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

ChromaTan VIP Program, beginning July 1st 2014

Do you love your ChromaTan?  Want to get more from your tanning visits?  ChromaTan is rolling out it's first ever VIP program to all valued ChromaTan clients!  

What do you get?

• Free to join
• Discount and free tanning
• Unlimited friend referral credits
• Retail product discounts during your birth month

Tell me more!

Starting July 1st, 2014 when you come visit ChromaTan for your custom airbrush spray tan, you will begin earning tan credits.  Each time you tan, I will add a credit to your card (as shown below).  You will first earn your way to a half price tan (on your 5th visit), and then a free tan (on your 10th visit).  

When a friend books their tan for the first time and use your name as a referral you will earn a $5 tanning credit.  There is no limit to the amount of tanning credits you can earn so tell all your friends!  Note: You may only redeem one credit per regular priced tan. 

ChromaTan wants to say "Happy Birthday" by offering a 10% discount on any regular priced retail products in stock during your birthday month.  Just show your VIP card to redeem your discount.  

Don't Fry Day

May 23rd, 2014 is Sun Awareness Day, A.K.A. Don't Fry Day

Don't Fry Day is the Friday before Memorial Day, and was designated by the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention.  To lessen your chances of skin cancer, it is recommended that you shield yourself from over exposure of UV rays.  You will want to follow these tips that were provided by SkinCancerPrevention.org and stop by their website for more facts about Don't Fry Day!

• Do Not Burn or Tan
• Seek Shade
• Wear Sun-Protective Clothing
• Generously Apply Sunscreen
• Use Extra Caution Near Water, Snow, and Sand
• Get Vitamin D Safely

ChromaTan is here to help you still get that bronzed sexy skin with a safe sunless airbrush spray tan.  Book your tan at ChromaTan with a friend on Thursday May 22nd, or Friday May 23rd and get this deal:

Airbrush tanning: wedding edition

It's officially wedding season!  What is wedding season? It starts in early spring and goes through to the beginning of fall. But regardless of what month you plan your big day, you'll want to make sure that you've planned enough time in advance to try your tan before taking your vows. Don't treat your skin differently than you would your hair, makeup or photos!  Your skin should be looking just as fabulous as the rest of yourself on your big day. You and your groom will be the focus of your big event.  It will be filled with hugs, kisses, and LOTS of photos. I'll say it again, don't wait until a week before your wedding to get tanned for the first time.  I'm not talking about the tanning "regulars", but those that have never tanned, or haven't tanned in the recent past. 

Why is this so important to try your tan first if you go to a credible airbrush tanner? 

1. Pick your color - You will want to know what shade you will like and what will look best on you for the big day.  Once you tan, you'll be able to tweak the color if you want to go lighter or darker for your wedding day.  Your tanner will note the product used during your trial and that will be the guideline for knowing what to use in the event you want to be lighter or darker.  
2. Not everyone will have the same reaction to tanning - You may have had a solution before that you were allergic to (ChromaTan uses a formula with no added fragrance, no oils, and no alcohol to limit allergy reactions).  Don't wait to find out if you will have a bad reaction to a tanning solution.
3. Be familiar with your results - Know how long the tan developed for, how long the tan lasted, and how well it faded.  This is necessary to know so you can gauge how many days prior to your wedding day you should tan.  This also will let you know if you fade quicker in certain areas and allow you to plan ahead if you are going on a honeymoon (tan extenders!)

How do you plan your tanning trial?

Call me to discuss your tanning trial. You may even consider a tanning party for your wedding party.  This is a great way to get together and pamper yourselves well before the wedding.  It will also be a great way to introduce airbrush tanning to your friends and family.  Jack and Jill parties are great for tanning wedding parties!  Whether you schedule it alone, with your fiance, or as a group, you will want to book your first tanning trial about 6 weeks before your wedding, with about 8 - 10 days between trials.  This will allow sufficient time between sprays to scrub off the top layer for fresh tanning.  When you are satisfied with the color choice, schedule your final tan about 2 - 3 days before the wedding.  

