Spray Tanning Myths: Real Guys Don’t Tan

There are quite a few myths when it comes to spray tanning and one of them is that only guys that are considered “Guidos” utilize spray tanning or Body Builders for competitions.  This is a complete myth, more and more "regular guys" are deciding the spray tan is the right choice. 

One problem that does seem to occur is that many guys are afraid of the image that they will receive if people find out that they are utilizing spray tanning.  However, the real story behind all the good natured ribbing by all your friends or co-workers is secretly they wish they were MAN enough to do it themselves!  Jealousy, plain and simple.  You look good with a spray tan (at least with a WestCoast Spray Tan), people notice, tell you how good you look, etc.  Who doesn't enjoy/want compliments?  This is why today more guys than you could ever believe utilize spray tanning as a way to obtain a natural looking tan without damaging their skin.

It’s the best kept secret of countless male stars, from athletes to actors. But why is a spray tan for men the new essential? A spray tan will accentuate your muscles, brighten your skin tone and give you a healthy look while also enhancing your natural colourings.

In an age where men and women alike are concerned about the health of their skin, more men than ever are utilizing safer tanning methods. It isn’t just those “Guidos” who go over the top with their bright orange tans that utilize “fake” tanning; in fact most men that utilize spray tanning don’t stand out from a crowd, at least not when they use WestCoast Tanning Co. because our no streak, no orange guaranteed formula means that guys and girls alike can get a realistic healthy tan without looking like they just fell out of Jersey Shore.

Guys, don’t resort to tanning beds and sunburns! Try a quick, effective spray tan for a fast and natural looking tan in only 10 minutes!

It’s just as important for men to avoid the damage of natural sun tanning & tanning beds with a safe spray tan , Men have even higher numbers of Skin Cancer than Women!

Common Myths About Spray Tans

In this article I want to summarize the most common misconceptions people have about spray tans. Most of these fake tan myths originated from the early days of tanning products when the technology was still new. Today we have sunless tanning products which not only work well and are relatively inexpensive, but they look so natural on your skin that people won’t be able to tell that you have a fake tan.




Spray Tan Myth 1:
Spray tan will make you turn orange

This will never happen if your spray tan technician has been properly trained to apply the correct spray tan solution for your skin type. Applying a solution that is too dark for somebody with very pale skin can increase the chances of an orange skin color. However today’s spray tan technicians are expertly trained to identify the correct solution darkness according to skin type.

Another possible cause for orange spray tan is if the spray tan was applied unevenly or incorrectly or the person getting the spray tan did not exfoliate properly or they used perfumes or moisturizers on their skin before the spray tan. All of these are preventable which minimizes the chance of the dreaded orange skin color.

Spray Tan Myth 2:
My skin is too pale for a spray tan

As explained in the myth above, there is a specific spray tan solution for all skin types – even the palest and freckliest skin type.  So if you are the type of person who always burnt in the sun and never could get a suntan because you are too pale, then a correctly applied spray tan can give you a realistic sun-kissed tone.

Spray Tan Myth 3:
My skin is too dark for a spray tan

Not true. As for the people with very pale skin, there are also spray tan solutions catering for people with naturally dark skin. In most cases people with dark skin get a spray tan when they wish to even out or conceal skin tone blemishes.

Spray Tan Myth 4:
The spray tan will wash off in the shower and my money will go down the drain

This is absolutely not true if you follow the recommended advice of your spray tan technician about how to care for your spray tan. Another major reason why this myth exists is that when people have a shower after waiting the recommended minimum 8 hours, they may see some dark fallout coming off their skin as they are showering. This is perfectly normal and is simply the bronzing solution coming off your skin as you are washing it. The spray tan ingredients which give you the gradual color do not wash off because they have combined with your topmost skin layer.

If looked after properly, your spray tan can last you for weeks!

Spray Tan Myth 5:
All spray tans smell bad

Certainly in the early days the pure DHA spray tan solutions and fake tan lotions had a hideous smell. This was caused by the DHA reacting with your skin’s amino acids which in turn produced an unpleasant odor as a by product. However, with the improved ingredients and technology of modern fake tans, the only smell you might notice is a pleasant perfumy or fruity aroma.

