The tanning trend has become just as popular among men as it is among women. What has fueled this craze further is the images of bronzed, tanned men in billboards, movies, and TV shows. With that said, not all of us are blessed with naturally pigmented skin. However, the good news is that we all can achieve that perfect sun-kissed appearance, if but for only short periods of time. Spray tanning is a healthy and easy way to maintain the perfect tan, potentially without a single tan line. And, there are literally no drawbacks to the process, unlike the alternatives of tanning beds and prolonged exposure to nature’s UV light.
Natural Outdoor Tanning
Men who spend a lot of time outdoors already have a natural-looking tan (for instance, the “farmer’s tan”). Surfers, athletes, swimmers, or those who spend a lot of time working outside have the advantage of that natural bronzed look that a lot of others aspire to achieve.
Tanned skin is enticing for both men and women as it is a great way to highlight the body. Getting a man tan sounds feminine, but the hottest men of Hollywood are flaunting the tanned look these days. If you are new in the world of tanning, you need to learn the main facts about spray tanning for men. Follow this article to make sure you get spectacular results.
What is Spray Tanning?
Spray tanning is a process by which a light mist of the chemical called Dihydroxyacetone (more commonly referred to as DHA) is sprayed across the body, causing the skin to turn several shades darker. This chemical has been used for several decades in the cosmetic industry and is considered safe. This is ideal as the effects of the applied misting typically only last for approximately a week. Therefore, if you desire to maintain your newfound skin tone, it will require almost weekly applications. Also, it is generally recommended to get your spray tan two days prior to when you need it.
Prepping Is Paramount
As the tanning process occurs on the outer layer of skin, it’s essential to prepare for your appointment to achieve the best results:
- Exfoliate at least 12 hours prior to your appointment. It’s important to focus on areas of the body that might be especially dry like knees, hands, feet, and elbows. This includes shaving as this is a form of exfoliating.
- Avoid the use of lotions, moisturizers, and deodorants the day of your tan.
- Do not shower prior to your appointment.
What to Wear
On the day of your appointment, avoid wearing tight clothing. Choose to wear loose-fitting clothes. Once your technician arrives for your appointment, you will be instructed to remove layers of clothing that correspond with your level of comfort and the level of comfort of your technician.
After Your Spray Tan
The spray tan generally develops 4-6 hours after your session. Therefore, it’s important to avoid showering or bathing for at least 8 hours after your session. Sweating can also have detrimental effects on the efficacy of the spray tan. Therefore, it’s best to avoid activities that first day that might cause perspiration. Swimming pools, manicures and pedicures should be avoided as these can often strip away your tan.
Maintenance
A spray tan lasts up to 10 days if you have properly maintained it. There are certain measures you can take to make your tan last longer, and fade more evenly. One such measure is applying a moisturizer daily to keep the top layer smooth and intact from shedding. Exfoliation before the spray tan is another way of making a tan last long. Exfoliating will shed off the dead skin cells, making a smoother layer of skin reap which the mist will dye.
