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Everything you need to know about spray tanning

Spray tanning is the most safe and natural solution to be able to achieve a tan and with many of us not being able to travel abroad to soak up the sun over the past year, some of us will be turning to...

Everything you need to know about spray tanning

Spray tanning is the most safe and natural solution to be able to achieve a tan and with many of us not being able to travel abroad to soak up the sun over the past year, some of us will be turning to sunless tanning to achieve glowing skin.

If you are a beginner for spray tans, you probably have concerns around the colour match, and may think that it will be too dark or appear green/orange. Most sunless tanning products have ingredients in it that match your natural tanning shade or maybe a shade darker. It is there to create a natural, high-quality finish.

Another concern people may have is that the tan does not last as long as a ‘natural’ tan. Yes, a spray tan will wear off quicker than a natural tan as it does not penetrate as deep into the skin but there are some tips and tricks you can follow to get a longer lasting spray tan:

  • Use a product with a high DHA percentage.

Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is the active ingredient in most sunless tanning products which reacts with the dead cells in the skins surface layer to temporarily darken the skin and simulate a tan. The DHA concentration can range from 1% to 20% with most high street bottles containing 3-5% and professional products ranging from 5-20%. The higher percentage you use, the longer your tan will last.

  • Moisturise. 

Moisturising your skin regularly before and after tanning will help to keep the colour even and will stop the tan from fading as quickly. You should moisturise your entire body after showering to create a protective barrier that locks in moisture and colour. However, before your tanning session, you must only moisturise problem areas that are prone to dry skin build-up such as knuckles, elbows, knees, and ankles. This is because fake tan sits better on product-free skin, but it can cling to drier areas.

  • Pat yourself dry

When we get out of the shower, we naturally grab the towel and begin to rub ourselves dry. But to maintain your tan for longer, you need to gently pat your skin dry instead of rubbing it. Doing this will prevent the tan from rubbing off onto your towel which will help it stay on your skin for longer and stop it from going patchy.

  • Prepare your skin

The night before your spray tan is when you ideally need to prep your skin. You need to shave and exfoliate around 12 hours before so that the tan does not seep into your open pores and create the dotting effect on your legs. Avoid using any products which contain oils as this can act as a barrier and prevent your tan from applying correctly. Do not wear make up to your spray tan appointment!

  • Loose clothing

After the spray tan, ensure that you wear loose clothing to avoid the tan coming off your body and transferring onto your clothing. Depending on the tanning product used and the recommended time to wait before you shower, when it comes to showering – do not use soap! Simply let the water wash off that top layer of tan to reveal your glowing skin!  Ensure you use a hydrating moisturiser to lock in the moisture to keep the tan for as long as you can with it fading at an even rate.

Did you know that our Professional Nail policy also includes spray tanning? This policy covers you to work from home, mobile and to rent a space within somebody else’s salon for only £39.50 for the year. Visit www.professionalbeautydirect.co.uk for more information or give us a call on 03456 058 670

 

4th May 2021