Why Spray Tanning is better than using a Sun Bed – 3 Scary Reasons

Spray Tans have come a long way from that almost luminescent orange glow or uneven blotchiness we’ve seen as the punch line for many of our favourite TV moments. For instance when Ross screws up his counting in the spray tan booth repeatedly on “Friends” and ends up with half of his body sprayed.

Technology, research and use of ingredients for the development of pigmentation in spray tans has come so far now, which is why a spray tan should be the obvious choice when trying to achieve a sun-kissed glow. In this day and age we know what the sun can do to our skin. We have so much information at our finger-tips yet many of us still throw ourselves out into the sun with no protection.

We know that over exposure to the sun will cause premature wrinkles and age spots because it reduces the availability of collagen and hyaluronic acid that maintain our skins suppleness. However, there are health reasons for not using a tanning bed or throwing ourselves into the sun to bake. Medical professionals remind us of them over and over again. So just for good measure we are going to remind them of you here:

Cataracts – Cataracts are when our bodies natural proteins clump together and cause a clouding over our eyes lens. This can happen with age. However, the suns UV rays will increase the risk of this and speed up the process.
Skin Cancer – Basel and Squamous cell cancer are the over production of skin cells, they are directly related to the sun and need to be caught and treated early.
Immune Suppressions – As mentioned in our “Facemasks” article, the skin is our body’s largest organ and is a part of our immune system. The skin protects our body from the outside and when damaged by the sun will not function to its full capacity.

So with all of these negative side effects from the sun and the concern have an uneven, blotchy tan or turning orange. What are the best precautions we can take when going for a spray tan? Our friends at Vita Liberata a UK based company have given us some phenomenal pre and post spray tan advice because once sprayed onto the body most tans take a few hours to develop the glow:

Pre-Spray Tan

Shower and exfoliate the day of your tan, because this will help remove dead skin meaning that the next layer will be tanned therefore lasting longer. Avoid the use of products that contain essential oils as they make the tan fade faster.
Hair removal should be done no less than 24 hours prior to your spray tan session. This gives time for the follicles to close preventing blockage from the tanning products.
Do not wear make-up, deodorant or skin products to the appointment and avoid moisturizing no less than 24 hours prior to you tan because you want the tan to take to your skin.

Post- Spray Tan

After your spray tan, avoid wearing underwear and skin-tight clothing because it may rub on the spray tan product and leave undesirable marks. Loose clothing and flip-flops are best.
Do not get wet (this included getting your hands wet) as this will affect the development of the tan that usually takes a few hours to see the full effects of the colour.
Do not touch your skin immediately after your spray tan because the bronzer will transfer to your palms and they too will have a glow.
Do not wax or shave for at least 24 after your spray tan as these remove a layer of skin including a tan.
Do moisturize twice daily after the tan, again avoid using products that contain essential oils because they make the tan fade faster.Vita Liberata are experts in spray tans, they use certified organic botanicals in their products and are used by most Victoria Secret and Sports Illustrated models because of the even, healthy glow it creates and the natural way it fades.

So unlike Ross from “Friends” ensure you listen to and work with and consult your beauty professional on your spray tan. Follow directions and our useful tips and ask what the best shade of bronzer is most suitable for your complexion. You don’t want to over tan!