Spray Tanning in Fort Smith, Arkansas: A Safe, Sunless Way to Achieve a Golden Glow

The Popularity of Spray Tanning in Fort Smith

With its sunny climate, Fort Smith, Arkansas is no stranger to tanned skin. However, prolonged exposure to UV rays from the sun or tanning beds can cause skin damage and increase skin cancer risk. This is why many Fort Smith residents are turning to spray tanning to achieve a sun-kissed glow without the harmful effects of UV radiation.

What is Spray Tanning?

Spray tanning, often referred to as airbrushing tanning, is an application method that evenly sprays a mist of tanning solution onto the skin. The active ingredient in most spray tan solutions is dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a simple carbohydrate that interacts with amino acids in the skin's surface layer to temporarily darken its color.

When DHA is applied to the skin, it causes a chemical reaction that essentially stains the outermost layer of skin, giving it a tanned appearance. As the stained skin cells naturally flake off over time, the color gradually fades. Reapplying spray tan once every 5 to 10 days can maintain the bronzed look.

The Benefits of Spray Tanning

There are many advantages that make spray tans appealing for Fort Smith locals:

• No exposure to UV rays, making it a safer alternative to sunlight and tanning beds
• Results appear quickly, with color developing in as little as 1 to 4 hours
• Gives skin an even, natural-looking glow without streaks or uneven spots
• The color fades gradually over 5 to 10 days instead of peeling
• Available in a variety of shades from light bronze to dark brown

What to Expect During a Spray Tan Session

Professional spray tanning only takes 10 to 15 minutes to apply. When you arrive for your spray tan session, you will:

1. Be shown to a private room with a spray tan booth that looks similar to a tanning bed
2. Remove clothing and jewelry - technicians will provide disposable underwear and gloves
3. Have a skin assessment done to determine the appropriate solution shade and help guide pose positioning
4. Stand in various poses while the tanning solution is evenly applied using an airbrush spray gun
5. Allow the solution to dry for a few minutes before putting clothes back on

Well-trained technicians use special techniques to ensure all body areas get evenly covered in color. During the session, they will instruct you on how to stand or turn to make sure the spray tan mist reaches even hard-to-get spots.

Are Spray Tans in Fort Smith Safe?

When performed by a skilled professional spray tan technician, airbrush tanning is very safe. High-quality tanning solutions use well-tested active ingredients that are carefully measured to FDA compliance standards. Only around 5% of the solution is absorbed by the skin, while excess runs off during rinsing.

Spray tan solutions have improved greatly over the years. Reputable national brands do not contain well-known skin irritants and allergy triggers such as formaldehyde, alcohol, perfumes or nut oils. Of course, it is still wise to let your technician know of any skin sensitivities you may have prior to your session.

Choosing a Professional Spray Tan Salon in Fort Smith

With spray tanning's surge in popularity, many tanning salons now offer airbrush services. However, quality can vary drastically between locations. When selecting a spray tan provider in the Fort Smith area, consider the following:

• Trained technicians: Look for salons with specialists who have undergone extensive spray tanning certification.
• Quality solutions: The best salons use solutions from reputable national tanning brands you recognize and trust.
• Retail products: Choose a location that offers retail products so you can maintain your color at home between sessions.
• Clean equipment: Well-maintained equipment properly cleaned after each client prevents bacterial spread.

The most qualified spray tan specialists understand how to customize the process for each client based on skin type, tone and desired level of color. Privately owned salons dedicated specifically to airbrush tanning often provide excellent service with attention to these details.

Caring for Skin Before and After Spray Tans

Preparing skin properly before a spray tan plays a big role in optimizing results. Here are some tips Fort Smith locals can follow for flawless color:

Before Your Spray Tan Session

• Shave and exfoliate skin the day before for smooth application
• Pay special attention to dry areas like hands, feet and elbows
• Avoid applying lotion, makeup, perfumes or deodorant before session
• Wear loose, dark clothing you don't mind getting stained by overspray

After Your Session

• Wait at least 4 hours before bathing or sweating to allow DHA to fully develop
• Rinse with lukewarm water - hot showers can fade spray tan color prematurely
• Apply a moisturizer daily to hydrate skin and extend the length of your tan
• Exfoliate gently before reapplication to ensure even color

By following these simple steps, you will get the best, longest-lasting results from your airbrush tan. You will have glowing, glamorous skin all year long - without exposure to a single UV ray!

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.