Tanning Tips: Everything You Need To Know About Self Tanning
Having sun-kissed skin is something many people aim to have, but it isn’t always easily achieved.
Using the power of the sun can be dangerous and also age the skin more quickly.
For this reason, tanning beds are also not a great idea; the FDA says UV from tanning devices can cause skin cancer. Many people now choose spray tans to get a glow without UV exposure.
Spray tans seem to have a bit of an art to them as they can go horribly wrong and end up making you look too dark or even stripy.
So what exactly does a spray tan entail?
What should we be doing to prolong the life of our new tan?
We’ve compiled a list of tanning tips to make sure you get the most out of your tan and look as natural as possible and stays safe.
Preparing For A Spray Tan
Our spray tanning tips start before you even get to the salon.
You’ll get the best from your tan if you prepare the skin before the spray tan. This includes exfoliating.
This gets rid of the dead skin cells and ensures a nice even coating which helps protect against streaks.
Don’t use any moisturizers, sprays, or deodorants either as this can have an effect on the spray sticking.
However, you may want a bit of moisturizer or Vaseline on the palms of your hands, soles of your feet, ankles, and lips – all places where a build-up of self tan would not look good!
Keep yourself makeup-free for best results too.
What To Expect
You will need to find a salon that offers spray tanning. Some use an automated booth, and others apply the spray by hand with an airbrush.
The active ingredient in spray tans is DHA (dihydroxyacetone). It darkens skin by reacting with proteins in the top layer of skin.
The FDA approves DHA for external use on the skin, but not around the eyes, on the lips or mucous membranes, or as a mist you breathe in. In a booth, ask for eye protection, lip balm, nose plugs and a way to avoid inhaling the spray.
A spray tan does not protect against the sun. You still need sunscreen.
A spray booth uses several nozzles from different directions to coat your body lightly in the tanning solution.
There is a small range of spray tan colors to choose from. All tanning tips suggest going with only one step up from your natural skin color. It’s always best to go for a lighter hue before going dark to see if it works for you. The color will gradually build so you will see a difference from when you first get sprayed to a few hours later, so don’t panic if you don’t see a difference at first.
What To Do After A Spray Tan
Give yourself a minute or two to dry before putting your clothes back on. Wearing big, loose clothing will be best so nothing is tight against the skin. Most salons recommend waiting several hours before showering; follow the product's instructions. In fact, some people just chill out at home after a spray tan, allowing it to dry and build. It’s always best to do a spray tan a day or two before an event if that is why you were wanting one. Don’t be surprised to see a bit of orange on your towels after a shower after a spray tan and on your bed sheets. Your tan isn’t coming off yet – it’s just the excess.
Spray Tan Prices
Prices vary by salon, city and method, so ask for a quote before you book.
Our tanning tips guide, if followed properly, will make sure you have a golden glow without the streaks or blotches.
To sum up, our spray tanning tips suggest to not wear makeup or moisturizers before the spray tan, protect your eyes, lips and lungs, wear loose clothing, choose a lighter color if it's your first time, and wait before showering. And keep using sunscreen, because a spray tan offers no sun protection.
Sources
- Sunless Tanners & Bronzers, FDA
- Tanning, FDA
