Get Your Spray Tan on this Winter in Parker, Colorado!

When you’re looking for a healthy glow at any time of year, spray tanning offers a safe, high-tech remedy for those winter blahs. It’s an ideal way to add a little color to your complexion without damaging your skin.

However, the experience will be enhanced with a little information and preparation before you book an appointment at a local medspa or salon.

The Basics of Sunless Tanning

Sunless tanning products and spray tans are a great way to get a sun-kissed glow without suffering the aging effects of ultraviolet rays. They work by interacting with cells on the surface of your skin, darkening it to give you the appearance of being tanned. You can get the effect from at-home tanning lotions, creams, or sprays that you can purchase over the counter as well as at salons and medspas.

There are also so-called tanning pills, but those aren’t as effective as spray-on solutions. Many times, you’ll end up with an unnatural-looking orange pallor instead of a healthy bronzed glow. The active ingredient in these pills is canthaxanthin, another color additive that can also be dangerous in large amounts. The side effects range from hives to liver damage and impaired vision.

According to research, there are no dangerous side effects or health issues with spray tanning products or the procedure itself, as long as you follow directions. The main ingredient in most spray tanning solutions, a color additive called dihydroxyacetone (DHA), is approved by the FDA for topical use. However, it shouldn’t be inhaled or allowed to penetrate mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, or mouth.

Before, During, and After Spray Tanning

Preparing for Your Spray Tanning Experience

Your skin provides the foundation flawless results. Even if you’ve tried spray tanning before, there are some things you can do in advance to ensure an even, lasting tan.

Although you can buy products at any health and beauty store to get sunless tanning results at home, the effects are often uneven and the products vary in quality. You’ll end up with streaks, areas of untreated skin, and darker patches at elbows and knee joints.

The best way to achieve the benefits of sunless tanning is to get a spray tan that uses state-of-the-art equipment and quality products applied by an experienced salon technician.

The most important step for pre-tan prep is to exfoliate. Tanning solutions only dye the outer layer of your skin, so smooth, exfoliated skin will provide you with a brighter glow, adhere better to the surface, last longer.

Some skincare specialists recommend exfoliating every day for three days before your first appointment, but you can do a thorough job the night before with a loofah or sugar scrub. Shower at least eight hours before your appointment.

Moisturize the day you’re going for your sunless tanning session using a water-based moisturizer. Any product that contains oils is going to prevent the tanning solution from properly coating your skin.

Pay special attention to knees and elbows, as these areas tend to have drier, thicker skin and end up slightly darker than other areas of the body. Don’t apply makeup, perfume, or deodorant before you go to the medspa for your session.

Your First Tanning Session

Make sure to wear loose-fitting clothing in any color but white when you go to the salon for your first tanning session. This will reduce the chances of any excess rubbing off on your clothing if the solution isn’t fully dried before you leave. After your session, Wait about 10 – 15 minutes before getting dressed.

The process itself will take from 5 – 25 minutes depending on if you’re using a spray tan booth or getting the full airbrush treatment. Once the treatment is complete, your technician will provide you with specific after-care guidelines according to the products and techniques used during your session.

In general, you’ll be given paper underwear to use for the first few hours to avoid panty lines and tight-fitting undergarments that could remove some of the solution. It’s best to avoid tight clothing for the first 24 hours and wait at least six hours to shower.

Don’t go any longer than 12 hours without showering or you could end up with streaks. However, you should wipe the skin in joints and folds as well as on the hands and feet immediately after the spray tan to remove excess.

Caring for Your Skin After Spray Tanning

After your spray tan, there are some basics that will ensure longer-lasting results. Because the tanning solution dyes the outer layer of skin, the tan won’t fade until those cells are sloughed off, a process that takes about seven days.

You shouldn’t use deodorant or antiperspirants after because they contain ingredients that interact with the DHA. Use natural, chemical-free products that don’t contain oils or baby powder. Sweat can also cause streaks and uneven areas, so use these products in the bend of your elbow, behind the knees, and under the butt as well as your underarms.

Be careful shaving your legs or have them waxed a few days before you get your spray tan. Shower normally using lukewarm water, and exfoliate lightly every 2 – 3 days. The effects of a sunless tanner last for up to a week. You can top off the look with self-tanners between sessions. The better the before and aftercare, the more beautiful and lasting the results.

Book an Appointment

The basis for a glowing, more youthful appearance is daily care and regular skin treatments that go beyond what you can achieve on your own at home. In addition to high-quality, lasting spray tanning, Timeless Aesthetics Beauty Lounge offers cutting-edge technology and services that will leave you looking and feeling amazing at any time of year.

Making your winter holiday plans? Now is the ideal time to book an appointment for spray tanning in Parker that’s personalized for just for you.