How dark is too dark for competition tanning?

You can ask any veteran competitor, how dark is too dark when it comes to competition tanning and chances are they will tell you - you can never be too dark. 

Truth is, under the bright lights on a competition stage a competitor needs to be really dark in order to reflect all the contours and cuts that show off all their hard work.  Bright lights tend to wash out those cuts so the best solution is to make sure the skin is dark enough to reflect the lights correctly to the judges. 

If you are a competitor, don't chance all your hard work at the gym and all those days of strict diet to a home tan job.  Why would you do that?  There are necessary steps that you need to take in order to achieve the best look on the stage. It starts with knowledge of knowing your category. Are you a body builder, physique, or bikini?  Different categories will mean different products. Generally body builders achieve the darkest look and will use a different formula that covers their body than a physique competitor.   

The Process

Trial Runs

ChromaTan recommends doing trial tanning runs. This enables you to see how that tan will look the day of, a few hours later, and then again the next day. Generally competitions are two days, so it's important to get that full "after look" to understand if you will need another tan or just touch ups. Schedule a trial run at least 6-8 weeks before the scheduled competition.

Skin Preparation

Prepping your skin for a tan is important for an even, streak-free application. 

1. Thoroughly moisturize your skin for the weeks leading up to your tan. The DHA (active ingredient) will naturally cause your skin to dry out. With many applications of sunless tanning, your skin will start taking a toll and this is going to be the best way to combat it. NOTE: do not moisturize the day of your tanning!
2. Shave at least 8 hours before your tan OR if you wax do it at least 24 hours before your tan. Shaving will open your follicle on your skin and waiting 8 hours allows enough time for the follicle to close. This will prevent spotting. If you have large pores then you may want to rinse with cool water before your tan. Wax can be harsh on your skin and could cause minor exfoliating.  Waiting 24 hours allows your skin to recover before a spray tan.
3. Speaking of exfoliating, use an oil-free exfoliator, an exfoliating mitt/glove, or baking soda and warm water to gently slough away the dead skin cells to expose fresh skin for your tan.  Only do this before your base tan, and never between double coats scheduled the next day. NOTE: do not use oil based exfoliating scrubs or sugars the day of or day before your tan - this will cause a barrier on the skin resulting in uneven tanning or your tan not absorbing at all.
4. You are now ready for your base tan or competition tan! Notify the tanner which tan you are getting. Base tans contain normal strength cosmetic bronzers and competition tans contain heavy bronzers.

At the show

• Touch ups may be required - the proper solution and applicator will be provided by ChromaTan when you purchase the competition package. Contact ChromaTan for a quote or to book your competition package.
• Do not use cooking spray, body oils, or mineral oils as a glaze. A proper glaze product is part of the ChromaTan competition package and must be used to ensure your tan is not compromised.  

After care

When ready, go ahead and wash off all the bronzer and glaze.  You will see the cosmetic bronzer wash down the drain but the DHA will have developed on your skin.  Due to the heavy concentration of spray tan, you may look orange and unnatural. This is not typical of a regular spray tan for everyday or special occasion tanning. If you want to quickly remove your spray tan, products like mineral oil (baby oil), lemon, and mild abrasive exfoliator will help aide in the removal of excess spray tan. 

Good luck with your competition! 

Please provide at least 2 weeks notification if you are interested in a competition tan from ChromaTan