Achieve Gorgeous Golden Skin with Safe Self Tanning Spray Methods

Achieving a Gorgeous, Golden Glow with Self Tanning Spray

Who doesn't love that sun-kissed, beachy bronze skin tone when spring and summer roll around? While soaking up rays can give you a temporary boost of color, too much UV exposure also comes with the risk of sun damage, wrinkles and skin cancer over time. Using an airbrush self tanning spray offers a safer alternative to achieve a radiant faux glow that protects your skin.

What is Self Tanner Spray?

Self tanner spray, also called airbrush tanning solution or sunless tanning mist, is a DHA-based (dihydroxyacetone) formula that interacts with amino acids in the outer layer of skin to temporarily stain it a bronzed tone.

The ultra-fine mist is applied to the entire body by a professional using an airbrush tanning machine and compressor for full, flawless coverage. Or for at-home use, a manual spray nozzle bottle provides user-controlled application.

How it Works

DHA is derived from sugar beets or cane sugar and reacts with dead skin cells only. As skin naturally sheds over the next 3-10 days, the color fades just as a real tan would, requiring re-application to maintain color.

Most solutions contain additional ingredients like plant extracts, vitamins and skin conditioners for hydration and a photo-ready finish.

Benefits of Self Tanner Spray

Some benefits this sunless tanning method offers over UV tanning include:

• No UV exposure/skin damage
• Long lasting bronze color
• Quick, easy, mess-free application
• Very customizable shade control
• Minimizes tan lines
• Safe for sensitive skin types

Is DHA Safe? Understanding the Health Impacts

While exposure to UV rays has definitive links to increased skin cancer risk over time, using DHA-based self tanning sprays come with negligible associated health hazards for most.

Cancer Concerns

Because DHA only interacts with dead skin cells on the very surface of skin, there have been no conclusive studies showing increased cancer risk with use, even with lifelong application.

The compound cannot penetrate down to live skin layers to cause gene mutations like UV rays can. When used as directed, DHA poses quite low toxicity concerns.

Pregnancy Precautions

Little research exists examining topical DHA application effects while pregnant. So to exercise caution, most doctors recommend limiting use during those 9 months. The substance likely does not penetrate to the bloodstream to reach a developing baby, but erring on the side of safety is wise until more definitive evidence proves otherwise.

Inhalation Issues

Some people report coughing, chest tightness or eye/nose irritation while an airbrush self tanning spray treatment is being applied, likely due to inhaling small droplets of DHA mist.

Using proper protective equipment like nose filters and ventilation systems reduce respiratory exposure. Technicians should be trained on spray nozzle position and technique to minimize circular "fan" dispersion around the head and face.

How to Get Flawless Self Tanner Results from Spray Application

Achieving glowing, bronze skin without streaks, splotches or orange undertones requires proper spray tan prep and post treatment care. Here are best practice tips for self tan perfection using spray on methods at the salon or home.

Before Your Spray Tan

To ensure DHA reacts evenly across freshly exfoliated smooth skin, prep by:

• Gently exfoliating 1-2 days before without irritating skin
• Shaving at least 24 hours beforehand for hair-free application
• Moisturizing thoroughly the day before, avoiding lotion morning of
• Arriving with clean bare skin without makeup, oils or perfumes
• Wearing dark loose clothing and flip flops to appointment
• Removing contacts and tying back hair from face

During Your Self Tanning Session

Standing in proper body positions during your spray tan enables flawless coverage head to toe by the technician. No need to feel shy – every client wears disposable nude undergarments to protect privacy!

The professional strategically sprays while you slowly turn through various poses for arms spread wide, back exposure, behind ears/hairline precision and legs apart to minimize inner thigh streaking.

Aftercare Essentials

Post-treatment care ensuring your sunless tan sets fully over the next 8-12 hours optimizes longevity and fades evenly. Be sure to:

• Allow DHA full development time before bathing/sweating
• Rinse skin with water only/pat dry when showering
• Avoid chlorinated pools, friction from tight clothes
• Use sulfate-free body wash and loofah mitt gently
• Apply daily moisturizer and primer makeup sparingly
• Exfoliate mildly every 2-4 days controlling fade

Choosing the Best Self Tanning Spray Solution

With the explosion in popularity of quality self tanning lines, both professional use airbrush machines and at-home spray bottles offer excellent sunless color payoff these days.

What to Look For

Regardless of application method, ideal tanning spray features to look for include:

• Organic, natural extracts
• Fruit acids for skin smoothing
• Added skin conditioners like aloe
• No parabens or harsh additives
• Subtle, realistic color tones
• Easy adjustment from light to ultra-dark

Pro Tips!

Seeking dramatic dark bronze bombshell color? Layer two back-to-back spray applications, allowing each to dry in between for custom opacity.

Have fair skin or burn easily? Opt for a DHA-erythrulose blend self tanner formulated for lighter complexions to prevent orange cast.

Spray tans photograph beautifully, creating a lit-from-within radiance perfect for weddings, photo shoots or a glam night out!

DIY Airbrush Tanning at Home

Getting a pro spray tan at the salon guarantees expert technique for flawless uniform color, especially for first timers. But for added convenience and cost savings, numerous quality self-tanning spray kits now allow you to easily achieve gorgeous DHA bronzing all year long at home.

What You’ll Need

A DIY airbrush self tan system requires a few key components:

• Handheld spray gun with easy trigger handle
• Formula holding reservoir cup attaching to spray gun
• Small portable air compressor for power
• Extendable hose connecting compressor to sprayer
• Selection of DHA solutions from light to ultra-dark

Application Tips

Get smooth, uniform coverage misting self tanner solution over rinsed/exfoliated skin using these techniques:

• Stand nude in covered shower stall/tub for easy cleanup
• Adjust nozzle 8-10 inches away pointed straight at skin
• Press trigger while moving sprayer slowly, evenly back & forth
• Use short intermittent bursts, avoid saturating
• Have helper tan hard to reach spots like back/shoulders

It may take some practice, but getting professional-worthy spray tanned results is readily achievable once you learn the technique!

Caring for Your Spray Tan Over Time

While that initial post-treatment glow is exhilarating, maintaining your sunkissed, camera-ready bronze requires proper maintenance for longevity and optimum fading.

Daily Care

Nurture your custom shade daily by:

• Applying daily moisturizer rich in antioxidants
• Gently exfoliating every 2-4 days to control shedding
• Massaging in primer makeup sparingly for smooth application
• Spot concealing any minor flaws/discoloration
• Touch up spraying lighter body zones more frequently

Sun Protection

Shielding fresh spray tanned skin from sun exposure preserves color vibrancy. Be diligent with:

• Vigilant SPF 30+ sunscreen application
• Seeking shade during peak sun hours
• Wearing protective hats and sunglasses outside
• Choosing zinc based mineral sunscreens to avoid stain risk from chemical filters interacting with DHA bronzers

Using self tanning spray allows you to achieve gorgeous, envy-worthy bronze skin safely with year-round color convenience. Learning professional application techniques paired with proper skincare makes the sun-kissed glow last!

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.