The Popularity of Spray Tans in Charlottesville
With its sunny climate and active outdoor lifestyle, Charlottesville is a city where bronzed skin is always in style. As the warmer months approach, more and more locals are opting to get a sunless glow through spray tanning before hitting the beaches, pools and running trails around town.
Spray tanning has become an increasingly popular alternative to sunbathing or using tanning beds, which can expose skin to harmful UV radiation. The active ingredient in most sunless tanning solutions, dihydroxyacetone (DHA), interacts with dead skin cells on the epidermis to produce a natural-looking, streak-free bronze color that can last up to 10 days.
Understanding How Spray Tans Work
During a session at a professional spray tan studio, a technician sprays a fine mist of tanning solution to coat the entire body evenly. DHA is colorless until it reacts with skin proteins, so guides are used to ensure proper coverage as the solution develops into a tan over 4-8 hours.
Spray tanning utilizes a non-sticky, fast-drying solution that is regarded as safe by the FDA. However, it's still smart to take precautions like wearing eye protection, nose filters and avoiding inhalation, as some people may be sensitive to DHA or other ingredients.
Finding the Best Spray Tan in Charlottesville
With spray tanning's meteoric rise as a popular pre-vacation ritual or confidence boost before a big event, quality can vary greatly between salons. Finding an experienced, highly-rated technician is key to getting vibrant, natural-looking color instead of uneven, unnatural tones.
Top Charlottesville spray tan studios like Beach Bum Mobile Spray Tan specialize in custom spray tans using cutting-edge organic solutions and techniques for flawless, fade-resistant color. They also offer mobile services, bringing the salon experience to the comfort of home.
Are Spray Tans Safe?
While there are some risks associated with spray tanning, most experts consider it far safer than UV tanning methods when precautions are taken.
Potential Risks
A review in the International Journal of Women's Dermatology noted that DHA is generally recognized as safe by health organizations when used as instructed. But improper usage, including inhaling the mist, makes spraying hazards more likely.
People with asthma or lung conditions may need to be extra vigilant about potential breathing irritation or allergic reactions to certain solution ingredients.
Safer Than Sunbathing
Crucially, spray tanning solutions and the DHA they contain have not been found to increase skin cancer risk. Overexposure to UV rays from the sun or tanning beds is by far the biggest preventable risk factor for all skin cancers.
Spray tans allow people to protect skin health while still enjoying cosmetic benefits of darker pigmentation. When applied correctly, they represent little downside beyond occasional minor irritation.
Caring for Skin Before and After Spray Tans
Achieving smooth, even color requires some skin prep before spray tans. Proper aftercare is also key for color to fully develop and fade evenly over time without irregular blotchiness.
Exfoliation
Gently scrubbing away dead skin cells before a spray tan allows DHA deeper access to interact with skin proteins. This produces better color and cuts down on uneven fading later. Just don't overdo it right before an appointment.
Moisturizing
Hydrating spray tan targets with rich moisturizers for a few days before appointments also helps solution absorb evenly. Dry patches can "grab" excess DHA, creating blotchy dark spots. Continue moisturizing daily afterward.
Avoiding Chlorine
Chlorinated water can interact with spray tans in unpleasant ways, causing color to break down into splotchy patterns. Avoid pools and hot tubs for 8-12 hours after appointments for best results.
With proper skincare prep and aftercare, Charlottesville spray tans result in flawless, natural bronze glows with none of the UV damage from sun overexposure. They allow locals to keep rocking those summer looks all season long.
FAQs
How long do spray tans last?
With proper prep and aftercare, a spray tan can last 7-10 days. Exfoliating before appointments, avoiding chlorine exposure and moisturizing daily helps color fully develop and fade evenly.
Is there risk of allergy or irritation from spray tans?
Some people may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions from inhaling spray tanning mist or sensitivity to solution ingredients. Avoiding inhalation and patch testing reduces risk.
When will I see spray tan color develop fully?
Most bronze color will become visible within 4-8 hours as the active DHA ingredient reacts with skin proteins. Full color depth is often achieved 24 hours post-spray.
How do I prep my skin properly for spray tans?
Gently exfoliate a day or two before to remove tan-blocking dead skin cells, then moisturize with an oil-free product to ensure smooth, even absorption of the tanning spray mist.
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.
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