As warm weather approaches, the idea of exposing pale skin to the elements can be frightening.If you want to get your skin ready for the summer, spray tanning is the way to go.You can achieve a flawless, sun-kissed look by taking preventive measures before and after your spray tanning session.
Step 1: Take care of yourself before your appointment.
It is a good idea to shave and wax the day before your appointment in order to get an even tan.You can use a water based exfoliant, a coarse salt or sugar based scrub, loofah, or washcloth to accomplish this.The spray tan solution will not evenly apply to your skin if you use an oil-based scrub.You should shave or wax at least 48 hours before your appointment in order to allow the pores to close.The tan is prevented from being dotted.
Step 2: Don't wear perfume, makeup, or jewelry.
If you don't remove these items before your appointment, there will be barriers between the spray tan solution and the skin.If you arrive to your appointment straight from work or another function, many salons will give you wipes that you can use to remove makeup.
Step 3: There should be proper clothing in the pack.
You should bring loose fitting clothing, dark clothing and flipflops to your appointment to wear after your spray tan.The spray solution might rub off on tight fitting clothing and shoes.Bring a hairnet or cap to protect your hair.It is best to wear dark clothing because most spray solutions will come out in the wash.Immediately after your appointment, do not wear socks with sneakers, slide-ons or ballet flats.If you wear socks, they can make your skin look different in your spray tan.If bad weather is in the forecast, you should pack appropriate rain gear since it can ruin the tan.
Step 4: You can bring an old bathing suit.
If you spray tan with clothing on pack undergarments that you do not mind ruining since the solution may rub off on them.Your tan lines will be reflected in any garment you wear during the session.Think about what you will wear during the next week.If you are getting married in a dress with straps, you would not want to wear a bra during the session.Should you choose not to bring your own paper garments will often be provided by the salon.
Step 5: You should arrive to your appointment early.
This will give you enough time to remove makeup, clothing, and jewelry without being rushed.
Step 6: To absorb sweat, ask for a cloth or wipe.
If you have perspired during your ride to the salon, you should either pack a towel or ask for one.When spray tan solution is applied, this will help reduce streaks.
Step 7: Consider a spray tan trial.
It is possible to do a test trial before the big day in order to make sure the tan will turn out how you imagined.If you want your tan to last longer for an event, you may want to have a darker spray.
Step 8: Inform the technician about any sensitive skin areas.
If you have dry skin patches, wounds, or allergies your technician should be aware so they can give you advice on how to deal with these areas.Your appointment may cause dry skin to fade more quickly.You can apply self-tanner to these areas.If you have open wounds, you should not use spray tanning.
Step 9: Bring a photo that shows your coloring.
To make sure your technician understands the shade of tan, it is helpful to bring along a photograph to demonstrate how you want to look.Bring a picture of yourself with a tan or a celebrity with coloring you want.
Step 10: Discuss with your technician if you want to go topless or nude.
There is no need to be shy if you prefer no tan lines.
Step 11: The technician has directions.
The technician will give you instructions on how to stand and when to turn before the spray tan.If you're unsure of the process, be sure to ask for clarifications since miscommunication could lead to an even tan.A spray tan session lasts about 5 minutes.If you don't want spray solution to accumulate on certain parts of the body, either you or your technician will apply lotion or petroleum jelly.There are spaces between toes and elbows in these areas.The technician will usually start spraying from the top down.They will tell you when to turn.The spray tan solution can be quite cold.The technician has instructions on how to stand and when to lift arms, so be aware of them.
Step 12: Allow the spray solution to dry completely.
The process can be sped up with special machines.Put on your dark clothing and shoes after you are dry.It's best not to wear a bra or anything that may rub the tan solution.The drying process can be aided with a machine.Carrying a heavy purse or backpack on your shoulders will cause unnecessary contact with your skin that could result in the spray tan solution rubbing off.
Step 13: For 8 hours, avoid showering and strenuous activity.
If you can clear your schedule for these 8 hours, you will be able to relax at home.The spray tan solution will be darker before you wash it off, so the technician can see where they have sprayed.You might not want to go back to work or a public place if this is the case.If you want to avoid getting on your furniture, lay a dark sheet over your couch or bed for 8 hours.While you wait for the spray tan to set, relax by watching television, reading, or another quiet activity.Don't engage in activities that can cause rubbing of the spray tan solution on your skin.
Step 14: Take a shower.
After 8 hours of no showering or sweating, you can now take a shower.To prevent the loss of tan coloring, take a warm, quick shower.When showering, do not use hot water or baths that are too long since these will cause the tan to fade more quickly.The tan will fade if you scrub your skin excessively.Rub your skin dry after showering.
Step 15: Make your skin soft.
If you want to increase the longevity of your tan, you should use caution after showering.It's a good idea to use a lotion that isn't fragrant.If you want a spray tan that doesn't affect your tan through application, you may want to buy a speciality spray lotion.
Step 16: Don't use chlorine.
Try to reduce pool time because chlorine will diminish the length of your tan.The combination of hot water and chlorine is harmful to spray tans.
Step 17: Exercise in moderation.
If you want to exercise, you should wait at least two full days before doing workouts that will involve a lot of sweating.sweating causes the tan to disappear faster so you may want to moderate the intensity of your workouts.You can choose to do a gentle yoga workout instead of an intense run.
Step 18: Spa treatments and products are not recommended.
The color of the spray tan might break down if some spa activities react poorly.These include massage, scrubs, masks, manicures and pedicures.Before your spray tan appointment, you should receive any spa treatments at least 48 hours before.Don't use products with alcohol or retinols.
Step 19: Put self-tanner on.
If you want to prolong the life of your spray tan, you can use a makeup sponge to apply a gradual self-tanner to the problem areas.