Spray tans are becoming a more and more popular beauty treatment in the UK due to the desire for sun-kissed skin without the damaging effects of UV exposure. With a professional spray tan, you can get that desired healthy glow all year round, even in the UK, where the weather is known to be rather unpredictable. Preparation is key to achieving a natural-looking and long-lasting spray tan, and this tutorial covers it all, from getting ready to what to do afterward.
Exploring the World of Spray Tans
The cosmetic process of getting a spray tan is misting the skin with a solution of dihydroxyacetone (DHA). A colourless sugar called DHA reacts with amino acids found in dead skin cells to produce a short-lived darkening effect on the skin. If you want a bronzed look without exposing your skin to the sun’s damaging UV rays or tanning beds, a spray tan is a great option.
Whether you choose a full-body or localised application, the spray tanning procedure usually lasts anywhere from fifteen to thirty minutes. An automated spray booth or a technician’s hand-held spray gun are both used to apply the solution. The effects of a spray tan often become visible within six to twelve hours and, with maintenance, can endure for five to ten days.
How to Get Ready for a Spray Tan
Careful planning is the secret to a perfect spray tan. One day prior to your visit, begin by exfoliating your whole body. Because the spray tan solution tends to pool and look darker in rough places like the elbows, knees, ankles, and feet, be sure to pay special attention to those regions. To make sure your spray tan stays put, use an exfoliant that doesn’t contain oils. Anything oily will just act as a barrier.
Applying perfumes, deodorants, makeup, or moisturisers on the day of your spray tan session could make your tan look uneven. So, it’s best to avoid them. To avoid rubbing your freshly applied spray tan or stains on lighter clothes, it’s best to come to your appointment in loose-fitting dark clothing and flip-flops.
If you’ve never had spray tanning before, it’s a good idea to tell your technician what you hope to achieve. Your chosen effect, be it a faint glow or a deeper bronze, can be attained by simply expressing your choices. Many salons provide spray tan products in varying intensities to accommodate clients with diverse skin tones and desired results.
How to Get a Spray Tan
Depending on your comfort level and the lines you want to create, you will be asked to change into disposable pants or wear your own when you arrive for your spray tan appointment. To totally eliminate tan lines, some people opt to go nude.
To make sure the spray tan solution covers you evenly, the technician will show you many positions to try. Standing with arms extended to the sides, raising them above the head, and circling in various directions is a common way to do this. The automated booth will give you specific directions on where to stand during each spray cycle.
When applied to the skin, the solution has a somewhat wet and chilly texture; also, the majority of formulations contain a guide colour that produces an instant bronze impression. To make sure the spray tan is sprayed evenly, the technician uses this guide colour to see where it has been put. The first shower will remove this temporary tint, so don’t worry about it being permanent.
You may assist the spray tan solution dry after application by using a mild fan. To avoid streaks or smudging, make sure the spray tan dries fully before dressing. Depending on the product, your technician will tell you how long you should wait before taking a shower; typically, it’s anything from six to twelve hours.
How to Maintain Your Spray Tan
Follow these steps after getting a spray tan to make sure it lasts as long as possible. To prolong the life of your spray tan, wait the specified development time before taking a shower. If you must wash, use lukewarm water and steer clear of any soaps, shower gels, or shampoos containing sulphates.
Avoid harsh towel rubbings by gently patting your skin dry after a shower. To ensure an even fade of your spray tan, moisturise your skin regularly with an oil-free moisturiser. Stay away from salt water and chlorinated pools to keep your colour from fading faster. Likewise, for at least the first day following your spray tan, try to avoid strenuous physical activity that makes you perspire excessively.
You should know that exfoliation, hot baths, saunas, steam rooms, and other similar activities will accelerate the fading of your spray tan. To keep your tan looking fresh, you should have a touch-up spray tan every 7–10 days, or as your skin’s natural exfoliation rate dictates.
Most Frequent Spray Tan Issues and Their Resolutions
The risk of looking too orange or unnatural is a major worry for many people who get spray tans. These days, you seldom ever see this problem with spray tans because newer formulas are made to blend in with your skin tone for a more natural look. Picking a trustworthy salon with skilled specialists will greatly lessen the likelihood of an unattractive result.
Another typical problem is uneven fading, which is especially noticeable in folds of skin or regions with increased sebum production, such the inner elbows and the area around the nose. You may keep this issue at bay by moisturising your skin regularly and gently exfoliating a few days following your spray tan.
A patch test should be requested by anyone with sensitive skin before a full-body spray tan is committed to. Although severe responses are uncommon, they sometimes happen, especially in people who are allergic to DHA or any of the other substances in the solution.
When Planning a Spray Tan, Keep the Seasons in Mind
Even though sunshine isn’t always easy to come by in the UK, spray tans allow you to look healthy all year round. In order to avoid uneven fading of your spray tan in the winter, when skin is naturally drier, it is essential to moisturise thoroughly before your appointment and thereafter.
Never skip the sunscreen this summer, especially if you’re planning on getting a spray tan. Many people believe that spray tanning will protect them from the sun’s harmful rays, however this is not the case. No matter how gradual your spray tan is, you should still protect yourself from the sun by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen every time you go outside.
In summary
If you want a sun-kissed look but don’t want to risk sunburn, a spray tan is a great alternative. With the right steps taken before, during, and after the application of a spray tan, you may achieve a healthy glow that will make you feel and look your best. You may get a beautiful spray tan without compromising your skin’s health if you read this article and follow the steps carefully. Whether you’re getting ready for a big event or just want to keep your tan going all year round, a professional spray tan is a great option.