If you’re feeling down because of your pale skin, you should try spray tanning. Spray tanning is an easy and healthy way to get a good tan without any of the drawbacks of tanning beds. You can choose the color that you want, and it will look natural. You won’t leave the booth with an orange or streaky tan. You’ll have a perfect sun kissed glow.
What Is Spray Tanning?
Spray tanning, a process that involves the spraying of a thin mist on the skin to bestow it with a natural-looking bronze glow that lasts throughout the year, has become increasingly popular in recent times. One of the primary reasons for its ascendancy is its perceived health benefits when compared to traditional tanning beds, which pose several hazards to health.
The science behind the process is predicated on a chemical, called Dihydroxyacetone (DHA), that is primarily responsible for bringing about the tanning effect. Though colorless, DHA catalyzes a reaction with the amino acids present in skin cells. This reaction results in the skin cells becoming darker in color, a phenomenon that is essential to the tanning process.
DHA, which is entirely safe to use, has been used in cosmetic formulations for years to deliver natural tanning effects. However, it is essential to note that the tanning effects usually last for a week or thereabouts. Consequently, if you seek to maintain that bronzed look throughout the winter season, you must make frequent trips to the salon.
How To Get a Spray Tan
There are several types of spray you can use.
Spray Booth
If you go to a local tanning salon, your tan will be sprayed on. These booths have nozzles that will spray tanning solution all over your body quickly. If you want an even tan and are willing to go back multiple times, this might be a good option for you.
Airbrush Gun or Spray Gun
Many tanning artists offer in-home appointments. They use a portable tanning airbrush, which gives you a similar level of control and consistency as tanning booths. You won’t have streaks or lines, and you won’t even have to leave your house!
You may even want to invest in an at-home spray tan machine if you become particularly interested in the spray tan process. With a little practice you can learn how to use portable products to get desirable results.
Self Tanning
If you want to stay tan without going to the beach or a tanning salon, you can buy self-tanning products from a beauty supply store or pharmacy. These products use a chemical called DHA to change the color of your skin. This is a less expensive way to get a tan, but it can be time consuming and difficult to apply evenly.
The Benefits of Spray Tanning
Indubitably, the advantages of spray tanning are manifold and sundry, thus warranting attention and elucidation. It is an uncomplicated and effortless approach to achieve a sun-kissed complexion that looks both authentic and refined. In fact, even the crème de la crème of society, the glitterati and the elite, have embraced spray tanning because of its expediency, ease, and copious benefits.
As it were, the utilization of spray tans is a stupendous method to acquire an alluring and resplendent tan. Nonetheless, some individuals are beset with apprehensions that they will emerge from the process with an unbecoming orange hue. Fortunately, these misgivings are superfluous as they can be precluded by judiciously selecting the right establishment and shade. Indeed, most spray tans are sufficiently versatile to be tailored to suit a diverse range of skin tones, be it a pallid or olive complexion.
It’s Quick and Simple
The notion of applying self-tanning products may appear simple, but it involves a few perplexing twists. To ensure uniform coverage, one may need to make a series of dynamic poses. Conversely, in a tanning booth, the bare minimum of effort is required; simply remove your clothing and wait for the machine to work its magic in a matter of moments. Thanks to the rapid drying of the solution, you need not worry about unsightly stains on your linens or wardrobe.
When striving for an even, full-body tan, spray tanning reigns supreme. This technique proves particularly useful for tanning smaller regions like your face, hands, or feet, with full control over the intensity of the final result.
Tanning Bed Vs Spray Tanning
Indisputably, opting for spray tans eliminates the risks of sun exposure or resorting to tanning beds, both notorious for skin damage. Unlike their hazardous counterparts, the solutions utilized in spray tanning are safe and even incorporate skin-loving ingredients. Upon completion, you will have a luminous radiance and revitalized skin to boot.
The Cost of Airbrush Tanning
Naturally, a significant aspect to consider is the cost, which varies from salon to salon. Typically, each session costs between $25-$50. However, suppose you are keen on keeping up your appearance. In that case, this could entail a whopping $100-$200 per month. Luckily, many salons offer discounts to recurring customers, making monthly memberships or package deals a more affordable option.
To locate the ideal spray tanning business, utilize the internet, the most comprehensive resource available. Review aggregate sites like Yelp allow you to narrow down the most reputable salons in your area. From there, evaluate them according to your personal standards, taking into account factors like location, discounts on monthly memberships, and cleanliness. Above all, ensure it is a hygienic, well-ventilated space before committing to a spray tanning session.
How to Prepare for Spray Tan
The best way to achieve your desired results from a spray tan is by starting with clean skin that’s ready to be sprayed.
Before Your Tanning Session
Must Do
- Take a shower before you go to the salon.
- Use a scrub or exfoliant to remove the dead skin cells on your face.
