Safely Bronze Your Skin with Spray Tans in Santa Cruz, CA

Getting a Safe, Sunless Glow: Spray Tanning in Santa Cruz

With its iconic beaches, surf culture, and abundant sunshine, Santa Cruz is a place where bronzed skin is part of the lifestyle. But prolonged sun exposure comes with health risks like skin cancer and premature aging. This has many Santa Cruz locals opting for spray tans to get a safe, sunless glow.

The Benefits of Spray Tanning

Spray tanning provides a number of advantages over suntanning or tanning beds:

• No exposure to UV radiation, which causes skin cancer and photoaging
• Quick, even application for a natural-looking tan
• Long-lasting results lasting 5-10 days
• Customizable color selection from light to dark
• Minimal maintenance required compared to daily self-tanning

With spray tans, you can achieve a beautiful bronze tone without compromising your health. Just be sure to take precautions to apply them safely.

How Spray Tans Work

Spray tanning solutions contain an active ingredient called dihydroxyacetone or DHA. When DHA reacts with amino acids on the outer layer of skin, a brown color change occurs. The resulting “tan” mimics the pigment produced by melanin when skin is exposed to UV rays.

The color develops fully over the next 24-48 hours as the reaction continues. With professional spray tans, a technician applies the solution evenly across your body using a spray gun. The solution dries in seconds, so you can get dressed and be on your way.

Choosing a Spray Tan Salon in Santa Cruz

If you’re new to spray tanning, going to a salon is the best way to get quality results. Look for an experienced technician who has specialized spray tanning training. When evaluating Santa Cruz spray tan salons, consider the following:

• Reviews mentioning skilled technicians, professionalism, and natural looking results
• A well-ventilated space free of overspray or strong DHA odor
• Double-filtered spray tanning machines for fine mist application
• Organic or vegan spray tan solutions
• Technicians who customize the process for your skin type and color preference

With an excellent technician using top-notch equipment and solutions, you’ll leave the salon with a flawless, uniform glow.

How to Prepare for Your Santa Cruz Spray Tan

To ensure your spray tan comes out perfectly, follow these prep tips:

• Exfoliate thoroughly the day before to remove dead skin cells
• Shave and moisturize dry areas like knees, elbows and hands
• Avoid applying lotion, perfume, makeup or deodorant before your appointment
• Wear dark, loose clothing that won’t rub off on the fresh spray tan
• Arrive with clean, dry skin

Being well-prepped allows the DHA to absorb evenly for smooth, even color from head to toe.

What to Expect During Your Spray Tan

At your spray tanning appointment, the process will go like this:

1. Change into a disposable gown or undies to protect your modesty
2. Technician will advise you on poses to assume during spraying
3. Hold your breath while your front is sprayed, then turn to repeat for back and sides
4. Open your eyes and mouth briefly when spraying the face
5. Session takes 10-15 minutes
6. Allow the DHA to dry completely before dressing

Professional spray tan techs work quickly and efficiently while making sure every area gets covered. Following their directions helps ensure an flawless finish.

Caring for Your Santa Cruz Spray Tan

After your session, avoid sweat, chlorine, tight clothing, and moisture for 8-12 hours while the DHA sets. Other tips for making your spray tan last include:

• Rinse with water only - no soap, scrubbing, hot tubs or swimming
• Gently pat dry - don’t rub vigorously with a towel
• Apply a daily moisturizer designed to extend spray tan wear
• Exfoliate lightly before reapplication when fading appears
• Use an oil-free sunscreen to prevent color distortion

With proper aftercare, your Santa Cruz spray tan can look fabulous for up to 10 days or more.

Are Spray Tans Safe?

While spray tans are safer than UV tanning, you may wonder - are spray tans completely safe? Here’s what the experts say about possible health risks.

Inhalation Concerns

One concern is inhaling DHA through the nose or mouth during spraying. That’s why pros advise keeping eyes and mouth closed while your face is being sprayed.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved DHA as a safe external application. But inhaling fine mist over time may cause lung irritation or breathing problems for some.

Proper ventilation and respiration techniques reduce this risk. Always wear nose filters if provided by your salon.

Absorption Through the Skin

Can DHA be absorbed into the bloodstream through skin? While occasional spray tans appear safe for most people, research is mixed on risks for frequent users:

• Some studies found DHA blood levels well below thresholds of concern.
• Other research detected elevated biomarkers after repeated spray tans.
• More long-term studies are needed on absorption and toxicity.