Spray Tan Myth 6:
The color of my skin immediately after my spray tan is what my tan will look like

The color of your skin immediately following your spray tan session will usually be quite different when you compare it a few days later if you follow the maintenance tips given by your spray tan technician. What you usually see immediately after your spray is the combination of the bronzer and DHA solution which has not yet combined with your dead skin layer. After you wait at least 8 hours and then have a shower, the bronzer will wash off leaving the DHA on your skin. At first you might look subtly lighter, but as each hour and day goes by your color will deepen progressively due to the effects of the DHA.

How Fergie Gets Her Glow

Fergie has a sneaky trick when it comes to looking like she has a perfect glow all of the time. Instead of piling on product, or baking in the sun – Fergie says she gets frequent light spray tans.

Fergie admits she used to be a sun worshipper and is still paying the price today by trying to undo the damage done to her skin.

My First Spray Tan - Word to the Brides Blog

My First Spray Tan

Originally I had no intention of attending the Bridal Fashion Debut in an effort to continue my crusade as Roberta Rebellion. But then my mom said something about a free spray tan and my inner Jersey Shore resident got all fist pump-y. So I set my alarm for 11:30, put on my best “I’m excited to be here” face and entered the Phoenix Convention Center.

Luckily my mom understood my feelings about weddings (she was, after all, one of four people to read my last blog) and did her best to walk rapidly past the booths offering free color consultations (Are you an Autumn Bride? Find out now!) But all this pales in comparison to the real reason we were there.

FREE SPRAY TAN

This was my first airbrush spray tan and since I was nervous about the unusual conditions, it would not be done quietly. Most people get the luxury of going into an enclosure while someone sprays you with vanilla scented goo, but we’re Segalls, which means everything must be done publically and with little concern for other people’s tastes.

I had done all the pre-tan exfoliating and was ready to get my bronze on. The only thing left to do was pull my hair securely out of my face and then delicately disrobe in front of an estimated crowd of OH MY GOD WHAT WAS I THINKING?!

It should be said (so I’m gonna) that this sort of exhibitionism is not for the weak. I would’ve expected to see one of those roller coaster warnings outside the booth which would read:

• Do not spray tan unless you are this tall
• Do not attempt spray tan if you suffer from high blood pressure, diabetes, certain heart conditions, or a body-image high school trauma that you still talk about in therapy
• Consult a physician before doing something that is totally and completely insane

But I will say that after the original shock of wearing glorified underwear in front of a crowd wore off, I felt sort of free. Not in a “freeballin’” sort of way, but I felt free to be less self conscious in everyday situations.

Practically naked in public and not getting arrested. 

Take THAT, College.

Anytime a new crowd would gather I would first try to slow down my heart rate from “sprint” to “light jog,” but then I would quickly turn into my smug self and scoff at the lesser beings outside the booth. Yeah, YOU’RE not this brave. It occurred to me that if I can be this naked in front of onlookers, then I shouldn’t be so embarrassed when I go to the grocery store without lip gloss. Not that I would ever do that, of course, but theoretically I felt like I had experienced a moment of Zen.

After my human car wash, I was thankfully able to put all my clothes back on and join the rest of the Puritans. Then my mom got into the action. So, yeah, she’s brave as hell too.

Many thanks go out to Scottsdale Salon and Spray Tan. They were a blast to hang out with while I was having my panic attack. Not to mention the fact that we now look pleasantly sun-kissed without the steaming hot side of cancer.

The Adventures of Lesalina

Twentysomething with a passion for life, style, and extra dirty martinis.

