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Exfloliation is KeyA few days before you go to Mystic Tan, you should exfoliate your entire body. Use a loofah sponge on your body and a cleanser on your face that contains gentle exfoliants such as apricot seeds or sea salts. Though the mist that hits your body for a 15 seconds on each side seems light, darker coloring can occur on areas of body that are scaly with dead skin. Pay special attention to knees, elbows and any rough patches you might have. -
Application of Barrier CreamOn the day of your appointment, refrain from putting on any makeup or body lotion, but apply a coat of lip balm or Vaseline on your lips. (See Section 5 for why.) Bring loose clothing (or even a bathrobe) and plain, unscented body lotion with you when you go.
Once you are there, you will choose between three levels of darkness with a tanning consultant. Mystic Tan will then give you a hair cover and a "barrier cream" that protects certain areas like your palms, toe nails and fingernails. If you do not apply this properly, you'll get tan on these areas, which can look artificial. (For other precautions, see Section 5.) Next, to ensure even application of the spray, hold your arms out to the side with palms facing down and away from the nozzle as much as possible. Your chin should be tilted up. -
Proper FormThe entire process takes approximately one minute. Each spray itself only lasts for about 15 seconds, depending on the level of darkness you want. Also, note there are voiced instructions to guide you through the process. If it's your first time going, turn your back to the nozzles when you are sprayed the first of two times. You'll be less startled and more likely to stay put. When the first mist begins, turn slowly to your left, and then to your back again. Once the mist stops, turn to face the nozzles. When the second mist starts, shut your eyes and turn slowly to your right side and then to your front again. After you are done, wait another a minute before leaving the booth. - Paper towels will be provided so you can remove the barrier cream. Then rub your unscented lotion on hands and feet, put on your loose clothing or bathrobe, and wait for at least 20 minutes to ensure that your tan has dried. If the weather is hot or humid, you should wait at least 30 minutes.
- While Mystic Tan does offer protective eyewear, most customers choose not use this because of lines. As for breathing in the tanner, nose plugs are suggested but not always offered. Sunless tanning booths like those offered by Mystic Tan and their competitors use dihydroxyacetone (DHA) to darken the skin. While the FDA approved DHA in 1977 for topical uses, this does not mean its safe for mucus membranes or sensitive areas like the lips. Furthermore, the FDA never considered that DHA would be applied as a mist. In fact, some of the chemicals found in DHA are toxic: lead, arsenic and mercury. Therefore it is recommended that you call ahead of time and make sure you will be provided with eye protection and nose filters.
