SPRAY TANNING 101!
It’s officially summer and we are super excited sweet!
Suns out, legs out, and good vibes all around.
What better time than now to book in for a spray tan?
Now we’ve been tanning for almost four years and we get asked LOTS of tanning questions. From, ‘what's the tanning solution made of? How long does it last? Is it suited to all skin tones?’ To ‘Will it cover pre-existing hyperpigmentation’, just to name a few. We thought it was a great time to answer some of our most frequently asked questions regarding the spray tan.
We hope the below helps!
What exactly is a spray tan?
Spray tanning is a form of self-tanning (or sunless tanning) where a fine mist of ‘tanning solution’ is sprayed onto the body to create an even, bronzed sunless tan.
2. What is the tanning solution made from?
The main ingredient contained in tanning solutions is called Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) which is primarily derived from sugar beets and sugar cane. It’s a chemical that reacts with the dead skin cells (amino acids) on the surface of your skin (epidermis) which as a result produce different tones of colour or pigments known as melanoids.
3. What does the spray tanning process consist of?
For the best results, the skin should be clean, dry, and moisturiser free. If you decide to remove your body hair, hair removal should be done 24 hours before your spray tanning appointment (unless you are sugaring, this can be done on the same day of your spray tanning. As long as the skin does not look compromised in any way. This is because the sugar paste helps to prepare the skin by slightly exfoliating it).
We then apply barrier cream to the areas we don’t want the tanning solution to adhere to or not want to make darker (elbows, hands, nails, toes, soles of feet, and any scarring/overly dry areas). Once the skin is prepped, you will be sprayed with a fine mist of tanning solution all over the body following a particular routine. This is to ensure that you get even coverage whilst being sprayed. Depending on your skin shade and desired shade, will determine how many coats you are sprayed with. However, typically you will be sprayed twice with the first later being heavier than the second. Areas that tend to be sprayed lighter are the face, hands, and feet. This is to ensure the finished results look more natural.
Once you have been sprayed, you will be dried with warm air to help seal the tan into the skin. Then the areas that received barrier cream would be wiped off with an exfoliant wipe to wipe off any excess solution. You will then be given aftercare as well as the preferred time to rinse the tanning solution off.
After rinsing off, your tan will be ready to flaunt ;)
4. How do you decide what shade and solution are best for me?
During your client consultation, your S&S Tech will ask you what your desired shade is, whilst assessing your current skin tone. This will help to decide what solution is best for your shade of skin, as well as how long you should keep the tanning solution on before rinsing off.
At S&S, we like to achieve more natural results so we will advise you to start with a slightly lighter shade and gradually build the shade darker (should you want to go darker).
Do not worry about looking orange, all of our solutions give natural-looking results.
5. Does a spray tan cover hyperpigmentation or discoloration?
Unfortunately, a spray tan won’t completely cover any pre-existing hyperpigmentation or discoloration. However, it can help camouflage small blemishes.
A spray tan's primary role is to give you a more even skin tone and enhance the natural beauty and glow of your skin. To many, it’s a confidence booster.
6. How long does a spray tan last?
Typically a spray tan will last between 5-7 days, however, this does depend on how well you are following aftercare advice. For more on spray tanning aftercare, read our previous blog here.
7. Is spray tanning safe on the skin?
Yes, the ingredients in most spray tan formulas are FDA-approved and do not have any known adverse side effects. When used appropriately, the DHA levels in spray tan solutions are considered safe for external use on the skin.
8. Is a spray tan suitable for all shades?
Yes!
At S&S we’re all about celebrating all shades, shapes, and sizes. Our S&S Techs are more than equipped to advise you on what solution is best for your skin tone to achieve the desired body glow you would like.
9. Am I protected from UV exposure with a spray tan?
No, you are not!
Please ensure you wear your SPF, with or without a spray tan. Out in the sun or on cloudy days. Wearing SPF, protects you from exposure to UV radiation which can cause wrinkles, discoloration, and even skin cancer. It's advisable that you apply SPF daily and frequently.
10. Is a spray tan only best to book in the summer or for special occasions?
Nope, the beauty of a spray tan is that it can be booked all year round!
Of course, a spray tan is great for a holiday, wedding, party, or prom, but a spray tan is also something that can be added to your monthly self-care routine.
So if you’ve been going back and forth on whether or not a spray tan is for you, we hope these questions have helped answer any questions you may have had.
Remember, a spray tan can be your go-to look or just a fun extra glow for special occasions. DM us on Instagram if you want to know more about booking with us.
Speak soon sweet,
Team S&S