter
Deeper →
The First Rinse — Step by Step
Warm water only — never hot. Hot water opens pores and disrupts the developing DHA bond. Warm water clears the guide bronzer while the Maillard reaction continues undisturbed.
No soap or body wash on your first rinse. Water only. Rinse until the water runs completely clear. Your bronze is already bonded and cannot be washed away.
Why no soap on the first rinse?
The guide bronzer is cosmetic color — it rinses with warm water alone. Soap on the first rinse strips developing DHA before it has finished bonding. Water only. You can use pHydra-Luxe from your second shower onward.
Pat dry immediately — never rub. Towel friction disturbs the surface bond while the reaction is still completing. Pat gently from the moment you exit the shower.
The rinse runs golden-brown — this is exactly right. That is the bronzer guide coat leaving. Your multi-dimensional bronze reveals itself over the following 24 hours.
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First appointment? Always rinse at the shorter end of your target window. Solution develops slightly after rinsing. A lighter result on visit one is calibration data. An over-processed result is a regret. You can always go deeper next time.
Section Four

The Preservation Protocol

Protecting your bronze — the critical first window and beyond

The the period prior to your rinse your appointment are when your bronze is most vulnerable. The Maillard reaction is still completing its bond with amino acids in the stratum corneum. Anything that introduces moisture, friction, or heat before this process finishes will disrupt the architecture of your result.

Prior to Your Rinse — Non-Negotiable
No water of any kind. No showers, baths, ocean, pool, rain, or sprinklers. This includes running water over your wrist — the stream wicks upward across developing color.
No exercise or perspiration. Sweat introduces salt and moisture that streak and lighten the developing bronze. Plan workouts around your appointment window.
No tight clothing. Elastic, waistbands, and bra straps will press into the developing bronze and create permanent pale lines. Stay in your loose arrival clothes.
No product application. No deodorant, lotion, perfume, or anything else until after your first rinse.
Avoid rain, steam, sauna, and direct heat. Heated car seats, heavy humidity, saunas, and steam rooms all introduce moisture before the bond is complete.
Use dark sheets for sleeping. The cosmetic bronzer transfers to light linens during the first night. Use dark bedding — it washes out completely.
Skin Science — Why Oils Destroy Your Bronze
The Oil Ban — For the Entire Life of Your Tan
Pure oils — coconut oil, mineral oil, baby oil, petroleum jelly, and any product with oils high in the ingredient list — act as chemical solvents against the DHA bond in the stratum corneum. They penetrate the upper skin layer and dissolve the color complexes formed by the Maillard reaction. This is not metaphorical. The oil physically unbinds the bronze. This ban applies from application through the final day of your tan. Choose only moisturizing lotions formulated for sunless tanning.
Day 1 Through Week Two — Daily Ritual
Use a moisturizing lotion or hydrating moisturizer twice daily. Apply after every shower and before bed. Avoid straight (100%) oils used as moisturizer.
What counts as a "straight oil"?
Pure 100% oils used as moisturizers: coconut oil, argan oil, baby oil, mineral oil, olive oil, or any product where an oil is the primary or only ingredient. Regular lotions and body creams — even those containing some oil in the formulation — are safe. The concentration and delivery matter.
pHydra-Luxe Body Wash. A pH-balanced, DHA-safe cleanser that cleanses without stripping the skin's moisture barrier or disrupting color development. Sulfate-free · Vegan · Cruelty-Free. Oils in cleansers do not behave like straight oils and do not dissolve DHA. Available at desoleiltan.com/shop
Lukewarm showers — kept brief. Hot water is the fastest way to fade your bronze. Turn the temperature down. Shorter, cooler showers extend your color by days.
Pat dry after every shower — never rub. Towel friction is abrasive to the DHA bond at the surface. Develop this habit from day one.
No coconut oil, body oils, mineral oil, or petroleum-based products for the life of your tan. These dissolve the Maillard reaction color complex. Check every label — many "moisturizers" contain oils.
No chlorine for 48 hours. After that window, always rinse immediately and apply a moisturizing lotion within 10 minutes of exiting the pool or ocean.
Why 48 hours specifically?
The DHA bond in the stratum corneum reaches its full depth by 24 hours post-rinse. The additional 24 hours allows the surface to settle so chlorine has less to penetrate. After 48 hours, a pre-swim barrier of Extend Hydrating Serum significantly extends color life.
Apply a waterproof, moisturizing sunscreen before sun exposure. Your bronze provides zero UV protection.
Studio Products — Days 1–14
Recommended
Extend Hydrating Serum — A lightweight, fast-absorbing daily serum with hyaluronic acid, vitamins, and botanical actives. Maintains hydration, supports an even fade, and extends your bronze life. Contains a low-level maintenance dose of DHA to restore color daily. Non-greasy.
For maximum longevity — extends a 7-day result to 10–14 days. $40 · desoleiltan.com/shop
Recommended
Glow on the Go Mousse — A light, fast-absorbing foam with DHA + erythrulose for buildable, natural bronze at home. Ideal for hands, face, and feet — the areas that fade first. Maintains tonal consistency between appointments.
For hands, face, and feet — the areas that fade first. $40 · desoleiltan.com/shop
Recommended
Tan Me BB Cream — deSoleil’s best-selling at-home product — a tinted, self-tanning body cream with DHA + erythrulose for gradual, streak-free bronze. RENOVAGE, Hemp Seed Oil, Avocado Oil. Vitamins A, C & E. Ideal for maintaining color and correcting daily.
For daily color maintenance and between-session glow. $35 · desoleiltan.com/shop
Drink plenty of water. Dehydration accelerates skin cell turnover. What you consume directly affects how long your color lasts.
Daily moisturizing lotion
moisturizing lotion
Full product details at desoleiltan.com/shop
Body Wash
pHydra-Luxe Body Wash
A pH-balanced, DHA-safe formulation that cleanses effectively without stripping the skin’s moisture barrier or disrupting color development. Use after your first rinse through the full life of your tan. DHA-safe · Sulfate-free · Vegan · Cruelty-Free · Infinity Sun Professional Platform. $25 — available in-studio and at desoleiltan.com/shop Oils in cleansers do not behave like straight oils and do not dissolve DHA.
Section Five

