Spray Tanning Safety, Prep Tips & Brooklyn's Top Salons

The Popularity of Spray Tans in Brooklyn

With its beachy, sun-kissed culture, it's no surprise that spray tans are wildly popular in Brooklyn. As the weather warms up, Brooklynites start baring more skin. And with so many cute boutiques, hip restaurants, and fun bars, there's ample opportunity to show off those bronzed limbs.

But Brooklyn dwellers also know that too much UV exposure can cause skin damage and increase cancer risk. That's why so many opt for spray tanning instead of risky UV tanning beds or hours baking in the sun.

What Is a Spray Tan?

A spray tan is applied by a technician using a special spray gun. The solution contains dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which interacts with dead skin cells on the surface of your body. This reaction causes temporary brown staining that mimics a natural tan.

Spray tans only affect the outermost layer of skin, so the color wears off naturally in a few days. Unlike UV tanning methods, a quality spray tan fades evenly without drying out your skin. The process takes about 15 minutes and the color fully develops over 24 hours.

Why Spray Tans Are Popular in Brooklyn

Brooklyn is home to hundreds of tanning salons, with new spots opening all the time. Spray tans are taking over because they offer many advantages over UV tanning:

• No UV exposure, so no increased skin cancer risk
• No premature skin aging or wrinkles
• Even, customizable color that looks natural
• Fades gradually without peeling or drying skin out
• Quick sessions with no recovery time
• Can be done year-round without worrying about seasons

Finding a Quality Brooklyn Spray Tan Salon

With so many spray tan salons to choose from, how do you pick where to get bronzed? Here are tips for finding a quality spray tanning studio in Brooklyn:

Read Lots of Online Reviews

Don't choose a salon based on one or two Yelp reviews. Spend time reading reviews on Yelp, Google and even Facebook. Pay attention to reviewers mentioning things like:

• How natural-looking the tan was
• If the salon offers different shades
• How well staff answered questions
• How long the tan lasted
• If the tanning solution smelled or if the salon offers odor removal
• How comfortable and clean the facilities were

Many reviewers post photos of their spray tan results. Look closely to get a feel for the salon's work.

Ask About Their Spray Tanning Solution

The tanning solution (containing DHA) significantly impacts your results. Higher quality solutions lead to more even application and coloring. Professional solutions also often contain bronzers for immediate glow and moisturizers to hydrate skin.

Ask salons what brand they use and do some Googling to read reviews. Top professional tanning brands like Norvell and Mystic Tan consistently get great feedback.

Make Sure They Offer Customization

With spray tans, one shade does not fit all. Salons should ask you about your natural skin tone, tan habits and color preferences. Then they can customize your shade and technique for gorgeous, believable color.

If a salon only offers a "one shade fits all" approach, you'll likely end up looking orange. For the best glow, choose a salon that tailors to each client.

Preparing for Your Brooklyn Spray Tan

Prepping properly is crucial for spray tanning success. Here's how to get your skin ready before an appointment:

Exfoliate Thoroughly in Advance

Gently exfoliate your entire body the day before your spray tan, paying special attention to dry areas like elbows, hands and feet. This removes dead skin cells so the DHA solution absorbs evenly.

Don't exfoliate right before your appointment or you may remove too much skin. Doing it the day before gives your skin barrier time to stabilize.

Shave Carefully the Day Before

If you plan to shave, do it the day prior to avoid irritation. Use a clean, sharp razor and take care around ankles, knees and underarms where skin can be sensitive.

Don't shave right before as spray tan can get into open nicks or cuts and dry them out. Give those raw areas 24 hours to heal for the best, most even tan.

Hydrate Skin Leading Up To Your Appointment

Dry, flaky skin won't absorb solution evenly. For a week before, apply body lotion daily after showering and drink lots of water. Well-hydrated skin better grasps onto DHA and develops a more uniform tan.

Come Freshly Showered Without Deodorant or Perfumes

Arrive at your salon showered with clean skin and free of makeup, deodorant, perfumes or lotions. Anything coating skin can form a barrier preventing solution absorbing. Most salons provide disposable underwear to wear during the process.

Aftercare Tips for Brooklyn Spray Tans

Your work isn't done once you leave the tanning salon with gorgeous glowy skin! Follow these aftercare guidelines to make that bronze last:

Wait Before Bathing

After your spray tan, wait at least 8 hours before taking a bath or swimming. This gives the DHA enough time to fully set and attach to skin cells. Premature water exposure can cause uneven fading.

Moisturize Daily

Keep skin hydrated by applying a daily moisturizing body lotion. Choose one specifically formulated for extending spray tans. Dry skin cells flake off quicker, so moisturizing helps your glow go the distance.

Avoid Friction

Be gentle with your spray tan! Too much friction from tight clothing or abrasive scrubbing can prematurely slough off tinted skin cells. Wear loose-fitting clothing and don't obsessively scrub during showers.

Watch Out For Pool Chemicals

Chlorine and salts in swimming pools can really strip your spray tan fast. If you must take a dip, apply a protective barrier cream beforehand around your joints and high friction areas.

Rinse skin after getting out of the pool to wash away any chemicals left behind that could interact with DHA pigments.

Are Spray Tans Safe?

So are spray tans actually okay for your health? While no tanning method is 100% risk-free, most experts consider them far safer than UV tanning. However, some people may be sensitive to DHA or spray solutions.

Most People Tolerate Spray Tans Well

The vast majority of people can safely use DHA for tanning with minimal risk. The main safety concern is around inhaling or ingesting DHA. As long as you wear proper eye/nose protection and avoid ingesting, spray tans present very low risk for most.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Precautions

Since DHA absorption effects are not well-studied during pregnancy and breastfeeding, most doctors recommend avoiding spray tans. The FDA advises asking your OB/GYN before using any tanning method while pregnant or nursing.

Those Prone to Skin Issues Use Caution

People prone to eczema, psoriasis and other skin conditions should exercise caution. Try patch testing DHA solutions first. Stop immediately if you experience any reactions or discomfort and consult a dermatologist.

Opt for higher quality professional tanning solutions as drugstore versions often contain more potential irritants. Salons using Norvell or Mystic Tan typically see the fewest customer reactions.

The Bottom Line on Brooklyn Spray Tans

When applied correctly using professional techniques and quality solutions, most people can safely achieve bronzed glow with spray tanning. It lets Brooklynites rock gorgeous, beachy color all year without UV damage or skin cancer risks.

Do your homework to find an experienced technician at a highly reviewed salon. Prep your skin properly before appointments. Care for your glow afterward with daily moisturizing. Follow these pro tips for stunning, sun-kissed radiance from DHA sprays!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.