Saturday, December 20, 2008

A Spray Tan Backgrounder

By Jo Sampson

It has been the advent of safer fake tanning methods that has allowed people to enjoy that tanned look all year round. Technology has come to the rescue to an industry that is having problems, owing to the rise in cases of skin cancer, with some newer techniques that pose less danger.

One of the choices people are now making is to go to a salon that offers spray tanning for an almost instant, safe tan. Originally it was the creams and bronzing lotions that were the most commonly used but spraying the tan on gives a more professional finish.

Just to provide an even more convenient service, manufacturers have introduced spray tanning equipment that can be used in the home too. While there are different ways to provide an alternative tan, the way to achieve it and make it longer lasting lies with spray tanning technology.

Ensure a good clean body surface to work with, you will need to remove any dead skin by exfoliation. Fake tan applications that have been done without this vital step are easy to spot as the recipient has light patches in the tan where the dead skin has fallen of.

To complete the preparation, the skin needs to be moist and ready to accept the tan so a good skin moisturizer will need to be applied all over. Always, always, always wear disposable surgical gloves when applying a self tanning cream etc. To avoid any other application mistakes that could give away the fact that the tan is not real, make sure those fingers, feet, elbows and knees are only given the lightest of coats as they have a habit of coming out darker.

Also, apply lighter coats of tanning agent on the joints of your fingers, your knees, and your elbows as these areas will appear darker if you do not and the same applies to your feet. The only possible problem that can occur when spray tanning is used is some streaking caused by excess fluid, so an old towel you no longer need should be used to remove it.

Always stay as still as possible after artificial tanning to allow time for the application to settle down and create an even coating. Agents of all types will leave stains on your clothing almost as soon as you put them on so consider what you intend to wear once you have finished.

Dark clothing is obviously the best choice as even if it does stain, it won't notice so readily and you won't have to throw the clothing out. To get the most from your artificial tan, follow these guidelines and you won't go far wrong. - 15634

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