Post-Bronze Security

Because Santa Cruz has a coastline — West Cliff, Pleasure Point, Capitola Beach, Aptos — and life happens
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Salt Water, Beach Days & Pools
Salt water and chlorine are both accelerants of color fading — but they do not have to ruin a well-maintained bronze. The protocol below protects your color before and after every ocean, pool, or coastal exposure after your 48-hour post-appointment window.
Before Ocean or Pool
Apply a generous layer of moisturizing lotion to all bronzed areas. The moisture barrier slows salt and chlorine absorption. Reapply waterproof, moisturizing sunscreen.
After Ocean or Pool
Rinse with fresh, cool water immediately after exiting. Pat — never rub — completely dry. Apply a moisturizing lotion within 10 minutes of drying. This single step extends color life dramatically. Use Glow on the Go Mousse to restore depth to areas lightened by salt water or chlorine.
Chlorine Pools
Wait a minimum of 48 hours post-appointment before any pool entry. After that window, always rinse immediately and moisturize within 10 minutes. Avoid prolonged submersion.
Monterey Bay & Ocean
Salt water accelerates skin cell shedding. After any ocean exposure, rinse, pat dry, and apply a moisturizing lotion immediately. Repeat before bed.
Friction Zone Protection
Dolce Dust — Apply to high-contact zones (inner elbows, underarms, behind knees) to reduce friction and protect developing color before ocean, pool, or active days. Talc-free, hypoallergenic. Shimmer and Matte. $90 · desoleiltan.com/shop
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The Santa Cruz Rain Protocol
01
Check the forecast before your appointment. If rain is likely within 4 hours post-session, reschedule or arrange covered transport directly home.
02
Full-coverage loose clothing is mandatory in uncertain weather — not just an umbrella. Clothing physically shields developing solution from droplet contact.
03
If caught in rain: do not wipe or dab. Get indoors, air-dry completely, then continue your development window as normal. Rubbing creates streaks. Air-drying does not.
04
Isolated droplet spots can often be softened with a dry blending brush once fully dry. Never wet the area to "fix" it — that enlarges the spot.
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When in doubt — do nothing. The most common "fixes" clients attempt (scrubbing, additional product, re-wetting) make the situation worse. A warm rinse and 24 hours of patience resolves the majority of post-appointment concerns. Text us first.
Section Six

When to Book

Timing your appointment to the occasion that matters

The difference between a bronze that photographs beautifully and one that reads flat in evening light is often nothing more than booking timing. These windows have been refined across 18 years of appointments at deSoleil — not guessed.

