Spray tans are a great way to get a tan. It is an amazing alternative to traditional tanning methods without exposing your skin to the sun’s harmful UV rays for hours.
In this article, we will talk about what you should do and what you should avoid to get that perfect sunkissed glowing skin with spray tanning.
Spray Tan 101 – Everything you need to know about spray tan
Spray tanning is the process of applying an even coat of a liquid solution onto the skin and then drying it off.
The color is applied by a spray gun that applies the solution in an even layer.
In order to understand how spray tans work, you should know what they are made of and why they are safe.
A spray tan is made up of two main ingredients: DHA (dihydroxyacetone) and water.
What is DHA?
DHA occurs naturally in the human body and is also used in many cosmetic products. It is an organic, water-soluble, waste product that occurs when your body metabolizes sugar.
DHA is used in many cosmetic products such as sunless tanning lotions, lipsticks, and hair dyes because it reacts with dead cells on the surface of your skin to create the brown pigment that we associate with being tanned or dark-skinned.
Dos and don’ts for how to prepare for a Spray Tan?
There is a long list of dos and don’ts before and after you get a spray tan. Let’s discuss what you should do and what to avoid to get the best tan color.
To do:
There are a number of things you can do to prepare for a spray tan.
- Exfoliate: You should exfoliate your skin before getting a spray tan. It removes dead skin cells and makes it easier for the spray tanner to work on your skin.
- Moisturize: You should moisturize your skin before getting a spray tan because it will help the color last longer. Use an oil-free moisturizer.
- Shave: You should shave before getting a spray tan because the hair will interfere with the application and can cause streaks in the color.
- Wear loose clothes: You should wear loose clothes after getting a spray tan so that you don’t transfer color onto other clothing items.
- Wear sunscreen or lotion with SPF every day: You should use an oil-free sunscreen or lotion with a good amount of SPF to prevent your skin from being damaged.
- Remove any oil from skin: Wipe off any oil on your skin before going for a spray tan.
Not to do:
It is important to know what not to do before getting a spray tan. This will help in preventing any possible skin damage or discomfort.
- Don’t shave the day before or the day of your appointment. Shaving can cause skin irritation and redness that can show up on your tan.
- Avoid using soap, body wash, lotion, or other products on the area you want to be tanned for at least 24 hours before the appointment. The chemicals in these products can react with the spray tan solution and cause streaks on your skin.
- Do not use any oil-based products such as Vaseline, baby oil, exfoliators, or coconut oil before getting a spray tan as they will block pores and prevent proper absorption of the solution into the skin.
- Avoid wearing makeup or deodorant to your appointment.
- Avoid taking baths for at least 24 hours before a spray tan because the chlorine in the water can cause your skin to turn orange.
Spray tan aftercare
As much as it is important to take care of your skin before getting a spray tan, it is more important to do the aftercare. Let’s see what you can do and avoid to maintain your tan for longer:
To do:
After getting a spray tan, you should:
- It’s best to keep your skin hydrated and moisturized. Drink plenty of water and apply good quality moisturizer after getting spray tan. This will help your skin stay hydrated and prevent any irritation.
- Wear loose, light-colored clothing for the first few days
- Shower before bed: You should shower before going to bed to remove any sweat or dirt that could have accumulated throughout the day.
- Wear sunscreen every day to prevent peeling and darkening of the skin.
Not to do:
- Avoid direct contact with the sun or tanning beds for at least 3 days.
- Avoid wearing any oily lotions, moisturizers or any abrasive products on the skin that was sprayed.
- Avoid taking hot showers or baths: This can cause the color to fade faster and will make your skin dry out.
- Avoid skin to skin contact in close contact areas like legs, armpits, inner thighs, etc.
- Don’t rub your body with towel after showering. This might take the spray tan off your skin. Gently pat to dry yourself.
- Say no to heavy sweating sessions for first 2 or 3 days.
Conclusion
Spray tanning is an alternative to UV exposure that will leave you feeling fabulous!
Just take care of these dos and don’ts and you are good to go for a spray tan.
The solution is applied using an airbrush and dries quickly, leaving you with a natural-looking bronze glow.
Plus, it’s quick and easy to apply so you can get back to your day without missing a beat.
It’s summer and the sun is out in full force, but don’t let it ruin your skin.
Get a spray tan today and enjoy summer to the fullest.
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