Airbrush Tanning And Spray Tanning
Airbrush tanning and
spray tanning
are becoming
increasingly popular as more and more people give
up
tanning beds
in search of UV-free alternatives.
These two sunless tanning methods use an
airbrush
and compressed air to distribute
the tanning solution over the body. Some of the
better sunless tanning systems can even polarize
the spray, ensuring an even distribution of airbrush
tanning solution, resulting in a perfect tan.
The active ingredient in the sunless tanning solution
used with airbrush tanning and spray-on tanning is
dihydroxyacetone
(DHA). DHA is a non-toxic colorless sugar which gives
us the tanned color. With airbrush tanning and
spray tanning
there is sometimes a color bronzer mixed into
this solution; this is used to give immediate color,
but is nothing more than make-up.
Airbrush tanning and spray-on tanning are two different,
but similar, methods for applying sunless tanning
solution. With
airbrush tanning,
a tanning professional
delivers the tan using an airbrush tanning system. This
form of delivery can sometimes be uncomfortable for those
who dislike standing naked in front of a complete stranger.
However, this method of
sunless tanning
is ideal if you're
looking to blend or enhance a natural tan and cover-up tan
lines. The professionals really know how to do a great job.
With spray-on tanning it's administered inside an enclosed
spray tanning booth. These spray tanning booths can have
up to 36 spray heads that deliver the sunless tanning
solution. When using such booths you should be given
instructions on how to move inside the spray chamber to
ensure an even distribution of tanning solution. For
example, they may ask you to walk in one spot while the
sunless tanning solution is sprayed.
Following your airbrush tanning or spray tanning session
your skin will feel tacky until the solution fully dries.
During this time you'll want to minimize contact with
pretty much everything. The chemicals, particularly
DHA,
from the tanning solution have been known to stain clothing and
furniture if not given sufficient time to dry. Also be sure to avoid any contact with water,
as it will leave unattractive blotchy spots. In general
your
spray on tan
will begin to develop 2 to 3 hours after
your airbrush tanning or spray tanning visit.
As with other
fake tanning methods
the
sunless tan
resulting from airbrush tanning and
spray-on tanning generally lasts for five to seven days
after the last application. Sunless tans fade as dead skin
cells are naturally sloughed off. To ensure you don't lose
your
spray tan,
visit your sunless tanning salon regularly,
at least every three to four days depending on the shade of
tan desired.
Sunless tanning products,
including airbrush and spray-on
tanning, do not protect against UV exposure, nor aid in the
production of vitamin D. Prior to any UV exposure it is
recommended to use a quality
sunscreen,
sunblock, or
SPF moisturizer
before venturing outdoors.
