Avoiding the lizard skin (spray tanning)

Have you ever looked closely at your spray tan and realized that you're starting to resemble a lizard or alligator? This is a common problem that we typically see on the shins or on the inner arms - so how do you avoid it in the first place? 

It begins with the before care. Make sure you use a good oil free scrub to remove the dead skin cells while evening out the layer of skin.  It is important that the scrub is oil-free so that you don't create a barrier on the skin before your spray tan. Low on cash or don't have a scrub on hand? Try this homemade organic scrub - Pumpkin Honey Baking Soda scrub (it's only 3 ingredients!)

Your second defense against the lizard look is your after care. Depending on the solution you were sprayed in (regular or rapid) your aftercare may be different, so always follow the recommendation you were given. Not all moisturizers are spray tan compatible.  Shelf your Dove brand moisturizer for your non spray tan days! I wouldn't use those lovely scented Bath and Body Works brands either. Some of the better lotions are organic. Try Hempz brand Triple Moisturizer for great smelling, tan extending moisturizer. Use it at least two times a day. An alternative is extra virgin coconut oil. Follow Fitness Blender's article for directions to using coconut oil on your skin. Coconut oil has some great benefits, but it does absorb faster into your skin and may need to use it more than twice a day. 

Lastly, layering spray tan on spray tan is a no-no. If your skin is still bearing spray tan on it from the prior week, wait another day before getting another application. Thoroughly prep your skin as indicated above. 

Have you followed these steps and still seeing the problem? Comment below and I can help troubleshoot the issue.

Do you have a tip you want to add? Please share it with us in the comments below!

Custom blending as unique as you

"Around here we don't look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things because we're curious... and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths" - Walt Disney

Words of the wise, right? I agree with this statement. When it comes to spray tanning products you’d be surprised how many different solutions are available out there. If I happen to find a solution that I love, I stick to it. But what if I miss out on a new product that is better? This is why I find myself doing testing on many products. Do you think all spray tanning companies are the same? Probably not. It’s evident that no one company can stock all the different brands available. Here is what I do to select what solution is carried in my salon and which solution and blend I use for you:

·         Active Ingredients – It must be the highest quality. DHA derived from natural sources that has not been overly processed will result in the brownest color. I never skimp with cheap DHA.

·         Other Ingredients – a quick questioner will help me determine which line is better for you. I might offer a product rich in natural moisturizing oils, or one with quick drying elements.  For sensitive skin, or allergy sufferers I have a specific product for you.

·         Cosmetic bronzer – some bronzers are really dark, and some are very light. Unless you are tanning for a competition, I choose bronzers that are not too dark because as your tan progresses, your skin will start turning brown which will amplify the results prior to a rinse. This will prevent you from looking oddly dark while the solution develops, and prevent that post rinse let down. If you prefer, additional bronzing can be added to your liking.

·         Your skin color – everyone has different skin. Some of the factors of selecting or blending the perfect color depend on how well you naturally tan, what your undertones are, and what your own preference is. With my custom blending, the possibilities are endless! 

·         Your skin condition – do you have dry, sensitive, or oily skin? In addition to a pre and post care product recommendation, a specific product can be used to help improve your existing skin condition.

·         Tan results – This is the most important to YOU! If it doesn’t pass the client test, then it will never survive my salon. This is why feedback from clients is so important. How do you like the color? How long does the tan last? How well does the tan fade? What condition does it leave your skin?

An amazing new solution is now available at ChromaTan. This tan is exclusively for very pale and pinkish undertone skin. Pink undertones are generally challenging for spray tanners.  Clients with pink undertones don’t normally tan well, and they don’t look good in just any color. I sampled this color on myself because I’m very pale. It dried quick, lasted 8 days, and most importantly it looked natural – and surprisingly dark. The bronzer is very light, so you won’t look freakishly dark after 3 hours. The color looks fabulous after the first wash, and after 24 hours it is fully developed. The outcome is a brown based color with slight golden tones.  Don’t worry, golden tones does not mean orange. I know it’s scary to spray tan when you are super pale, but I believe that you will love this color.  I was impressed with the fade.  No patchy spots and no lizard skin. 

How does this product get any better? How about a package with amazing lotion to extend your tan even longer! Protect your spray tan investment and use only salon grade, quality ingredient lotions at least 2 times per day. Don’t skip this step and you will be pleasantly surprised with your results. Buy the lotion once, and it will make your tan last much longer, plus you won’t need to tan as frequently which saves you money in the end.