Does A Healthy Tan Exist? Yes!
There is a reason the saying "tan fat looks better than white fat," is so popular. My thighs definitely look thinner when tan. Some go the extreme of the "the darker the better" but the fact is that the majority of us look and feel better with a healthy glow. Other than having a slimming effect, a tan can help hide skin conditions, varicose veins and tan lines. Excessive UV exposure can lead to skin cancer and premature aging, so how does one achieve a healthy tan? Fake it!
Is spray tanning safe?
All signs and research point to yes. Spray tanning reacts only with the skin's stratum corneum (outermost layer of the skin), and does not penetrate into the skin. The tanning solution and subsequent reaction is non-toxic to the skin; there is no link between sunless tanning and skin cancer.
The FDA recommends avoiding inhalation and ingestion until further testing is accomplished. To adequately protect from this, several measures can be put in place and include covering mucous membranes during a session, and making sure adequate ventilation is provided in the spray tan environment to prevent excess spray exposure, and closing your mouth and holding your breath during facial spraying. These are simple steps to ensure that your spray tan is as safe as possible.
Even though you may look tan, a spray tan does not contain sunscreen and does not provide any protection against sunburn. Sunscreen is still recommended when in the sun.
What are the ingredients in the spray tan solutions?
spray tan solutions vary with their ingredient list much like cosmetics and skin care products. There are hundreds of different brands and similar to cosmetics and other skin care products, they can contain a broad range of ingredients. Some manufacturers use harsh additives, chemicals and preservatives. Since the initial founding of sunless tanners, spray tan solutions have come a long way with regards to ingredients, color, scent and durability. There are now options that are comprised with over 90% organic and natural ingredients.
In addition, many high quality, natural solutions contain anti-oxidants to decrease/minimize free-radical production. There are numerous custom spray tan solutions that are paraben-free, alcohol-free, fragrance-free, mineral oil-free, glycol-free phthalate-free and sulphate-free.
Be aware:
There are still plenty of brands that are harsh and full of chemicals. Don't be afraid to do your research and confirm that your spray tan technician is using healthier options for your glow. A lot of spray tan businesses and technicians use them, so ask your technician to show you an ingredient list. If your spray tan technician cannot properly educate you on ingredients, consider going somewhere else. With the variety of solutions available, there is no reason that you need to use one that isn't as healthy and natural as possible.
What is dihydroxyacetone (DHA)?
Dihydroxyacetone is an ingredient derived from sugar beets and sugar cane through a fermentation process. Dihydroxyacetone was first used to treat diabetics, as some patients were more tolerant to dihydroxyacetone than to glucose. DHA is the only self-tanning agent that the FDA has authorized in self-tanning products. DHA has been approved for external use resulting in the precautions and recommendations towards avoiding ingestion and inhalation. DHA for sunless tanning should not be confused with Docosahexaenoic acid, another "DHA" commonly used in food supplements.
How does self tanning or spray tanning work?
Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) reacts chemically with amino acide groups, which are part of the protein-containing keratin layer on the skin surface. This reaction causes a skin-browning effect, which is non-toxic.
How is a "custom" spray tan better/different from a self-tanning lotion or spray tan in a booth?
Many self-tanning lotions and spray tan booths use a LOWER QUALITY DHA which result in orange tones. Spray tan booths are entirely automated and do not know the location of your body parts, thus the nickname "car wash" fits accordingly. Self-tanning lotions are difficult to apply evenly and create a challenge when trying to achieve a natural looking, blended result.
Typically, these disadvantages of booth spray tanning or self application are evident after application of the tan, which ca be extremely difficult to fix after the tan has developed. A custom spray tan applied by a skilled and experienced technician is the most detailed application available.
Other than application of the color, the technician focuses on contouring body parts to create definition and highlights to help them look their best. The technician can truly create a natural looking spray tan by personally selecting a solution that is applicable for your skin tone, creating lighter areas on the body similar to what one would experience from a suntan, and provide additional detail to any areas of concern.
How long will it last?
On average, a spray tan can last from 5-10 days. This range may seem like a large scale, but many factors contribute to the life and fade out of a custom spray tan. First, exfoliating without any oil-based products prior to the tan is the most important part of spray tan longevity.
Second, a fresh and high quality spray tan solution is applied and allowed to develop properly.
Third, aftercare and maintenance efforts that an individual puts forth (increasing frequency of moisturizing, avoiding hot water/baths and patting dry are among several influencing habits) can extend the life of the tan.
How often can I spray tan?
Spray tanning does not work like traditional sunbathing/tanning in relation to building up color. One spray tan can achieve your desired color. Spray tanning weekly is not recommended and contributes to carry over color and unevenness. If it is desired to keep a tan indefinitely, spray tanning every 14-21 days will provide the best results.
What if I am very pale?
Any color can be achieved with one spray tan application. A skilled spray tan technician should evaluate your skin tones to match solutions and application accordingly so you achieve the most natural looking results.
ORANGE FEAR!
the following can contribute to the orange-effect:
- Low quality or diluted DHA
- Too much DHA on certain skin types
- A technician overspraying
reprinted from A Healthy Tan Exists by Tara Brown.
