Whenever you get back from a vacation, the first thing family and friends
usually comment on is your great tan, or lack thereof. Tanning has been popular
since the early 20th century, but the health risks associated with the sun's
UV rays have made maintaining an even tan -- much less any kind of tan --
difficult, especially for those who live in cold and rainy climates.
Enter indoor tanning salons, which became a popular trend in the '80s. Now,
indoor tanning is a $3 billion-a-year industry in the United States alone.
Since the year 2000, sunless spray tanning has taken the tanning world by
storm. It has provided men with a way to get and maintain a healthy-looking,
even tan without being exposed to the sun's rays. What is most impressive
is that, unlike previous sunless tanning methods, the effects of spray tanning
actually look good.
What is spray tanning?
Spray tanning works by applying a special mist to the body. This mist is
sprayed onto the body in a booth, which you can now find at most higher-end
tanning salons and spas. The mist emitted contains dihydroxyacetone (DHA),
which is a chemical that reacts with dead skin cells by cosmetically dyeing
them brown. So after spray tanning, the skin takes on a golden brown colour
that usually looks like a natural tan.
(Here's where you can find more detailed information on skin care and stretch
mark remover.)
Depending on the booth used, the mist will either be water or oil based; men with sensitive skin should opt for a water base. Also, some salons offer different types of mists, allowing you to choose the level of darkening. If you are very fair-skinned, keep in mind that going too dark will look fake and awkward, no matter the quality of the product.
Will it give me a good tan?
The mist in spray tanning temporarily makes your skin golden brown, not
orange. The chemical reaction physically changes your skin colour, so there's
no need to worry about smear lines; besides, the products on the market have
been well-tested in order to make sure they provide a colour that looks exactly
like a natural tan (or as close as it's going to get). Even fair-skinned
guys who usually turn pink rather than brown while tanning will benefit from
a bronze colour by getting a spray tan. (Here's where you can find more detailed
information on skin care and stretch
mark removal cream.)
How long does it last?
Mystic Tan, one of the most popular brands of spray tanning booths, states
that once an optimal colour is achieved, it can be maintained by tanning
every five days. Fantasy Tan, a competitor, states that their tans will last
up to 10 days. As you'll discover by reading on, there are certain measures
you can take (before and after your spray tanning session) to ensure that
your tan lasts as long as possible.
Here's a mini-lesson in dermatology: The top layer of your skin naturally
sheds in order to give way to newer skin. Because that top layer of skin
is the part that's dyed by the DHA, the tan wears off once the top layer
of dead skin peels off. So, to extend the effects of the spray tan, you must
use moisturizer (you know, that lotion your woman swears by) to keep the
top layer from shedding as quickly. Basically, if you moisturize, you should
be able to maintain an optimal tan for about five days.
There are many moisturizers on the market, by every cosmetic producer in
the world. You can't walk into a pharmacy or department store without finding
a full rack of the stuff so go out and get that
Tan that you deserve.
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