10 Things No One Tells You About Spray Tanning

During the summertime, tanners everywhere seek to look their best with a golden bronze tan. Determined to maintain that golden bronze glow year-round, tanners have turned to spray tanning. Although spray tanning does eliminate the sun's harmful UV rays from the equation, there are still some ways that it can go wrong. Thankfully, these tips will ensure that you get a beautiful and safe spray tan every time.

Wait At Least 12 Hours After Shaving

The reason for shaving before spray tanning is quite obvious. However when you shave you exfoliate the skin exposing sensitive new skin cells that can be irritated by the spray. DHA is the pigment in the spray tan and can cause server redness and discomfort once the chemical interacts with exposed cells. By waiting 12 to 24 hours after shaving to have a spray tan treatment gives the skin time to repair its self and not be irritated.

Do Not Use Spray Tanning As A Base For Sun Tanning

It is a myth that a “base tan” will prevent burning in the sun. Even if this were true, spray tan solutions are not a base tan. Spray tanning gives the appearance of being tan but has absolutely no effect on the melanin in your skin. Spray tanning should never be used as a substitute for sunscreen, and another reason to use sunscreen is that it will actually protect the glow of a spray tan.

Refrain From Sugar Scrubs

One trick to getting a nice and even glow from spray tanning is to exfoliate the skin pre-spray tan. By removing the old skin cells, tanners are able to create smooth surface for the spray to adhere too. However choosing the wrong scrub can be detrimental to the look of the spray tan by causing the spray to streak. Scrubs with sugar have oils that will cause the spray to run off instead of adhering to the skin. It is suggested that tanners use an exfoliating mitt to remove skin cells and forego the lotion at the end of the process. Dry skin is more acceptable for spray tan formulas.

Refrain From Using Spray Tans That Contain Alcohol

Alcohol acts like a thinner for the spray tan allowing it to mist up and flow onto the skin. However alcohol dries the skin and makes the coloring from the spray tan look cracked. Tanners should request alcohol-free spray tan at their next salon appointment.

You Can Fix A Bad Tan

If the coloring from the spray tan is undesirable you can fix the problem at home. By soaking in a warm bath with a small amount of shower gel the ingredients in the spray tan solution will begin to loosen from the skin. After soaking for at least ½ hour, exfoliating the skin with a loofah or mint scrub will allow the spray tan solution to rinse away.

Limit The Use Of Body Butter

Generally, keeping the skin thoroughly moistened is suggested to extend the life of a spray tan. But this recommendation is not necessarily true. The excess moisture from heavy body lotions and butters can cause fading of the spray tan. A lightweight body lotion or butter will keep the skin moist without fading the tan.

Make Sure The Salon Is Well Ventilated

Proper ventilation in a tanning room is key to protecting tanners from the dangerous effects of inhaling spray-tanning products. Rooms that have excess spray tan solution build up on the wall are most likely not properly ventilated. Tanners should ask spray tan technicians if they use low volume, low pressure sprayers. These will limit how much excess spray is emitted into the air.

There Is No Way To Maintain A Spray Tan

Spray tans are not like hair coloring where you can touch up the color when the old color comes through. If you add a fresh coat of spray tan on top of an old coat, the coloring will look blotchy with dark and light areas. The best way refresh the glow from a spray tan is to strip off the old coat of spray and start over fresh with a new one.

Limit The Time You Spend In The Pool

Chlorine does have an effect on the spray tan solution. Spending a short time in the pool will not ruin your spray tan, but long times spent in chlorine will strip the solution from the skin. If you are going to swim while spray tanned, it is suggested that you utilize quick dips in the pool, and pat the skin dry immediately after exiting the water.

The Length A Spray Tan Will Last Varies From Person to Person

The length a spray tan will last is determined by cell turnover. Cell turnover is faster in younger people and will cause the tan to fade quicker. This is a law of nature and there is nothing that can be done about it.

Skip the Gym

Yay! Here’s a reason to skip your workout. The sweat from your gym sesh could create some pretty awkward lines in your new tan. Wait about 8 hours, shower, then you can get your sweat on.

Spot Treatment Spots

The chemicals in certain acne spot treatments can take off the spray tan, leaving an odd white mark. It’s best to just skip the acne treatment while your spray tan lasts.

It Won’t Just Wash Off

Don’t panic! If your spray tan has gone awry you won’t be orange for a week, but you can’t simply just wash it off. The product was created to slowly fade so excessive scrubbing and washing won’t completely get rid of it. If you otally hate your tan, shower as soon as possible. Then shower and gently exfoliate every day.