Spray Tan Styles
Years ago the only way to get a natural looking tan was to lay in the sun, basting with baby oil and cocoa butter. Spray tanning has become popular for its lack of ultraviolet rays -- UV can be harmful over extended periods of exposure. Spray tan is also convenient as it allows you to achieve a deep, dark tan at home or a salon. Does this Spark an idea?
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At Home Spray Tanning
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An at-home spray tan comes in either an aerosol or spray pump bottle. They are not easy to apply by yourself. To achieve a satisfactory result, you should have a friend assist in the spray tan application. Prior to spraying, your skin should be exfoliated, and no lotions should be used. The spray must be applied evenly to avoid streaks. Avoid areas such as the soles of your feet. If your face is to be sprayed, use extra care not to spray your eyes or inhale too much of the tanning spray. Also avoid showering for at least 12 hours after application. The tan develops within 12 to 24 hours and lasts approximately five days before re-application is necessary. Expect to pay between $20 and $100 depending on the brand.
Booth Spray Tans
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Most tanning salons offer a spray tanning booth. There is usually more than one shade of bronzer to choose from. For a first time booth tan it is better to choose a lighter shade. More color can be added if it is too light. Salons provide a disposable cap to protect your hair, and booties to keep the soles of your feet color-free. A protective cream is also provided that covers dry areas such as knees and elbows. This method requires you to stand naked in a booth, arms outstretched and legs apart while sprayed with a bronzing mist. The automated system tells you when to turn over. After the misting, the tan must be allowed to dry before you re-dress. It takes 12 hours for the tan develop. This tanning method can be uncomfortable, as it is difficult to breathe while misting. Booth spray tans usually charge between $20 and $65 depending on the package purchased and they last approximately one week.
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Air-Brush Tanning
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Air-brush tanning is usually done at a day spa. It is the most costly of the three spray tanning styles -- but with an expert applying the tan, it is the spray tanning style that turns out the best. There are various shades of bronzer to choose from. Air-brushing is a controlled flow of tanning spray applied to every exposed surface of the body -- including under the breasts and beneath the buttocks. The tan should be applied after exfoliating with sea-salt or another exfoliant. After the air-brush spray application, avoid showering for 12 hours as the tan fully develops. Air-brush tans range from $50 to $150.
How to Make A Spray Tan Successful
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Exfoliate your skin prior to the spray tan. Exfoliation is the most important preparation that can be done before a spray tan. Sea-salt is an excellent choice for exfoliating, as are a loofah and a skin scrub brush. Do not rub so hard as to break the skin. Shaving or waxing should be done prior to tanning. No perfumes, lotions or deodorants should be worn when getting a spray tan as they can prevent a tan from developing. Once the tan materializes, keep scrubbing your skin with soap when showering to a minimum -- this extends the life of the tan, as does the use of a moisturizer. Use a sunscreen of at least 15 SPF. A spray tan does not protect skin from sun damage or sunburn.
Correcting A Bad Spray Tan
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Even the best preparation does not guarantee a streak-free spray tan. Occasionally some touch-up work needs to be done. The most common touch up is removing orange marks from the soles of feet and the palms of hands. Using an exfoliant such as sea-salt or apricot can eliminate much of the discoloration, but the best way to remove the orange color from your feet is with a pumice stone or pedicure egg. However, color can not be added without re-tanning. If there are dark streaks around an area with less color, lemon juice will help fade them a bit. Cut a lemon in half and start rubbing the darker streaks with the inside of the lemon. Powder cosmetics can also be used to blend streaks if they are in areas that are exposed. Use a large brush applicator to blend the powder on the problem areas.
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References
- Photo Credit Ralf Nau/Lifesize/Getty Images
