Your Guide to Safe, Flawless Spray Tanning in Greenwood, Indiana

Your Guide to Safe, Sunless Tanning in Greenwood, IN

With warm weather right around the corner, you may be thinking about getting some color before swimsuit season starts. But excessive UV exposure can cause skin cancer and premature aging. That's why more and more people are opting for sunless tanning methods like spray tans and self-tanners.

But are spray tans and other faux glow products actually safe? And how can you pick the best option for achieving a natural-looking, bronze goddess tan without harmful UV rays?

Keep reading to learn all about sunless tanning and how to get a safe, seamless spray tan in Greenwood, IN.

What is Spray Tanning?

Spray tanning, also called sunless tanning, is a process that applies an even, temporary bronze color to your skin without UV exposure. It's one of the most popular ways to get a tan without direct sun damage or laying in tanning beds.

During a professional spray tan session, you stand nude in a pop-up booth while a technician sprays you with a fine mist of tanning solution. The active ingredient, DHA (dihydroxyacetone), interacts with amino acids on the outer layer of your skin to darken its appearance over the next 2-4 hours.

Results last around 5-10 days on average before gradually fading. Most salons offer different formulas to customize the depth of color you receive.

How Spray Tans Work

Here's a quick rundown of how DHA self-tanning products like spray tans work:

• The DHA solution temporarily stains the top layer of your skin, not your deeper cells.
• As your skin naturally sheds dead cells, the color fades over several days.
• The reaction causes no damage and only affects pigmentation.
• Color continues to develop after the session, reaching peak darkness around 24 hours later.
• Results fade evenly if properly exfoliated. Formula color and application technique affects how long it lasts.

Benefits of Spray Tanning

Compared to tanning outdoors or in beds, airbrush spray tans offer many advantages, including:

• No sun damage - Spray tans provide UV-free color year-round.
• Customizable results - Pick your ideal shade from light bronze to dark brown.
• Added skin care - Many solutions contain moisturizers, antioxidants, and vitamins.
• Longer lasting - Professional sprays last 5-10 days or more.
• Safer alternative - DHA is FDA-approved and considered far safer than UV tanning.
• Quick sessions - Full-body spray tans take 15 minutes or less.
• Minimal maintenance - Just exfoliate regularly to fade evenly.

Are Spray Tans Safe?

When applied correctly, DHA-based spray tanning is generally considered safe and non-toxic. However, there are some things to keep in mind:

• Avoid contact with eyes, lips, and nostrils. DHA may cause irritation if inhaled or ingested.
• Open wounds or irritated skin may stain darker or develop orange spots.
• Some people report mild allergic reactions like rashes. Do a patch test first.
• Pregnant women should consult doctors before using DHA products.
• Erratic fading can occur if skin isn't properly prepped and exfoliated.

Overall, airbrush spray tans are quite safe compared to UV tanning - but mistakes in application can cause uneven results. Working with an experienced technician reduces the risk of potential side effects.

Finding a Spray Tan Salon in Greenwood, IN

To locate a reputable spray tan studio in the Greenwood area, here are a few tips:

• Search online reviews and ask friends for recommendations.
• Look for an experienced salon specializing in spray tans.
• Ask about the types of equipment, solutions, and training technicians have.
• Choose a clean, professional environment - not a booth in the corner.
• Ask what skin prep, protective gear, and aftercare is needed.
• Compare package options to find the best value.

Quality spray tans involve skill, so do your research to find the best technicians available.

How to Get a Safe Spray Tan

Here are some tips for getting your sun-kissed glow on safely and avoiding common spray tanning mistakes:

• Exfoliate - Use a scrub glove or loofah to remove dead skin 1-2 days pre-tan.
• Shave/wax - Remove any unwanted hair 12-24 hours beforehand.
• Moisturize - Hydrate dry areas like hands, feet, elbows, and knees to prevent grabby tanning.
• Protect sensitive zones - Use petroleum jelly to create barriers around eyes, lips, hairlines, etc.
• Wear loose, dark clothing - Tight and light clothes can rub off solution while it develops.
• Rinse post-session - Shower after 4+ hours to remove bronzer guide color.
• Moisturize daily - Apply unscented lotions to help color last longer.
• Avoid chlorine/friction - Stay out of pools, hot tubs, and avoid tight fitting clothes.

