Achieve a Sun-Kissed Look with Professional Spray Tans - Before and After

Achieving a Sun-Kissed Glow with Spray Tans - Before and After

A radiant, bronzed look has become highly desirable in today's beauty-focused world. But too much UV exposure from the sun or tanning beds has well-established skin cancer risks. Spray tanning offers a safer alternative for those seeking a temporary sun-kissed glow without damaging radiation.

Let's explore the before and after effects of professional spray tans. We'll also cover proven tips to maximize results and safely maintain your just-back-from-the-beach bronze.

How Spray Tans Work

During a professional spray tan session, a technician sprays a fine mist of tanning solution evenly across your skin. The active ingredient in tanning solutions is dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a sugar derived compound that interacts with amino acids on the skin's surface to produce color change.

This reaction generates a temporary tan by staining the outermost layer of skin. Color continues to develop and darken over the next 4-8 hours as the DHA reacts with skin proteins. Results last about 5-10 days before naturally fading.

Preparing for Your Spray Tan

To achieve optimum spray tanning results, proper pre-tan skin prep is essential:

• Exfoliate thoroughly 1-2 days before to remove dead skin cells that can cause uneven color.
• Shave and wax the day before your tan to prevent irritation on freshly treated skin.
• Moisturize dry areas like knees, elbows and hands to help the spray absorb evenly.
• Avoid applying lotion, makeup, perfumes or deodorant before your appointment as they create barriers.

Wear dark, loose clothing to your spray tan session. Tight clothes can cause rubbing and transfer once the bronzer develops. Opt for flip flops over sneakers to protect footwear from overspray.

What to Expect During the Session

At your spray tanning appointment, the process will go as follows:

1. Change into provided disposable undergarments.
2. Technician protects eyes, lips, nostrils, hairline and nails from overspray.
3. Stand in spraying booth with feet hip-width apart and arms extended.
4. Technician sprays tanning solution in long, overlapping strokes to coat skin evenly.
5. Session takes 10-15 minutes to fully spray the body.
6. Allow solution to dry without rubbing or touching skin.
7. Rinse hands gently before changing back into your clothes.

Spray tans are applied to dry skin. Lotions or oils cannot be used during the session as they prevent the DHA from absorbing properly. The spray tan solution feels slightly sticky or tacky when first applied.

After the Session is Complete

Once your spray tanning session finishes, follow these crucial steps:

• Allow 8-12 hours before bathing to give the DHA time to fully react and create color.
• Avoid sweating heavily or wearing tight fitted clothing as it can cause streaking.
• When showering, use a gentle cleanser and avoid scrubbing or exfoliating.
• Moisturize daily to help color last longer before fading.
• Avoid chlorinated pools and hot tubs which can cause rapid color loss.

Results continue to darken over the next day. Full color is visible 48 hours after the initial spray session before gradually fading over the next week.

Maximizing Your Spray Tan Results

To help your custom spray tan last longer with even, beautiful results:

• Exfoliate gently before scheduled reapplication to maximize color.
• Use a daily body wash and moisturizer designed to extend sunless tanner wear.
• Apply a thin barrier cream to hands before re-spraying to prevent orange palms.
• Keep a small amount of facial moisturizer with SPF on hand for any minor touch ups needed between sessions.

With proper aftercare, most clients can go 7-10 days between spray sessions to maintain their sun-kissed glow year round.

Safety Considerations With Spray Tans

When used correctly, spray tans provide a safe alternative to UV tanning, but some key precautions should be kept in mind:

Inhalation Concerns

Some fear spray tans could be dangerous if the mist is inhaled. However, DHA is classified by the FDA as a color additive and generally recognized as safe when used properly.

Professional spray tan salons have ventilation systems to minimize inhalation risk. Technicians also safeguard mucous membranes from overspray. Avoid holding breath during session to further reduce inhaled amount of solution.

Skin Sensitivity

The DHA in spray tans can occasionally cause minor skin irritation, redness, rashes or breakouts. Do a small patch test first to check for any reaction. Alert your technician about skin sensitivities or allergies beforehand.

Eye Exposure

Getting spray tan solution in the eyes can lead to stinging, burning and discoloration of the whites. Your eyes will be covered with sticky shields, sticky tape or tightly closed goggles during the session.

Ingestion

Accidentally swallowing or consuming DHA spray tan solution can potentially cause intestinal upset. To prevent ingestion, lips and mouth are protected during the spraying process.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Little research exists on DHA absorption through the skin during pregnancy. As a precaution, many doctors recommend avoiding spray tans during the first trimester. Nursing mothers should avoid spray tanning or contact infant's skin for at least 24 hours after a session.

Talk to your obstetrician about specific spray tan concerns related to your pregnancy or breastfeeding before booking any appointments.

Alternative Self-Tanning Options

While professional spray tans provide customized results, self-tanners also allow you to achieve a sunkissed glow from the comfort of home. Let's explore some top self-tanning options beyond spray tans.

Self-Tanning Lotions

Self-tanners come in a range of formulas from light gels to deeper mousses. For beginners, lotions are easiest to apply evenly. Some tips for best results:

• Exfoliate and use a body scrub mitt to smooth skin before applying.
• Use a tanning mitt to evenly distribute product and prevent stained palms.
• Blend carefully along joints, hands, feet and hairline to avoid streaks.
• Rinse mitt thoroughly after each use and allow lotion 8-12 hours before showering.

Tanning Wipes

Single use tanning wipes provide an easy mess-free option for tanning on the go. Some pointers when using wipes:

• Prep skin by gently exfoliating first to remove any dry patches.
• Unfold wipe and use smooth circular motions to evenly distribute color.
• Pay special attention to wrists, ankles, knees and elbows to blend.
• Use multiple wipes for a deeper tan by layering color gradually.
• Wash hands immediately and wait 8 hours before showering.

Tanning Drops

For a completely hands-free approach, self-tanning drops for face and body can be mixed into your usual skincare or cosmetics. Follow tips below for best drop usage:

• Start with only 2-3 drops mixed into your moisturizer, gradually increasing over time.
• Add drops to body lotion immediately before use to distribute evenly across skin.
• Shake bottle before mixing drops into foundation or primer for flawless facial blending.
• Hydrate well before using drops to allow active ingredients to absorb fully.

Bronzing Powders and Minerals

Bronzers and mineral powders provide an instant tint for skin pre-events without the drying time. Strategic tips include:

• Focus bronzer on areas the sun naturally hits - cheeks, nose, shoulders.
• Use a large fluffy brush for seamless blending with no streaks.
• Dust a bit of matte bronzer in hairline to add natural looking definition.
• Spritz with setting spray so bronzer stays put all day or night.

Achieving a Sun-Kissed Glow Safely

With some prep work and careful application, spray tans and self-tanners allow you to build a beautiful bronzed look safely. Proper techniques can help you avoid streaks or an artificial orange result.

By exfoliating before and moisturizing after, your sunless tan can last up to 10 days. Taking appropriate precautions minimizes risks like sensitivities or inhalation. With the right approach, you can glow like you just got back from a tropical vacation without damaging sun exposure.

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.