It is odd how most people with a light skin complexion often opt for a darker skin tone. This sounds quite impossible. However, science has made this entirely possible. There have been vast technological advancements in achieving this. The most recent and widely used tanning process is the use of tanning beds and tanning sprays.

Tanning beds are popular for maintaining a nice tan for a long time. However, they do not offer vast benefits compared to their potential risks. Nonetheless, spray tanning will offer the consumer more benefits than potential risks.

UV Tanning vs. Spray Tanning 

UV tanning is done on a tanning bed. This bed emits ultraviolet radiation that helps in toning your skin color. They darken your skin and give it a beautiful and shining look. Tanning beds often vary in intensity. They can be either vertical or horizontal. However, tanning beds are not without their demerits.

On the other hand, spray tanning involves dihydroxyacetone for darkening your complexion. This chemical is certified and safe for perpetual skin use. Similar to tanning beds, spray tanning has its shortcomings too.

Pros of UV tanning

UV tanning is a perfect alternative to sun tanning. Tanning beds use UV radiation to darken your skin color by activating the melanin in the skin. Tanning beds offer a more even tan that lasts throughout the season. They are easy to customize based on frequency and time. The result is an even, long-lasting tan.

UV tanning has been associated with increased Vitamin D absorption; Vitamin D helps fight heart diseases and cancer and enhances one’s immune system. Its deficiency can lead to increased cardiovascular risk.

Tanning beds offer the same benefits as the sun but in a controlled environment. They are available throughout the year, regardless of the season. If you like sunbathing during summer, a tanning bed could be your best alternative during winter. UV tanning will improve the appearance of your skin.

Exposure to sunlight has been linked to an elevated mood and improved energy. However, a tanning bed is a perfect alternative to sunbathing. A tanning bed enhances mood and relaxation; you can enjoy music with your headphones. It is a wonderful and irresistible experience.

Tanning beds offer a remedy for skin problems like dermatitis and psoriasis. Most people with these conditions can be treated using a medically certified tanning bed. However, self-treatment is not recommended. You should always follow your doctor’s prescriptions.

Cons of UV tanning

The use of tanning beds is likely to cause sunburn. People with light skin are the most vulnerable in this case. They are highly discouraged from using tanning beds as they can burn. Sunburns not only look bad in sight but are also painful. Tanning beds can cause your skin to itch, especially if you are allergic to UV radiation.

Exposure to excess UV rays leads to premature aging. Tanning beds can make the skin lose its elasticity. This results in skin wrinkling and looking older than you are. People with fairly light skin are discouraged from using a tanning bed.

Increased risk of skin cancer due to UV rays exposure. UV rays destroy the DNA of your skin cells. This damage causes the skin to grow abnormally and develop malignant growths. Prolonged use of tanning beds eventually leads to skin cancer. It can also lead to a deteriorating immune system leaving you vulnerable to infectious diseases.

Pros of Spray Tanning

Spray tanning is the most appropriate approach for achieving beautiful-looking skin instantly. Spray tanning retains the natural look of your skin by ensuring even coverage on your skin. It is constant and time-saving. You can also determine how dark you want to go by spray tanning more or less frequently.

Spray tanning helps you promote your self-image. Caring for your skin retains your skin’s youthful appearance for much longer. This will help you improve your self-confidence amongst your friends or workmates. Spray tanning is an effective method of enhancing your outer beauty and raising your spirits.

Spray tanning is an excellent shade of protection from the sun. It allows your skin to absorb Vitamin D from the sun. Vitamin D is essential as it helps strengthen the immune system in our bodies. In addition, spray tanning guarantees no risk of skin cancer; it does not involve UV rays.

Spray tanning is time effective. It does not require complex undertakings as compared to UV tanning. Spray tanning is fine and has good results if administered in small doses and by observing the correct precautions. In addition, spray tanning is cheaper than a tanning bed.

Spray tanning can be administered anywhere, in your salon or the comfort of your home. It’s entirely customizable, and it also saves you time. Spray tanning provides instant results in as little as 20 minutes. However, this depends on the intensity applied.

Cons of Spray Tanning

The results of spray tanning will only last for a few days, and you’ll be required to spray tan again. Spray tans are made of dihydroxyacetone (DHA). This ingredient makes the dead skin cells darken. However, the skin naturally exfoliates itself with time. The tanned skin will then flake off with dead skin cells.

Spray tanning will last for seven days at most. This will require regular tanning, which in turn, may be costly. However, it is possible to extend the results slightly longer. Moisturizers can extend the lifespan of your newly acquired pigmentation. However, a full body spray tan and these moisturizers can be expensive for many people.

Dihydroxyacetone is approved for external use only. Inhaling the spray can be hazardous to your health, especially to those with asthma.