- Shave
- There are two ways to remove hair from your face: threading and waxing.
- This prepares your skin so that the cells will have the right reaction to the chemicals in the tanning solution.
Don’t
- After your shower, don’t put on any lotions or other products.
- If you’re looking to get a tan, it’s best to avoid lotions, makeup, and perfume. They can create a barrier between your skin and the tanning solution. Make sure to come to your session freshly scrubbed and exfoliated.
If it rains on the day of your appointment, remember to bring an umbrella!
During Your Tanning Session
As you gear up for your tanning session, it’s essential to think carefully about your clothing choices. The last thing you want is to wear something that could interfere with your tan, right? So, what should you wear?
First things first, avoid tight-fitting clothes like the plague. While they may look snazzy and fashionable, they could mess up your tan by leaving marks or causing uneven coloration. Instead, opt for loose-fitting attire that will give your skin ample room to breathe.
Dark colors are also a smart choice. They not only flatter your figure but also minimize the appearance of tan lines. So, put away your white clothes for another day and embrace the darker shades.
Now, let’s talk about undergarments. It’s entirely up to you whether you wear a bra during your tanning session or not. Some folks opt to keep it on, while others prefer to take it off. But, be warned; whatever choice you make, it can impact your tan. If you take it off, you might not want to put it back on right away, as it could affect how tan you get.
When you step into the tanning booth, it’s critical to wear eye protection. That misty spray can get everywhere, including in your eyes, which can cause irritation or damage. With protective eyewear, you can safeguard your vision and keep those peepers healthy.
To further protect yourself from inhaling any unwanted mist, nose filters are a must. You don’t want to breathe in those chemicals, after all. So, slide in those nose filters, and you’ll be good to go.
Last but not least, don’t forget about your lips. They can get dry during the tanning process, so keep them soft and moisturized with a slick of lip balm. That way, you’ll be smiling brightly with a beautiful, even tan.
Proper After-Care for your Spray Tan
Post-tanning, the initial 12 hours are critical. Do not let moisture, or water for that matter, come in contact with your body. Be extra cautious to prevent any contact, as it may ruin the pigment’s integrity. But let’s talk about the elephant in the room: how long do you need to delay your shower after your tanning session? A wise recommendation would be to wait at least 10 to 12 hours after your spray tanning session. And this doesn’t just stop at showering, as you must avoid all activities that can cause sweat. Even basic actions like brushing your teeth, oh yes, that’s right, every movement counts!
We cannot emphasize this enough – stay dry as much as you can. Even when you hit the hay, it is crucial to wear protective clothing, like full pajamas, to prevent the tanning solution from rubbing off on your linens or getting smudged on your skin.
The Proper Care for your Long-Term Tan
We know that your tan is a chemical reaction that happens to your skin cells, and so proper care must be taken for it to thrive. The key is to treat your skin with tenderness. Steer clear of any abrasive products, such as harsh scrubs, and opt for gentle, fragrance-free ones.
After a shower, do not rub or wipe your skin, but instead pat it dry. It is also advised to dodge using any acne treatments, hair removal creams, facial brushes, or self-tanners, as it can alter the pigmentation of your spray tan.
Lastly, remember to keep your skin hydrated with regular moisturizing. Not only does this help your tan stay vibrant, but it also promotes even fading. Take your time to apply lotion twice a day, preferably one for the face and another for the body, for the ultimate glow up!
FAQ
How long does a spray tan last?
Well, let me tell you, my curious friend, that the duration of your spray tan can be influenced by numerous factors, such as the age of your body, the composition of your body chemistry, and your post-spray tan activities. Typically, spray tans last for a span of five to ten days.
How safe is airbrush tanning?
Although airbrush tanning is generally a secure method, it’s essential to note that there are a couple of exceptions.
How do I get the spray tan off of my hands?
If you’re in a predicament where you’ve accidentally gotten the spray tan solution on your hands, fear not! There are several options to remove it, including using a hand wipe, antibacterial gel, or even Windex.
Now, you may be curious about the duration of spray tanning sessions. Let me put your mind at ease by informing you that a typical spray tanning session lasts around 30 minutes. That’s right! It won’t take long at all before you can enjoy your sun-kissed appearance.
How often can I get airbrush tanned?
Believe it or not, you can get airbrush tanned as often as you want. The tanning solution penetrates and dyes the outermost layer of skin cells, meaning that it takes about six to eight days for the new layer of cells to grow.
What is DHA?
DHA, my friend, is the primary ingredient found in tanning solutions. This chemical is derived from sugar and is responsible for darkening the skin’s proteins. The longer and more consistently it stays on the skin, the darker the outcomes will be. But have no fear, out of all of the sunless tanning chemicals, DHA is undoubtedly the safest, as it merely infiltrates the outer layer of dead skin cells. That’s it!