With prom and wedding season underway, girls are wanting to look their very best. Nothing can help improve your appearance more than healthy, radiant skin. In years past, many would flock to a tanning salon, like Tan Your Hide, in preparation for the big event. However, with recent concerns of over-exposure to UVA rays, and some states even banning minors from tanning bed use, people are looking for another option. With this in mind, most tanning salons are also offering the professional application of sunless tanning sprays as an alternative for getting that flawless, golden glow. The problem with this is that after seeing the results of at-home application disasters, many first-time users may be a little leery of turning into a pumpkin before the big ball. Here are some fool-proof tips to help you get your happily-ever-after.
How to Prepare your Skin
Exfoliating your skin the day before your appointment will help your skin absorb the color better and more evenly. Make sure that the exfoliant is not oil-based because residual oil on the skin may block some of the color. You will want to make sure that you give more attention to areas that have thicker skin, such as your knees, elbows, and ankles. You may also want to apply a small amount of lotion on these areas so more color does not collect where the skin is thicker and more coarse. If you do apply lotion in these areas as a barrier, make sure to apply only a small amount and apply it evenly with clean borders. It is essential to not apply lotion to any other areas because it will keep your skin from absorbing the spray tan.
What to do Before your Visit
Getting ready for the big day takes a lot of preparation, and there are some things that you will need to take care of before getting a spray tan. Any hair removal should be done twenty-four hours before your appointment. You need to remember that exfoliating your skin after you tan will make your color fade, so you will want to shave before your visit. If you are planning on getting your eyebrows waxed or plucked, it is important to take care of this before your spray tan or you may end up with some white areas where the hair once was.
After your spray tan application, most salons suggest that your wait anywhere between six to twelve hours before showering. For this reason, you will probably want to get your spray tan 1-2 days before the big event. You will need to be cautious with any activities of daily living that include water before your first shower to prevent any streaking.
How to Choose the Right Color for your Skin Tone
The main reasons some people end up unhappy with their results are because either they tried to do it themselves at home or they chose a color that was too dark for their skin tone. You can choose how light or dark you want to go, but it is better to start out with a lighter color your first time and adjust it from there. You will want to choose a shade that matches how your skin normally tans. If you are fair skinned, then you will want to go with a lighter shade so it does not look awkward. It is a good idea to do a trial run three to four weeks before the big day. This will give you a chance to see if you will need to go lighter or darker, and give the color plenty of time to fade before getting another spray tan.
How to Make your Color Last
A spray tan typically lasts about a week. There are some things you can do to help prolong the color. The most important thing is to keep your skin moisturized with an unscented lotion. You will also want to avoid, or at least minimize, anything that exfoliates the skin. When you shower, gently wash and dry off your skin. Try to shave every other day if possible. You will also want to avoid face washes or acne treatment with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Harsh chemicals such as chlorine in the pool, can also make your color fade faster. As with anything, the more you take care of it, the longer it will last.
When done correctly, a spray tan can significantly enhance your natural beauty. Adding a little color to your skin will not only make you look better, but it will also minimize imperfections. It can help you appear more thin and toned, and provide an overall healthy glow to your skin. When you finally show off all that skin that has been hibernating all winter long, you will want to look your very best.
Share27 March 2015
After I experienced a significant weight loss, I realized that I wanted to look better than ever before. I started paying closer attention to beauty and fashion, and after a few trips to the store, I could tell that I was starting to look better than ever before. It was great to feel young, healthy, and hip, and I quickly loved the feeling. This blog is all about improving your look by making small changes one day at a time, and how a focus on physical fitness, beauty, and fashion can make a difference. Check out this blog to learn more.