Conclusion

Sun exposure is harmful in excess but can be beneficial in moderation. Before being involved with any tanning processes, you should be fully aware of the potential risks. This will help you to avoid unseen consequences after skin tanning therapy.

Bodybuilding competitions and other fitness events show us a series of perfectly toned and tanned bodies strutting their stuff on stage. Full body tanning allows them to enrich their skin tones so that the depths of the muscles they worked so hard to carve and grow will become more apparent.

Tanning makes the crevices pop and the shadows appear deeper so that each muscle group will be clearly set apart from the rest. It also gives a healthier glow that can make someone appear more vibrant and attractive.  However, full-body tanning is not as easy as slapping on some tanning lotion and calling it a day. There are countless considerations to take since not every skin tone is the same. As such, there is no universal color that everyone can just try out.

Full Body Tanning Preparation

It is advisable to prepare your tanning session two to three days before the competition. This allows the tan to fade to a natural shade while staying fresh. Additionally, make sure to book a full body waxing appointment. This gets rid of all the body hair that can interfere with your tan. Your tan will stick better and appear more even if there are no hair strands blocking the way.

When your hair seems to be growing back after your waxing appointment, just shave and lightly exfoliate. These steps will leave your skin looking soft and smooth without any stubble. As for exfoliation, use a dry or damp buffer and lightly go over your skin. Rinse under running water and carefully pat dry.

Appointment No. 1: Base Coat

Your first tanning appointment is for the base coat. This is the first layer that will make contact with your skin and it ensures that you retain that golden glow no matter what. Head to your appointment with loose clothing. This ensures that the product won’t get rubbed or smudged. Additionally, your body should be free of any product such as lotions, deodorant, and more.

Your base coat tan should develop within 12 to 24 hours after your appointment. Make sure to avoid getting any type of moisture on your skin to ensure that it develops evenly. As such, stay in a cool place to avoid sweating. Plan your workouts ahead so that you won’t risk overlapping a training session after your first appointment. You should also refrain from showering.

SunSpa offers sunless spray tanning that yields a natural and healthy tan that perfectly matches your skin tone. The best part is that you can achieve the perfect base coat in just one visit. This does not involve any sun tanning which tends to be harmful to the skin. The ultraviolet rays from the sun can do more harm than good, and this “cocktail tanning” process will leave serious repercussions on your skin, such as sunspots, signs of aging, wrinkles, and more.

This tanning option also lasts for up to seven days which means that you get to enjoy the tan even after the competition.

Appointment No. 2: Competition Tan

This is the second layer applied after the base coat has fully developed. Consult your coach on the best shade and tone for your spray tan. Other services can whip up the specific spray that you may bring with you on the day of the competition itself. This also helps seal in your tan so that it won’t easily fade or get affected by body oils, sweat, and other sources of moisture.

Finishing Touch For Competition Day

A tanning glaze is typically applied right before the competition starts. This enriches the color of the tan and gives you a healthy glow. It also deepens the tan as darker shades work well with stage lighting. Make sure to apply this about thirty minutes before the competition.

Tanning Tips After The Competition

After the competition, you may want to get rid of the tan. This allows you to cleanly remove the tan rather than letting it fade to uneven patches. You may also do these tips to reduce the intensity of the colors so that you will be left with a natural and even tan.

It is important to remove your tan correctly so that you won’t damage your skin or excessively exfoliate. Too much scrubbing or exfoliation will leave you with dry and brittle skin. Here are the steps:

1. Take a bath. This effectively removes the tanning glaze as well as an excess tanning solution.
2. Use an exfoliating scrub, preferably one with organic ingredients and moisturizing properties. Use this in the shower to remove the topmost layer of the skin. This will eliminate dead and dry skin cells which should take some of the tans off as well.
3. Use an exfoliating glove for an extra scrubbing effect. Exfoliate scrubs may be used on their own or with a bath sponge or towel. However, an exfoliating glove is best for effectively digging into your skin to get rid of the dead skin cells. Exfoliating gloves have protruding grooves that gently scrub your skin. You may add some soap or lemon juice to make the process gentler and smoother on the skin.
4. Use baby oil to remove more layers of dead skin cells. Simply rub on a fine layer of baby oil, leave on for about ten minutes, rinse, and then exfoliate.
5. Don’t forget to remove the spray tan stuck to your palms and nails. Use a toothbrush and some whitening products. Dig in under the nails to effectively eliminate any traces.

For additional guidance on how to achieve that perfect full body spray tanning for competitions, head over to our boutique. Consult with our tanning experts for the perfect shade that goes naturally with your skin tone. Get ready to rock the competition and appear as your best self.