Airbrush Tanning
Airbrush Tanning Intro
Whether you tan at the beach in summer or simply want a safe, convenient way to look your best, airbrush tanning is a perfect solution for that year round healthy glow. Airbrush tanning consists of a spray on product that is applied by a spray gun type of devise for an even, natural suntanned look.
Dihydroxyacetone is the chemical used in a tanning spray solution that interacts with amino acids in your skin to create an even, natural tan. There is no orange look to the end result as the amino acids in your own skin control the amount of color the spray tanning creates. This process takes just minutes to apply and a small amount of dry time and you are ready to go. Applied with a spray tanning gun that is hooked up to a compressor, the product is applied in a fine mist or spray.
How to Apply Airbrush Tanning
The spray gun looks just like you might have seen used by an airbrush artist for artwork on cars, boats and motorcycle designs. The airbrush gun delivers an even, soft mist that is pleasant and a fun experience. The spray tanning will fade gradually just as a natural tan from the sun would fade. A golden glow that looks completely natural for your own coloring is the end result.
A clear base mixed with a dark bronzer can be mixed to provide just the right amount of color for your particular skin tone. Color levels and fragrances can be created individually as you may prefer. Naturally, a darker skin tone will need more bronzer and you can also adjust the degree of color gradually just as you might tan in increments with the sun. Many former tanning bed clients have found air brush tanning to be a safer and more convenient method of maintaining their tan throughout the year.
Pros and Cons of Airbrush Tanning
Pros of Airbrush Tanning
There is absolutely no burning of the skin which helps to make spray tanning a much safer method than the actual sun. Tanning spray has also been shown to be safer than artificial tanning beds which may cause skin damage just like the damage caused by real sunlight uva and uvb rays can. One of the most obvious advantages of spray tanning is the amount of time it takes to apply. Most sessions last about fifteen minutes with a short drying time involved. Another method of application is the spray tan booth. Although the cost is slightly less, a professional air brush technician is able to spray a more even toned look by hand, especially on areas such as the face, back of the arms and crooks in the elbow and even the hard to coat places such as the knees and neck.
Cons of Airbrush Tanning
Some of the only drawbacks for using this method of spray tanning have been a slight unpleasant odor after the initial application. You may not shower for at least eight hours after applying the tint, and when you take the first shower after the application you may not use any form of soap, loofa or any kind of harsh cleaning methods. You will see a brownish run off which is normal and is the excess tint being removed. Avoid using any sort of exfoliant as this will affect the color.Although the face is usually the first place to fade, touch ups are fairly easy to have done.
One other drawback can be a streaky or unevenly applied tan. This can be corrected with scrubbing with a textured cloth and liquid detergent or baking soda can be used as a mild abrasive that will not damage the skin. The alternative sunless tanning beds as well as natural sun tanning has been known to cause pre mature aging of the skin. Airbrush tanning has been approved by the FDA and for this reason has a much better safety record.
This method of tanning has become popular with many people that are anxious to avoid the detrimental effects of harmful UVA rays that are produced by tanning beds or by natural sunlight. Body builders especially are turning to tanning spray for competitions and to look their best for show and body building events.
How Long Does Airbrush Tanning Last
The general rule is that a spray tanning will last for about one week. Most tanning sessions fade rather quickly and touch ups as well as all over applications will be necessary to keep your tan looking fresh and healthy. The amount of time your tan will last is dependent upon your individual body chemistry. The initial spray of DHA as it reacts with your particular cells will continue to darken for the first few days. After the initial darkening, natural fading will occur which is different for each individual.
Removing the tanning spray solution may require some persistence and patience. Dying the outer layer of skin can be removed with an exfoliant such as baking soda or an apricot scrub or even a salt or sugar scrub. Any product that has an exfoliating property will work when applied with a washcloth. You can also apply a solution of food grade hydrogen peroxide or lemon juice to help fade the airbrush tanning.
Cost of Using Airbrush Tanning
Be prepared to make an investment in airbrush tanning if you want to maintain your color and glow. A salon tanning booth treatment will cost between $35 and $85 per session. Another way to maintain your air brush tanning is to invest in the equipment for home use. The spray gun, hose and compressor may cost up to $150 for a home kit. The actual tint and bronzer is a the least expensive component, usually around $3 per application. Moisturizers and skin toners can add to the final expense.
If the overall airbrush tanning seems a little too big for an initial plunge, you may want to try just a face tanning, which is a great way to test out the look and color that would be best for you.
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