#spraytanningtips

It's happened to us all, you wake up the next day and find spray tan on your hands that make you look like you haven't washed your hands in weeks!  You may have forgot to rinse your hands off after the spray tan or the barrier cream didn't do it's job.   It's spring time so you can't wear mittens to cover up your hands to avoid getting those looks in the checkout line.  What do you do? For the most part barrier cream will prevent spray tan solution from collecting in unwanted areas but just in case this happens to you, we have provided some tips to help remove spray tan solution from those unwanted parts of your body. Effective ways to treat light spots:

Lemon juice

Vinegar

Baby oil (let the baby oil rest on your skin for a few minutes and then gently use an exfoliating glove or wash cloth)

Mix baby oil with baking soda to form a paste, then rub the paste on the stained areas

If you have just some small areas that are lighter than the surrounding areas, try using a small dab of self tanner to blend the spot

Magic eraser - this is a tried and tested method for removing marks on your wall but it will also remove light to semi-dark spray tan stains

Effective ways to treat dark spray tan stains on your hands, knees or elbows:

Hydrogen peroxide - this is a common household item that many people have in their medicine cabinets.  It has been used to lighten hair (so I'm told) but it can also be used to remove a spray tan stain.  Rub some hydrogen peroxide on the affected areas and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.  Then take a wash cloth or loofah and scrub the area.  Be very careful that you are using thisonly on the area of concern.  If you are too liberal with it you will remove the spray tan from surrounding areas.

Tan remover (you can purchase tan remover product in most stores)

Acetone or nail polish remover - another household item for most ladies.  Apply the nail polish remover to a cotton ball and wipe the affected area

Heavy duty hand soap.  If your husband has some mechanics soap around the house to remove grease stains from his hands, you will find that a product such as Orange Goop will work as well.  Most of these products have little exfoliater balls in the soap that aid in exfoliating the area.  

Pumice bar - use a pumice bar such as Mr. Pumice.  You can use it wet or dry but a dry pumice bar may work better for our purpose but be careful because it could irritate your skin if you rub too hard.

Helpful tip: If the stained area is not on your hands, remember to wear latex disposable gloves to apply any type of spray tan removal product to any other parts of your body.  You don't want the top of your hands, fingers, wrist or any parts of your arm to inadvertently get exposed to a removal product.   There are many ways to remove unwanted spray tan stains from hands, elbows, knees or feet.  Next time this happens to you, we suggest any of the above or just bookmark this blog post for a quick reference guide.   By Deann Casias Howard

For years many people have wanted that golden glow.  It makes you feel so good when your skin is bronzed and beautiful.  Not many people cared about how they got their tan so they layer out in the sun or used a tanning bed.  As we become more educated about the long term health consequences by over exposure to the sun, we have developed a safe tanning alternative, spray tanning. Some people like to be tan year-round, some people like to tan during the warm months and some just do it for special events.  Spray tanning is so quick and easy that you can choose to do it on your schedule.  You don't need 10 sessions in a tanning bed to get your "base layer" so you tan easier at the beach.  Spray tanning is instant satisfaction and best of all it's safe. Spray tanning has really taken off over the past ten years and the industry and DHA has changed dramatically.  There are still skeptics out there that fear they will turn orange or look too dark.  If your spray tanning technician is using a quality spray tan solution your tan will look natural.   DHA is a the main ingredient in sunless spray tan solutions.  Spray tan solutions come in different percentage DHA so a lower DHA will provide a glow while a higher concentrated DHA will give you a dark, rich bronze.  DHA is a colorless sugar derived from plants such as sugar beets. It has been used to treat medical problems such as skin-pigmentation disorders for more than 50 years. It's also been approved by the U.S. FDA for cosmetic use for decades. DHA has an enzymatic reaction with the amino acids in the outer layer, or epidermis, of the skin, causing the dead skin cells to turn temporarily dark. By contrast, the sun's rays and the UV lights used in tanning beds penetrate into the deepest layers of skin. That's why UV rays and artificial UV lights, such as tanning beds, cause lasting damage.  Read more about the spray tan solutions we use.  The effects of DHA are temporary since you are constantly shedding dead skin cells and most spray tans can last 7-9 days.  Another common ingredient in spray-tanning products today is erythrulose, also a natural sugar, which gets some credit for the more natural (not orange) color of newer spray-tanning products. Manufacturers also add botanicals, moisturizers and aloe vera to help the skin absorb the tanning solution quickly and avoid excessive dryness. The best way to ensure your spray tan comes out even is to get a custom spray tan from a technician. Spray tan booths can often be unreliable for full coverage of your body and often times clients will just drop by a salon and jump in a spray tan booth without preparing.  You think the receptionist cares if you prepared for your spray tan? We can't stress enough how important is to exfoliate the night before your spray tan.  Follow ourspray tan tips for more information on preparing for your spray tan.   Now that you know a little more about how spray tanning works you should feel confident enough to book a spray tan appointment with a spray tan technician.  Spray tanning is a much safer alternative than laying out at the pool all day or fake baking in a tanning bed.  You will thank yourself down the road for opting for a spray tan! Want more proof that spray tanning can make you look great?  View some of our spray tan gallery.   By Deann Casias Howard