5 spray tanning myths busted

1. Myth: You will turn orange The dihydroxyacetone (DHA) in tanning solutions react with the Keratin in your (dead) skin cells to make them change color - its not a dye. The higher the percentage of DHA in your solution the more you will change color.  It is important for your tanner to understand the balance of DHA needed to achieve the correct color without turning you orange.  Talk to your tanner and let her know what you are looking to achieve.  Also, let her know how you react in the sun from a traditional tan (do you tan deep or do you burn?)  These are big factors that help the tanner choose the correct shade and solution for your skin tone.  Don't expect to go from pale white to the deepest dark brown shade.  Do expect to look sexy and sun kissed after you leave, like you were tanning for a week! For a consistent application, discuss any dry spots to your tanner before beginning, and follow the advice given by your tanner.


2. Myth: You will smell bad You may not know but some spray tanning solutions are heavily concentrated with oils, alcohol, and fragrances.  The vicious cycle is this: DHA naturally dries out your skin.  Some tanning solutions add oil or aloe to combat the dryness.  Aloe and oil leave your skin feeling tacky or wet so alcohol is added to dry help dry.  Fragrances cover up the smell of oil and alcohol - see where I'm going with this?  The fix - instead of oil in the solution, use water-based moisturizers! ChromaTan uses top of the line tanning solution that will have very little smell which is always a plus, especially when you go about your day wearing your spray tan!


3. Myth: One color fits all This is for you, mystic tanners!  You go to the tanning booth and choose 1 for light, 2 for medium, or 3 for dark.  What does that even mean?  Are you getting a triple dip for dark?  Are there really 3 different solutions?  Not to mention, should you really be the judge of how dark you should go without turning orange?  As a custom airbrush tanner, I know exactly what I'm using on you - both the level and the shade. You will be sprayed with a specific color for your cool, neutral, or warm tone, and the level is adjusted to how dark you can/should go.  


4. Myth: You will have streaks Streaks are a huge problem with the lotion self tanners.  The application of the lotion on your body can easily leave streaks.  Spray tanning uses a fine mist that evenly coats your skin and is not necessary to rub in.  Other elements may create streaks but is not common if you follow the guidelines on preparing for your tan. Remember, when you shower before your tan make sure the last thing you do to prepare your skin is exfoliate with a product that is optimized for spray tanning - ask me about products I sell!  You will be surprised how this improves your tan and is well worth the investment.


5. Myth: [Men] need to shave I say men, because most women looking for a tan are already shaved. So let's get real, men tan too.  There are two kinds of men - those that wax and those that wear their body hair proudly.  So hairy men, go ahead and keep your hair, my spray gun can handle it.