Ideal for those who are missing their usual dose of winter sun.
For those who simply love to bask under the sun’s rays – well, for everyone, actually – this is a testing time. As we approach the shortest day of the year, with the mornings dark and the evenings bleak, it can feel like Vitamin D has never been so far out of reach.
Spare a thought for our complexion. We think it’s fair to say that we’re not exactly looking radiant right now, with visages not exactly boasting that sunkissed aesthetic. If you’re going to take matters into your own (or, more likely, a technician’s) hands, then here’s how to prepare for a spray tan in 10 steps, IDEAL for those who are missing their dose of winter sun.
Firstly, A Patch Test
Particularly pertinent if you’re spray tanning for the first time, it’s essential that you have a patch test prior to your spray tan, firstly, to ensure that the formula being used isn’t going to irritate your skin, and secondly, to check that the colour is correct! Clearly, Donald Trump regularly skips this step…
Wax Or Shave Your Body The Day Before
On the day before your scheduled spray tan, you should shave or wax any areas of your body which you usually include in your shaving or waxing routine. Clear skin is necessary for an even tan but you should avoid shaving on the same day as your spray, as this may leave you susceptible to razor bumps which result in an uneven finish and are, of course, a little irritating, too.
Not only that, but shaving on the day of your spray session isn’t advisable as it will open the pores of your skin, resulting in pore-clogging. This, in turn, could lead to acne and blemishes.
Exfoliate, Exfoliate
Exfoliation is perhaps the most important part of your spray tan preparation, helping to get rid of dead skin cells from the body and priming your skin for its shiny new coating, presenting an even layer to receive the spray.
If exfoliation isn’t done, these dead cells would receive the spray, and take the tan with them when they bid farewell to your body. This leaves a patchy finish, which, of course, you want to avoid.
To exfoliate effectively, you can use a scrubbing lotion to shed dead skin cells. Beauticians do caution, however, to only scrub gently; go too hard and you run the risk of irritated skin after the tan. If you’re doing your beauty regime from home, be cautious and kind in your approach.
Prime Your Skin Prior
Jules Von Hep, co-founder of self-tanning brand Isle of Paradise tells Good Housekeeping that you should prime your skin before tanning “In order to get the most out of your spray tan, I always recommend priming your skin with a pH-balancing spray just before your spray tan appointment. This will help your skin reach an optimum of pH of 4.5, which can help the tan absorb deeper into the skin and therefore last longer.”
According to the magazine, “your natural skin typically has a pH of between 4.7 and 5.57, so bringing it to a 4.5 will help it match the pH of the tanning solution, meaning it will absorb faster”. Whilst we’re not suggesting you get a degree in chemistry, it does pay to get in tune with your skin’s pH levels.
Skip The Moisturiser
On the day of your spray tan, avoid applying any lotions, creams, or oils. These can create a barrier on your skin, preventing the tan from absorbing evenly.
Take A Shower Before Your Spray Tan
It’s advisable to take a gentle shower with a moisturising lotion to get rid of sweat prior to your spray tan. Having a spray tan with post-workout, sweaty skin risks an uneven finish. Do avoid using soap during your pre-spray shower, as it will make your skin overly dry.
The best way to get the desired results from a spray tan session, whether that’s at home or in a beauty salon, is to receive the spray on natural skin with no makeup or deodorant. Remove it all prior to your spray tan session.
Read: What are the health benefits of taking a cold shower?
Don’t Combine A Facial With Your Spray Tan Treatment
During a day of pampering, it only feels natural that getting both a facial and a spray tan will be included on the itinerary. This would be a rookie error; the facial opens up your pores, leaving them prone to clogging and blackheads post spray. Separate these two treatments by putting a day (at least) between them.
Nail Varnish
A decent spray tan should get as near to 100% body coverage as possible. This is great news, and guarantees a natural finish. That said, you do want to avoid your fingernails and toenails receiving a good dose of tan; the very opposite of a natural finish, don’t you think? There’s a simple way to avoid this happening; just apply nail varnish before you receive your spray.
Tie Your Hair Back
Because no one wants to emerge from their spray tan session with hair the same colour as their skin, right? As Touch & Glow, a leading hair salon in Edgware, advise us, it’s important you tie back your hair back, tightly to your head, prior to getting sprayed. Job done.
Aftercare Is Key
After your spray tan, avoid showering, sweating, or applying any products for at least 8 hours. This allows the tan to fully develop. Once you do shower, pat your skin dry and moisturise daily to prolong your tan.
Looking to do more with your beauty regime, but this time from the comfort of home? Check out these 5 IDEAL tips for a DIY pedicure.