Everyday Events
1–2 Days Before
A fresh glow for weekend plans, a dinner, or a shoot. Book 1–2 days prior to allow full development and a first rinse before you need it.
Formal Events & Galas
2–3 Days Before
Formal photography amplifies color. A bronze with 2 full days to develop and settle photographs more naturally — and fades more gracefully through the evening.
Bridal Trial Appointment
2–3 Weeks Before
Your trial lets you see your exact result before it matters. We calibrate solution, establish your ideal rinse window, and go into your wedding appointment with a precise formula. desoleiltan.com/weddings
Wedding Day — Final Bronze
3 Days Before
Three days gives your bronze peak development time, a complete first rinse, and a full 24-hour settling period so the color is at its most refined and photograph-ready for the ceremony.
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Traveling? Book the day before departure so your bronze is freshly developed when you arrive. Airport and aircraft environments are extremely dehydrating — apply Extend Hydrating Serum before boarding and carry it in your carry-on. Reapply immediately upon landing. deSoleil serves Santa Cruz County — Capitola, Aptos, Live Oak, Soquel, Pleasure Point, and the greater Monterey Bay area.
Book Your Appointment
Book Now Wedding Suite
For multi-person bookings, text 831.479.8266
The Formulas

Your Infinity Sun Solution

Six professional solutions. One expert application. Calibrated to you.

Every deSoleil appointment uses an Infinity Sun Rapid Development solution selected specifically for your skin tone, event timing, and desired depth. These are not interchangeable commodities — each formula is a distinct technical instrument.

Universal Formula
Unity
14% DHA with Advanced Tonal Balancing Technology — violet and brown pigments neutralize unwanted warmth across the full Fitzpatrick scale. Green Tea antioxidant protection. Aloe Barbadensis deep cellular hydration. Vegetable glycerin humectant. Sweat-resistant and fade-resistant. The universal standard for any skin type. 100% Vegan & Cruelty-Free.
Heritage Formula
Classic Bronze
The formula that built deSoleil's reputation since 2007. Matrixyl 3000 peptide complex stimulates collagen and elastin production. Vitamin A, C & E anti-aging complex. Non-comedogenic base — face and body safe. Deep-gold immediate guide color. The predictable, high-gloss Mediterranean finish. Paraben-free, eco-certified DHA.
Botanical Integrity
Bronze Organic
Walnut Extract bronzer delivers a warm, earthy JLo glow — no orange spectrum. Eco-certified DHA from sugar beet and sugarcane. Vitamin A, C & E antioxidant cocktail suspended in pure Aloe Vera Barbadensis. Maximum hydration during development. 100% Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Paraben-Free.
Architecture of Depth
Ultra Dark Mediterranean
Violet-base Mediterranean tonal palette — beetroot and violet pigments neutralize the orange and yellow undertones at high-DHA concentrations. Hyaluronic Acid moisture magnet. Structural peptides keep skin plump at maximum pigmentation. 24-hour development. For experienced clients commanding deep color.
Uncompromised Convenience
Rapid Development
Proprietary Acceleration Technology — amino acids and catalysts trigger the Maillard reaction at accelerated rate without compromising skin cell integrity. Same botanical-rich base as Bronze Organics. 2–5 hour development window (shade-dependent). Clean, fast. Formulated without volatile organic compounds.
Invisible Mastery
Perfectly Clear
Dye-free DHA — the full technical power of sunless tanning with zero cosmetic bronzer. Zero transfer on white silk or bed linens. No visible guide color. Requires surgical application precision — only available with 18 years of daily mastery. The most hypoallergenic formula in the Infinity Sun lineup.
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Your solution is selected at your appointment based on your Fitzpatrick skin type, event timeline, and depth preference established at booking or prior visits. Not sure which formula was used at your last appointment? Text 831.479.8266 — we keep detailed notes on every client's solution history.
Take-Home

