With the increasing awareness of the dangers of sun-beds and sun-bathing, spray tans are now in high demand. So, follow the points below, and you will be well on your way to having a safe and sun-free golden natural-looking tan.
What is Spray Tanning?
DHA (dihydroxyacetone) is the main active ingredient in all sunless tanning preparations, and it is considered the most effective sun-free tanning additive. It has no known toxicity and has been approved for cosmetic use worldwide. The chemical reaction that occurs when the DHA comes into contact with the skin, physically changes your skin colour. Hence, a spray tan will temporarily make your skin a lovely golden brown, and ensures a natural looking tan (not all brands and solutions guarantee this). Application is quick, safe and easy and enables a flawless tan to be achieved in just minutes! And you can have a safe tan for approximately 7 – 10 days.
Preparation for a Spray Tanning
IMPORTANT – do not use ANY oily products. Any oily products used prior to your tan will hinder the skin’s ability to absorb the solution, resulting in possible patchiness or total lack of tan, and if used afterwards, will cause the tan to fade patchy and at a faster rate.
• Wax 48 hours before appointment.
• Shave 24 hours before appointment.
• Exfoliate 24 hours before appointment. Pay extra attention to dry areas of the skin on elbows, wrists, knees, ankles, heels, and all areas where there is any dry skin. DO NOT use shower gels that contain any oils. Then, LIGHTLY moisturize whole body using an OIL-FREE moisturizer.
• On the day:
o Remove ALL makeup, cosmetics and jewellery before arriving.
o DO NOT use any oily products on your skin and keep any deodorant/perfume usage to a minimum or not at all if possible.
o During the application wear as much or as little clothing (old is possible) – an old bikini will do. Your therapist can provide disposable underwear and caps.
o Once your tan is applied, wear loose dark clothing, or if staying at home go naked!
o You can apply clear nail polish to finger and/or toe nails to stop discolouration, although the therapist should apply a barrier cream to nails, which is enough to protect them.
o Do not shower immediately before the tan (even if you are a little sweaty), as PH levels in soaps can alter the effectiveness of the tan by stopping the skin’s ability to absorb the solution fully.
Spray Tanning
Treatment takes approximately 10minutes. Upon entering the tanning cubicle, you will be asked to stay in different positions while you are being sprayed. Following application, you must allow a few minutes (approximately 10 minutes) for the tan to absorb into your skin before stepping back into your clothes.
Once Leaving the Salon
• DO NOT shower for at least 6 – 8 hours (preferably 24 hours if possible). Sleeping in the tan is quite safe, although do not touch your body with your palms (can apply a light layer of cream to act as a barrier and prevent orange/brown palms). Also, it may stain silk bedding, but will wash off most materials.
• DO NOT take part in any activity, which may cause perspiration during development time.
• DO NOT shave for at least 24 hours afterwards as this may strip the tan from the shaved area. If you must shave afterwards, wait at least 24 hours and use a new blade as this will cause less damage to the tan.
• If staining occurs on your feet, use a pumice stone to remove this.
• USE suntan lotion as there is not any protection from UV rays within the solution, but make sure it is oil-free and does not contain the active ingredient DEET.
• DO NOT exfoliate your body (except dry areas such as knees) as this will cause the tan to fade faster.
• DO NOT use exfoliating or oil-containing shower gels as this will cause the tan to fade fast.
Maintaining your Results
• Daily moisturizing after your tan is the key to prolong that sun-kissed look. The best moisturizer should be a tan extender (with added DHA) to extend your sunless tan without drying out your skin, and to promote a healthy glow. The moisturizer, however, should not be oil-based and has to contain less than 1% AHAs. AHAs are natural exfoliants – and it you were to use a moisturizer with more than 1% AHA, it would REMOVE the tan from the body.
• Do not rub but pat the skin dry after showering or bathing.
• Avoid swimming pools, as chlorine will bleach your tan.
• Have regular top-ups to keep your skin tanned and to build and extend the life of the tan.
FAQ
(some of the answers are based on Suntana Spray Tan solution – the one that I use on my clients. I cannot guarantee the same results for other tan solutions.)
How long will a spray tan last?
7-10 days (maybe a little longer). Use an oil-free moisturiser daily to prolong the tan and help it to fade evenly.
How long will the spray tan take to develop?
A minimum of 6 hours, if tanned in the evening it is best to leave on over-night.
Can I get dressed straight away after having a spray tan?
After a minute yes you can, but it is best to wait a little longer before putting on your bra.
What should I do before a spray tan?
Exfoliate and shave 24 hours beforehand and don’t use any lotions.
Will I look brown straight away after being spray tanned?
Yes, as the product I use has a colour guide.
Can I bathe with a spray tan?
Ideally no, as this will cause the tan to fade faster.
Can I tan naturally through a spray tan?
Yes, but you still need to use suntan lotion (oil-free) as the solution does not protect you from the sun.
Will I fade patchy after a spray tan?
No, the product I use fades evenly. If you have exceptionally dry skin or are pregnant you may experience some slight patchiness
***Please note: It is advisable not to have a spray tan within the first 3 months of pregnancy***
Removal Tip
If for any reason you need to remove the tan, the following tip is the best way. Grab a fresh pineapple and extract some juice (about 1/2 a cupful) and add to some diluted lemon juice. Next, either pour this in with your bath water and soak till the colour has ‘lifted’ off your skin whilst exfoliating, or slather this mixture all over your body and then cover with olive oil. Then leave this to get to work for 20 minutes and then jump in the shower and scrub away with some mitts and a little shower gel if preferred.
You will be amazed!!! This method works as Pineapple contains an enzyme called Bromelain and along with the fruit acids also in the pineapple, they work together to create a fantastic ‘chemical exfoliator’.
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If you’d like to try a self-tanning lotion at home read my article, How to WOW with a Self-Tanning Lotion.
If you are not yet sure whether to go for a spray tan or a sunbed or sunbathing, then read my article Would You Risk Your Health and Your Skin’s Youth for a Tan.