To be safe, avoid back-to-back spray tans day after day. Those with diabetes or liver conditions may want to exercise particular caution.

Allergic Reactions

Spray tans rarely cause allergic reactions. But people with sensitivities should do a small patch test first.

See an allergist if you experience symptoms like redness, rash, itching or swelling. Opt for vegetable-based tanning products if regular solutions irritate your skin.

Eye Safety

Getting spray tan solution in your eyes can cause burning, stinging and discoloration of the whites. Always keep eyes clenched shut and use protective eye wear.

If spray tan enters your eyes despite precautions, flush immediately with clean water and contact your eye doctor if irritation persists.

Choosing Safe Spray Tan Solutions

To further minimize risks, look for spray tanning solutions made with natural, non-toxic ingredients. Here’s what to look for:

Organic DHA

Organic DHA derived from plant sources like sugar beets or glycerin offers a more natural alternative compared to synthetic DHA. Studies show comparable safety and efficacy between organic and regular DHA.

Natural Bronzers

Natural bronzers like raspberry ketones, caramel, green tea extract, and coffee extracts provide additional color while nourishing skin.

Moisturizing Oils

Hydrating oils like coconut, argan, olive and macadamia prevent drying and leave skin silky soft.

Aloe Vera

Anti-inflammatory aloe vera soothes and calms sensitive skin while allowing smooth DHA absorption.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants like vitamins C, E and green tea neutralize free radicals caused by UV and other environmental damage.

Using pure, organic ingredients can put your mind at ease about your spray tanning safety. Always ask your salon about their formula ingredients.

DIY Spray Tanning at Home

While salon spray tans offer the best results, at-home self-tanning kits provide an affordable alternative if proper care is taken.

Benefits of DIY Spray Tans

Spray tanning yourself at home offers a few advantages:

• Lower cost per use compared to salon spray tans
• Convenience of tanning on your own schedule
• Privacy of tanning nude to avoid tan lines
• Ability to reapply frequently to maintain color

However, achieving an evenly blended, professional-looking result is challenging. Arm and hand motions are difficult to properly master.

Tips for Flawless DIY Spray Tans

Follow these tips when using at-home spray tanning kits:

• Invest in a quality airbrush spray tanning system
• Exfoliate and moisturize skin thoroughly before tanning
• Use petroleum jelly to prevent solution absorption on palms, cuticles, lips
• Move sprayer in continuous, overlapping strokes to blend
• Ask someone to help spray hard-to-reach spots
• Rinse spray tanning solution from spray gun immediately after use

Even using professional airbrush equipment takes lots of practice before skillfully self-spraying. Enlist an assistant if needed.

Risks of DIY Spray Tanning

Improper at-home spray tanning can lead to:

• Uneven, streaky color
• Missed spots leaving white patches
• Overspray getting onto surfaces, hair, clothing
• Inhalation of excess spray mist
• Irritation from lower quality solutions

Weigh the risks and benefits before attempting self-spray tans. For most, a professional salon still provides better, safer results.

Other Safe, Sunless Tanning Options

Beyond spray tans, Santa Cruz locals can get a bronzed glow year-round with these safe tanning alternatives:

Tanning Lotions and Creams

Self-tanners containing DHA come in lotions, creams, mousses and gels. Gradual formulas allow you to build color slowly. Tinted varieties also add instant color while the DHA develops.

Tanning Drops

Liquid DHA drops mix into your moisturizer, foundation, body lotion or sunscreen. Add to your existing products for a subtle glow without buying separate tanners.

Tanning Wipes

Single-use tanning wipes let you lightly tan targeted areas like your face, hands, feet or décolletage. The disposable cloths prevent staining hands or sinks.

Tanning Pills

While research is mixed on their efficacy, oral tanning pills containing color additives like carotenoids may offer a sun-kissed tint. Check with your doctor before trying.

Whichever sunless tanning option you choose, moderation is key. Slow, subtle color accumulation looks most natural. And always moisturize diligently to keep your skin healthy.

Achieving a Sun-Kissed Glow Safely

Spray tans and other self-tanning products allow Santa Cruz locals to sport a healthy, bronzed look without hazardous UV exposure. While not completely risk-free, carefully applied spray tans provide a safe alternative to sunbathing or tanning beds.

Choosing an experienced professional technician, organic DHA solutions, and proper post-tan care minimizes any concerns. Combined with protective clothing and sunscreen when outdoors, self-tanning lets you show off your Santa Cruz tan lines worry-free.

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.