The Retail Protocol Kit

Products that protect your investment at home
Daily moisturizing lotion — Days 1–14
Tan Me BB Cream
deSoleil’s best-selling at-home product — a tinted, self-tanning body cream that delivers gradual, buildable bronze with skincare benefits. DHA + erythrulose for a natural, streak-free result. RENOVAGE, Hemp Seed Oil & Avocado Oil for hydration. Vitamins A, C & E. Ideal for maintaining color between sessions. Buildable, natural bronze · Streak-free DHA formula · Tinted for easy application · Hydrates while it tans · Vegan · Cruelty-Free · Infinity Sun Professional Platform. $35 — desoleiltan.com/shop
Body Wash
pHydra-Luxe Body Wash
A pH-balanced, DHA-safe formulation that cleanses effectively without stripping the skin’s moisture barrier or disrupting color development. Use after your first rinse through the full life of your tan. DHA-safe · Sulfate-free · Vegan · Cruelty-Free · Infinity Sun Professional Platform. $25 — available in-studio and at desoleiltan.com/shop Oils in cleansers do not behave like straight oils and do not dissolve DHA.
Prep Treatment — 24–48 hrs Before Appointment
Exfoliating Body Masque
Full product details at desoleiltan.com/shop
Spot Maintenance — Between Studio Visits
Glow on the Go — Aerosol & Mousse
A light, fast-absorbing foam with DHA + erythrulose for buildable, natural bronze at home. Ideal for spot maintenance on hands, face, and feet. Hyaluronic Acid · Vitamins A, C & E · Vegan · Cruelty-Free. $40 · desoleiltan.com/shop
Post-Session Luxury — After Day 1 Rinse
Luxury Body Oils — Monaco · Riviera · St. Tropez
Full product details at desoleiltan.com/shop
Clinical Treatments — In-Studio Add-Ons
Anti-Aging Elixir & Shimmer Hydration
Available as an in-studio add-on. desoleiltan.com/shop
Immediate Comfort — Post-Application
Dolce Dust & Tan Me BB
Professional-grade, talc-free setting powder used in the deSoleil studio. Eliminates the post-tan sticky feeling, minimizes transfer onto clothing and linens, and protects friction zones during your pre-rinse window. Talc-free · Hypoallergenic · Organic · Vegan · Cruelty-Free. $90 · desoleiltan.com/shop
Complete Protection — Head to Toe
Avance Lip Balme SPF 15 & Application Mitts
Full product details at desoleiltan.com/shop
All products available in-studio  ·  desoleiltan.com/services  ·  Ask at your appointment
Where to Find Everything
All products are available at desoleiltan.com/shop
All services are available at desoleiltan.com/services
Santa Cruz · Capitola · Aptos · Soquel
Your Protocol Is Ready.
Your appointment is next.

Private, appointment-only studio at 1515 Capitola Road, Suite N, Santa Cruz. 18 years. One technician. Every appointment, yours entirely.

Book Now Bridal Suite
Questions first? Read the FAQ or text 831.479.8266
Your Reference

The Protocol Checklist

Save this page. Check every box. Repeat.
48–72 hrs before Pre-Preparation
Waxing or laser completed (minimum 48 hrs before)
Manicure, pedicure, and facial scheduled before the tan
Sun exposure avoided — no sunburn on developing skin
Twice-daily moisturizing lotion or hydrating moisturizer begun
Existing self-tanner removed or in-studio prep add-on booked
Day of appointment The Canvas
Full-body exfoliation — Skin Renew or gloves, focus on elbows/knees/ankles
Shaving done a few hours before (not immediately prior)
No moisturizer, deodorant, perfume, or any product after showering
No coconut oil, body oil, or oil-based products of any kind
Loose dark clothing — no tight waistbands, underwire, or elastic
All jewelry removed  |  Rain forecast checked
Hair clips, ties, hair cap, g-string & foot protection — provided in-studio
Development window The Rinse
Light bronze: rinse at 2 hours
Medium / golden bronze: rinse at 3–4 hours
Deep bronze: rinse at 4–5 hours
Ultra Dark / Bronze Organics / Perfectly Clear: rinse at 8–24 hours
First rinse: warm water only — no soap — pat dry immediately
prior to your rinse Protected Window
No water, sweat, or tight clothing until development window closed
Loose dark clothing only — no elastic, bra straps, compression on skin
Dark sheets for first night of sleep
No product applied until after first rinse is complete
Rain: get indoors, air-dry completely — do not rub — continue window
Days 1–14 Preservation Protocol
moisturizing lotion twice daily — moisturizing lotion
Switch to pHydra-Luxe Body Wash for all showers
Lukewarm showers only — brief — hot water accelerates fading
Pat dry after every shower — never rub with towel
No coconut oil, body oils, or petroleum-based products — life of tan
No chlorine for 48 hours — after that, rinse + moisturize immediately
After ocean/salt water: rinse, pat dry, moisturize within 10 minutes
Waterproof moisturizing sunscreen before sun exposure — bronze = zero UV protection
Booking Timing Calendar Reference
Everyday occasion: book 1–2 days before
Formal event or gala: book 2–3 days before
Bridal trial: 2–3 weeks before the wedding date
Wedding day: final bronze 3 days before the ceremony
Travel: book the day before departure — moisturize en route
Ready for your bronze?
Text 831.479.8266 with questions before taking any post-appointment action  ·  Full FAQ at desoleiltan.com
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