The Most Wonderful Time of the Year…for a Spray Tan!
If you want to walk into your holiday party or the new year with a bronze glow but don’t want to book a vacation to a sunny locale to get it, a spray tan might be just the thing for you! Spray tans are a safe way to achieve a sun-kissed look without putting yourself at risk of skin cancer. Learn more about what makes a great spray tan – and why avoiding the sun is so important for your skin – below.
The Pros of Spray Tanning Rather than Sun Tanning
Skin cancer – whether melanoma or the various types of carcinomas – is most often caused by excess exposure to the sun. What may start as a strange-looking mole or dark spot can actually be cancer, and it can spread rapidly inside the body if not detected and treated early. Avoiding the sun’s harmful UV rays is the first key in minimizing your risk of skin cancer. The second is getting an annual skin cancer screening at your dermatologist’s office.
Spray tans are a superficial cosmetic treatment offering a safe alternative to sun tanning. They go on easy, last up to 10 days, and look natural. Plus, you won’t have to worry about weird bathing suit lines like you may get in the sun. And unlike self tanning sprays and lotions, which can go on streaky and blotchy, spray tans go on smooth for a flawless finish.
Getting regular spray tans will keep you glowing year-round, but your skin won’t age any faster – unlike after time in the sun or a tanning booth, which speedily produce wrinkles and age spots.
Prepare for Your Spray Tan
The ticket to a great spray tan is exfoliation, exfoliation, exfoliation. Sloughing off dead skin cells allows for a smoother canvas for your spray tan to go on. This is especially important in winter, when dry, patchy skin can make for brownish spots post-spray tan. However, don’t exfoliate too close to your spray tan appointment, since it can leave hair follicles open and increase the chances of irritation. By the same token, get your shaving and waxing treatments out of the way at least 24 hours in advance of your tan. And be sure to shower beforehand, as you won’t be able to get your spray tan wet for at least 24 hours after you get it.
When you head to the salon, refrain from wearing lotions, moisturizers, or perfumes, which can cause uneven application of the tanning product. Once you arrive, a technician can talk you through your spray tan options and make a recommendation based on how dark you want to get. Some spray tans are applied manually with an airbrush-like tanning gun, while others involve standing in a booth while the product is applied directly from a machine. Some go on bronze, and some go on clear, developing into a tan color later.
Contact Louisiana Dermatology Associates
Want to try a spray tan and glow up this holiday season? If you’re in Baton Rouge or the surrounding areas, contact Louisiana Dermatology Associates today for an appointment.