Is there a special rate for wedding trials?

ChromaTan always offers amazing deals for tanning.  Contact me to discuss the details for it.  I am excited to make you look and feel your best on your wedding.  Both mobile and non-mobile options available for your trials and your final choice.  

Congratulations on your engagement! 

Please comment: 

What month are you/did you get married?

Where are you going/did you go for your honeymoon?

photo credit: Tracy Hunter via photopin cc
photo credit: Garrett Coyte | www.GarrettCoyte.com via photopin cc
photo credit: http://www.ali-nasser.com/ via Flickr

Tips to make your spray tan last

When you book your appointment for your next custom airbrush spray tan think of it as an investment on yourself.   Like any other pampering you do such as your hair, nails, or massage appointments, you will want to make some investments on products to help your tan last as long as possible.  The better you take care of your tan, the fewer times you need to book your tanning appointments.  Also take note of the care tips that are listed below.

Products

1. Exfoliate - Specifically an exfoliator that is designed especially for spray tanning.  If you're not using exfoliant that is designed for spray tanning, you run the risk of it leaving behind residue.  This residue can block the DHA from properly absorbing into your skin causing uneven fading and patchiness.  As your custom airbrush tanner, I don't want you feeling like you wasted your money on a spray tan because your skin wasn't properly prepped.  I can't believe how many clients miss this critical step in prepping for their tan.  It's not to say that your tan won't come out right if you don't use the correct product, but it's just that this will help remove all the dead skin cells without leaving any oily residue and expose fresh skin before you tan.  A good exfoliant like Aviva's Deep Clean (Pecan Shell Exfoliant) is my recommendation and can be purchased through me.


2. Moisturize - Super important!  From the first rinse you will want to make sure that your skin stays very hydrated. Your skin naturally sheds it's skin cells and the dryer your skin is the more it sheds, and the quicker your tan fades.  Your first defense is a moisturizer that does not contain sulfates.  A lot of your drugstore brand moisturizers contain sulfates that break down your tan.  I suggest using Aviva's Velvet Soft Moisturizing Creme.  This product was designed especially for spray tans. There is no DHA in this product so it can be used daily, as often as you like.  I recommend at least twice a day, and this product can be purchased through me. 


3. Body Wash - Only use body wash, do not use bar soap.  Bar soap dries your skin which will degrade your tan and make it fade.  Try to find a sulfate free body wash, or body washes that are meant for spray tanning. The Aviva line has Shower Glow DHA-Infused Body Wash that puts DHA back on your skin to help boost your tan again.  You should use this product every other day after your tan, and this can be purchased through me. 


4. Tan Extender - A moisturizing formula that refreshes your tan and has a light DHA to extend the duration of your tan up to 3 days.   Aviva's Skin Glow can be used every other day and is my best selling product!  Clients love this.  You can use this between the Velvet Soft applications.  


5. Tan Restore - Aviva's Tan Restore is a perfect option for those going on a long vacation or don't have the time to make an appointment every week. The nice thing about Tan Restore is that you can build a tan with this product alone.  You can also use this product every 3 - 4 days with your spray tan to restore areas that may have faded.   Aviva's Tan Restore can be used on your body and on your face. It can be purchased through me. 

Tan Care Tips

In addition to the products listed above you should consider these care tips before, during, and after your spray tanning appointment.

1. Shaving and teeth care - It's important to shave before you tan because you will want to refrain from shaving for the few days after.  When you do shave you will want to use a sharp new blade to avoid scraping off the top layer of your skin.  You can also opt for an electric razor.  As for your teeth, you will want to brush before your tan and not again until after your wash time.  Brushing before it's time to wash off can cause a white ring around your lips - very unattractive!  


2. Wait to get wet - Wait the recommended amount of time (determined by your tanner) before getting you skin wet.  This might be several hours, over night, or maybe just a few hours for an express tan. If the weather is rainy... you may want to opt for a mobile tan!


