What is a Spray Tan?
Want a golden glow without the health risks associated with UV rays? Spray tanning is a safe alternative to sun exposure that leaves the skin with a flawless bronzed beach look. Spray tan solution is airbrushed by hand to create an even, perfect tan. You have the option to wear what you feel the most comfortable in, keep in mind whatever you wear will leave a tan line, if you chose to wear a swimsuit or undergarments, it is best to chose darker options so that the solution does not stain them. Your spray tan at Stratum Aesthetics has the option to upgrade with a CBD Additive, or a Skin Firming Additive for just $5!
How Does a Spray Tan Work?
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the most effective sunless tanning products contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA) as the active ingredient. DHA is a colorless chemical (it is derived from glycerin) that interacts with the amino acids in dead skin cells to produce a brown color change
What is DHA and how does it work
Dihydroxyacetone or DHA, also known as glycerone, is a simple carbohydrate. It is typically derived from sugar beets and sugar cane. This skin browning effect is non-toxic, and not a dye. DHA reacts chemically with the amino acids in the skin, which are part of the protein containing keratin layer on the skin surface. Various amino acids react differently to DHA, producing different tones of coloration from yellow to brown. The resulting pigments are called melanoidans. These are similar in coloration to melanin, the natural substance in the deeper skin layers which brown or “tan”, from exposure to UV rays, but without the harmful side effects caused by UV rays.
What is DHA and how does it work
Dihydroxyacetone or DHA, also known as glycerone, is a simple carbohydrate. It is typically derived from sugar beets and sugar cane. This skin browning effect is non-toxic, and not a dye. DHA reacts chemically with the amino acids in the skin, which are part of the protein containing keratin layer on the skin surface. Various amino acids react differently to DHA, producing different tones of coloration from yellow to brown. The resulting pigments are called melanoidans. These are similar in coloration to melanin, the natural substance in the deeper skin layers which brown or “tan”, from exposure to UV rays, but without the harmful side effects caused by UV rays.
How Do I Get The Most Flawless Spray Tan Possible?
PRE-TAN PREPARATION
The most important pre-tan step is to exfoliate the skin. If you exfoliate regularly, then 24 hours prior to the session is acceptable. If you do not exfoliate regularly, then plan to exfoliate 12-24 hours prior to your spray tanning session. This should be done at least twice before the spray tanning session. I recommend using exfoliating body gloves which can be purchased in person at Stratum Aesthetics!
Exfoliation is a natural skin process that occurs daily. Different areas of the skin exfoliate at different rates and that is why it is important to exfoliate your skin properly. Over a 28-day period, the skin is completely “recycled” and new skin has taken its place. Every week 25% of the skin dies off and either sits on top of the skin or is exfoliated off. Therefore, the skin starts to fade, both with a sunless and UV tan. If exfoliation is not done properly, the sunless application will be applied to dead skin cells that will fall off within a day or two. Properly exfoliated skin will leave you with fresh, new skin that is ready for the tan absorption!
Showering and exfoliation should be done at least FOUR hours prior to the spray tanning session. You should only use warm water to rinse your body off as many commonly used soaps, conditioners and body washes can leave a residue on the skin. This residue can act as a barrier to the sunless tanning solution. Showering immediately before the session could cause pores to open allowing the solution to penetrate, causing a “freckled” look.
The most important pre-tan step is to exfoliate the skin. If you exfoliate regularly, then 24 hours prior to the session is acceptable. If you do not exfoliate regularly, then plan to exfoliate 12-24 hours prior to your spray tanning session. This should be done at least twice before the spray tanning session. I recommend using exfoliating body gloves which can be purchased in person at Stratum Aesthetics!
Exfoliation is a natural skin process that occurs daily. Different areas of the skin exfoliate at different rates and that is why it is important to exfoliate your skin properly. Over a 28-day period, the skin is completely “recycled” and new skin has taken its place. Every week 25% of the skin dies off and either sits on top of the skin or is exfoliated off. Therefore, the skin starts to fade, both with a sunless and UV tan. If exfoliation is not done properly, the sunless application will be applied to dead skin cells that will fall off within a day or two. Properly exfoliated skin will leave you with fresh, new skin that is ready for the tan absorption!
Showering and exfoliation should be done at least FOUR hours prior to the spray tanning session. You should only use warm water to rinse your body off as many commonly used soaps, conditioners and body washes can leave a residue on the skin. This residue can act as a barrier to the sunless tanning solution. Showering immediately before the session could cause pores to open allowing the solution to penetrate, causing a “freckled” look.
DAY OF SESSION
No lotions, makeups, deodorant, perfume or any other products should be used after the day of the tan. These products will, create a barrier for the sunless tanning solution.
It is recommended to wear dark, loose fitting clothing and open toe sandals to your session. Wearing long-sleeved shirt and pants to the session will avoid skin-to-skin contact, which is is important. Tight clothing will rub on the skin and could affect the overall outcome of the tan.
No lotions, makeups, deodorant, perfume or any other products should be used after the day of the tan. These products will, create a barrier for the sunless tanning solution.
It is recommended to wear dark, loose fitting clothing and open toe sandals to your session. Wearing long-sleeved shirt and pants to the session will avoid skin-to-skin contact, which is is important. Tight clothing will rub on the skin and could affect the overall outcome of the tan.
When should I shower?
It is recommended to wait 6-8 hours after being sprayed to shower. During your shower, it is recommended to cleanse the body with a simple, moisturizing body wash and your hands (do not use a loofah or exfoliating gloves).
It is recommended to wait 6-8 hours after being sprayed to shower. During your shower, it is recommended to cleanse the body with a simple, moisturizing body wash and your hands (do not use a loofah or exfoliating gloves).
POST TANNING CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Proper post sunless care is essential to maintain a sunless tan. Below is a list of recommendations for post sunless care.
Proper post sunless care is essential to maintain a sunless tan. Below is a list of recommendations for post sunless care.
- Maintain a good moisturizing routine. This includes use of a moisturizing lotion twice a day. It is important to always stay hydrated from the inside out. Moisturizing of the skin should be done immediately following the shower. This helps lock in some of the moisture absorbed by the skin during the shower. (I recommend Color Up Therapeutics Body Lotion which can be purchased at your spray tanning appointment).
- Take warm showers as opposed to hot showers, hot showers can dry the skin, causing it to slough off more quickly.
- “Pat” dry when you the exit the shower. Rubbing the skin in any way is going to speed up the exfoliation process.
- Avoid contact with abrasive products. Many skin care products contain ingredients, such as mineral oil, which are detrimental to a sunless spray tan. It is also recommended to avoid body wash with micro beads or texture which can exfoliate a tan before intended.
- Avoid sweating as much as possible. It is not uncommon for sunless tans to last for a shorter period during the summer months. Sweat causes dead skin to accumulate quicker, therefore the skin will exfoliate at a faster rate.
- Shaving will exfoliate the skin, avoid shaving, or if necessary, shave with a new, sharp razor blade.
- Avoid excessive water submersion. The chlorine in pools will affect the wear and fade of the tan. Hot tubs cause the skin to be warm and exfoliate at a faster rate. The ocean contains sand in the water which can act as an exfoliator. If you are going to go on vacation and will be in the water, make sure to keep up with post care maintenance.