Spray Tan Tips For Choosing The Right Option
Everyone knows that the effects UV rays can be harmfull and we are told that skin cancer is steadily increasing. With the risks of cancer getting higher, many people are opting to take their tanning to a new method. Some choose tanning beds, although those are just as harmful as the sun. Others go to salons and have spray tanning done in booths.
With the development of home-based products, however, more people are putting their tans on at home with over-the-counter tanning sprays and home Spray Tan machines. For those who are new to this phenomenon, here are some home spray tan tips about the two main spray-on options available.
The Basics of Spray Tanning
Spray tanning was first popularized in tanning salons and consists of using a chemical, usually dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which reacts with the skin and changes the color of it to a browner tint. DHA is FDA approved and believed to be quiet safe for people to use. Having spray tanning done in a salon can cost as much as $100.
Home products that do the same thing and are much cheaper. The two main types of home tanning sprays are tanning sprays in cans and aircompressor or airbrush tanning kits. Both of these products generally last a week to ten days, though other additional products, such as tan extenders, can help to lengthen their life.
Spray Tan in a CanTips
Aerosol can type tanning sprays are quick and convenient, taking as little as five minutes to apply. Many have tints in them to assist a beginner in knowing where they have already applied the spray and what areas still need to be done. While they are not generally considered the better of the two spray-tanning options, they are much easier for applications such as touch-ups.
When purchasing an these types of sunless tanning sprays in a can, make sure you get a product that sprays at a decent angle. It can be hard to reach all of the areas of the body if the angle is too shallow. Also, it is important that the spray will work while upside down, as when applying the spray the can will often be at awkward angles. A lower pressure spray is better for reducing the mess that must be cleaned up when done.
When the body has been freshly washed and exfoliated sprays will produce a better looking and longer lasting tan. One should also avoid showering for at least six hours after the application to preserve the tan while it sets. One may need to try a variety of products before finding the right mix of comfort, convenience and color.
Spray tan in cans are considered to be better for touch ups or when time and convenience is a factor in applying the tan. Almost all of these products contain alcohol, which can dry the skin and potentially cause inflammation or irritation. Alcohol can also sting on areas of the skin that have been recently shaved or exfoliated.
Prolonged use of aerosol sunless tanning sprays can have a tendency to dehydrate the skin over time, so one should look towards switching off to other products occasionally, particularly to those with moisturizers in them. Choosing a product with lower alcohol content may help to alleviate some of these problems.
Airbrush Tanning Tips 
Airbrush tanning consists of an air compressor and an airbrush that are used to apply a tanning solution to the skin in a precision manner. These types of sunless tans generally last a week although long showers, hot tubs and chlorine will cause them to fade quicker. They take about 20 minutes to apply and the tan is fully developed in around eight hours. There are now many different Home Spray On Tan machines on the market today starting from $150.
When purchasing an airbrush tanning solution a ratio of eight percent DHA is best for lighter skin. Ratios of up to 12 percent are available for those who prefer a much darker tan. As with aerosol sprays, one should make sure to wash and exfoliate the skin before applying it. All make-up, deodorants and moisturizers should be thoroughly cleaned from the body as well.
After the tanning spray has been applied, one should wear loose clothing for a while until the tan has set, or it may rub off onto clothes and potentially stain them. Many people choose to apply their tan right before bed in order to avoid this hazard. Sometimes certain areas of the body such as the hands, feet, knees, belly button, ankles and elbows may end up a darker shade due to their sensitivity. Putting moisturizer on these areas can help to prevent this and keep the tan even.
The benefits of using the airbrush kits are that they are much more precise than aerosol spray tans which creates a more even tan. They are also relatively cheap, costing around three dollars per application.
The main disadvantage of airbrush sunless tan system is that the equipment to use them must be packed along if going somewhere, like on vacation, and can be potentially lost or broken. Also, since they require more time, it is something that must be done on a schedule instead of spontaneously.
A few more spray tan tips concern health and safety when using them. Neither of these products protects the skin from the sun’s rays, so sunscreens are still needed for skin safety. Also, some spray tans may contain questionable ingredients in addition to the DHA, so an understanding of those ingredients and potential allergic reactions is a must. If in doubt, one should consult a health professional about the safety of using these products.