3. Hydrate - Drink plenty of water to hydrate your skin from the inside out. It is recommended to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to hydrate your body for healthier skin.  


4. Warm water - When you take a shower you should use warm water not hot water.  Hot water in the shower causes your skin to dry out later.  


5. Blot, don't rub - After you shower use the towel to blot dry. When you rub your skin you can rub skin cells off causing the tan to rub off and fade prematurely. 


6. Moisturize - Moisturize at least twice a day and choose appropriate products as listed in the products section above. 


7. Chlorine or hot tubs - These are not off limits but as mentioned in #4 above the hot water can dry out your skin.  Chlorine adds another element of degrading.  If you plan on going in a hot tub or chlorinated pool, you may want to add the Skin Glow or Tan Restore to your regimen.   

When in doubt, ask me your question about how to care for your tan or comment below!  

5 Reasons you should get a spray tan

If you have never tried a spray tan then you are missing out!  I tried it with a Groupon a few years ago and thought it was amazing.  So if you have had problems in the past getting a true tan, or you want to reap the benefits of healthy skin, then here are the top 5 reasons you should get a spray tan.

1. New laws (March 2014) - Did you know new laws are banning minors from using tanning beds or limiting the use of them in several states across the United States?  I am so glad for this because I remember thinking I was invincible at a young age, and spent a lot of time cooking in a tanning bed all for a really bad tan in the end.  Five states have now completely banned the use of indoor tanning beds, and 33 states regulate the use of them.  See what the National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL) say about your state here.  Thankfully you can still get a spray tan safely!  If you are a minor, you just need your parent or guardian's signature on a waiver.  


2. You don't tan well, or freckle - Stubborn skin?  Freckles?  I know very well how annoying this is. Not only am I a burner, but I also get tons of freckles when I'm out in the sun.  Thankfully spray tanning does not do either of these to you.  In fact, I find that the tanning helps blend my freckles (similar to liquid foundation).  Just remember, there is no sunscreen in the tanning solution so you will still need to remember to cover up and wear your sunblock!


3. The weather does not cooperate - Well I know living in Arizona is something like 300 days of sunshine, but I also know that I don't want anything to do with 120 degrees outside unless I'm in a pool. Even in a pool, there is only so much I can take with that heat.  Spray tanning is ideal for any weather because it's done indoors.  Rain, sun, cold, is all fine for a spray tan - just be sure that you stay out of the elements in that 8 hours after tanning.  You don't want to sweat, get rained on, or go swimming within the 8 hours needed to develop your tan.  Good news though, rapid tan works if you can't wait the 8 hours.  Rapid tan only stays on your skin for 1-4 hours before rinsing.  If it's raining outside, you may want to change your tan to a mobile service so you don't end up spotty!


4. Instant gratification - Who doesn't like instant results?  A traditional UV tan takes a lot of work.  You can't go out into the sun for a couple hours and expect to have beautifully bronzed skin.  With spray tanning, you just need 15 minutes.  You will have the instant bronzer on your skin for instant results. When it's time to wash off, your skin will be left with your fully developed tan.  ChromaTan uses top quality solution that is true to color when developed correctly so you won't feel disappointed when the bronzer washes off. 


5. It's customizable - When you opt for a custom spray tanning technician you are going to get the best tan for your money.  A tanning technician can use techniques to apply light or heavy coverage as needed and also find those hard to reach or pesky areas (like your bottom).  Special care is always taken around your feet, hands, knees, and elbows.  Depending on your skin tone you will be using a solution for cool tone (pink undertones, light eyes, European or Canadian descent), warm tone (olive or brown undertones, dark eyes, Latin descent), or neutral tone (somewhere between).  Also, your base color will generally help guide the tanning tech to use a particular percent of DHA (the component that reacts with your skin to make it tanned).  

Now you know why you should get a spray tan, so why not book your appointment today?  Or gather your friends up and let's have a tanning party! 

Jenny@ChromaTanning.com

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.