Prepping your skin properly and taking good care of your color after tanning helps maximize results.

Types of Spray Tan Solutions

Professional tanning salons offer different DHA formulas and tanning add-ons to suit different needs and preferences:

• Bronzers - Instant cosmetic bronzers provide an immediate glow but don't last.
• Tingle/heat activated - Some solutions make skin tingle or feel warm during application.
• Essential oils - Added natural oils hydrate skin and provide aromatherapy benefits.
• Anti-aging - Solutions with anti-aging properties to improve skin over time.
• Organic/vegan - Plant-based and ethically sourced ingredients.
• Rapid/dark - For quick, ultra-dark airbrush tanning results.

Discuss your preferences with technicians to pick your perfect custom airbrush tanning cocktail.

Caring for Skin Post-Spray Tan

After your spray tanning session, it's crucial to take steps to care for and extend the life of your sunless tan, including:

• Waiting 4+ hours before bathing to allow DHA to fully develop.
• Rinsing with warm water only - no soap or scrubbing.
• Gently patting dry - no rubbing.
• Applying a daily moisturizer to hydrate and nourish skin.
• Avoiding chlorinated pools/hot tubs for first 24 hours.
• Wearing loose, dark clothing to prevent discoloration.
• Doing weekly exfoliation to encourage even fading.

Proper aftercare keeps your spray tan flawless longer.

Self-Tanning vs Professional Spray Tans

At-home self-tanners provide a cheaper, more convenient option for tanning - but professional spray tans offer some advantages:

• Technicians can reach hard-to-tan spots more easily.
• No risk of drips, streaks, or blotchy application.
• Wide range of solutions and intensities available.
• Quick session with instant, customized results.
• Added skin treatments are available.
• Experts can recommend products and aftercare.

However, practice makes perfect when using self-tanning lotions or mousses at home.

Other Sunless Tanning Options

In addition to DHA spray tans and self-tanners, other ways to get a safe, sunless glow include:

• Tanning pills - Oral capsules with carotenoids like beta-carotene to temporarily deepen skin color.
• Tanning oils/moisturizers - Lotions that gradually build color without UV exposure.
• Tanning wipes - Convenient towels pre-loaded with bronzing formula.
• Tinted bronzers - Instant, temporary color in creams, mousses, gels, and powders.

While not as long-lasting, these provide additional sunless tanning options.

Preventing Uneven Fading

To avoid blotchy, uneven spray tan fading, be sure to:

• Exfoliate regularly with a body scrub, dry brushing, etc. to gently slough off dead skin.
• Use an intensive exfoliant the day before re-application.
• Shave the day before your next session.
• Moisturize daily focusing on dry areas like hands, elbows, etc.
• Avoid long, hot showers and baths which can strip color.

Proper exfoliation is key for smooth, even sunless tanning results.

Downsides of Spray Tanning

While much safer than UV tanning, some potential downsides of spray tans include:

• Results only last around 1-2 weeks.
• Can stain light hair and clothing if applied improperly.
• Doesn't work well on all skin tones.
• Can cause allergic reactions in those with sensitivities.
• Risk of streaking, stains, and uneven fading.
• Hassle of regularly shaving and exfoliating.

However, the risks are low compared to skin cancer and photoaging risks from UV rays.

Achieve Your Healthiest Glow in Greenwood, IN

With some diligent prep and quality products, spray tanning allows you to get a gorgeous, golden glow without exposure to harmful UV rays.

In the Greenwood area, reputable salons like Spray La Vie, Copper Stone Spa, and Spray Tan City offer airbrush tanning using top equipment and solutions for natural-looking, customizable color.

Using these professional spray tanning tips and best practices, you can show off your sun-kissed skin all season long with a safe, lasting faux glow.

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.