 

If y’all haven’t noticed by now, I’m a *big* fan of Spray Tanning. Here’s why:

• It’s a safe alternative to sunbathing and tanning beds – no wrinkles, no skin cancer
• When done properly, it looks just as good as a real tan – no lines or sunburns
• You feel lighter and tighter – less cellulite, looks like you’ve been hitting the gym

Bathing suit season is here and once these little scars on my stomach heal up, I’ll be ready for my bikini but I won’t dare step one foot in those bottoms until I’ve had my Spray Tan. I suggest you do the same (the Spray Tan, not the gallbladder removal – unless you have problems with that, in which case, I know a great surgeon). Once you get over the idea of standing in your skivies in front of a stranger, there’s nothing to it!
(I promise it’s not that bad – just make sure you shave, smell nice, and I found it helps to stick with the same technician, same person = less people seeing you almost naked.)

However, you will want to carefully follow the before and after care instructions. While the lovely people at  WestCoast Tanning provide information on getting the best results from your Spray Tan, true to form, I’ve added my two cents (in italics) to the checklist below. Considering I’m a bit of an old-pro, I thought my tried and true methods might be useful for you too!

Before you tan:

• Shower, shave and exfoliate your skin before you come in. It’s important to make sure that your skin is free of lotions, creams, and oils. This ensures there are no barriers between the Spray Tan solution and your skin.
• If you’re going to your appointment directly after showering, resist the urge to apply deodorant. While it won’t hurt your application, you will get green marks under your arms which is funny but also awkward when people stare at you in line at the grocery store.

During the tan:

• Each Spray Tan application takes 10 to 15 minutes. You’re in and out in less than half an hour, or if using their mobile service, they are in and out of your home in 30 minutes. That’s something any person-on-the-go can pencil in. Once you get into a routine you’ll usually be out in half that time, assuming your appointment is running on schedule.

After the tan:

• Loose-fitting, darker clothing is recommended to be worn after the application to help prevent the smudging of the tanning solution. For the summer, designate one or two black summer dresses (or t-shirt and shorts) as your Spray Tan attire. I keep one in my car with a pair of flip-flops in case of any last-minute appointments!
• The longevity of a Spray Tan will vary from person to person based on lifestyle and skin. Daily moisturizing will help maintain your tan. For most people, a Spray Tan will last between 7 and 10 days. This is non-negotiable, if you want your tan to last you MUST MOISTURIZE. My own scientific studies have proven this is key.

At Home:

• Before you jump in the pool or shower, or do a sweaty workout, we recommend you wait at least 8 hours. The Spray Tan solution requires this amount of time to react with the amino acids in the skin to produce the optimum results. Once you wait your 8 hours and jump in the shower, there will be no risk of staining your clothing or other cloth-based materials whatsoever.
• Take care when washing your hands. I know this goes against the proper method of hand-washing but try to only wash the insides of your hands for the first 8 hours. If you wash the tops and your wrists, the Spray Tan will come off and you will have lines. Gross, maybe but it’s worth it. Also, I won’t be offended if you never shake my hand after that little announcement.
• Be aware: Until your first shower, nylon, silk and elastics may be stained by the Spray Tan solution. There may be some residue from the Spray Tan solution left on other fabrics, but it will wash away in the laundry.
• Protect your toilet seat! After repeated exposure to your Spray Tanned ass sitting on your porcelain throne, it will begin to take on the color. A simple squat or paper protective measure will prevent this.

Phew. Okay, I know this looks like a bunch of rules but once you get the routine down it’s as normal as getting your nails done. Don’t even get me started on my manicure survival techniques.

Seriously though, please be safe in the sun this summer. Now get out there and get your Spray Tan on.

modified blog from The Adventures of Lesalina

Article from the Billings Gazette

Melanoma survivors say 'never again' to tanning beds

At 15, Jessica Coffman was enticed by the allure of the bronze glow she got by lying for 20 minutes in a tanning bed.  The rays produced a golden tan that boosted her self-confidence before the annual twirp dances and spring proms at West High.

The young woman of Italian and Irish descent sports dark hair and dark eyes characteristic of Italians and the pale skin associated with Irish. She longed for the darker skin her mother has.  “I felt I looked better with tanned skin,” Coffman said.  She spent hundreds of dollars and many hours in a tanning bed, visiting the salon two to three times a week for several months each year. It was her go-to, must-do before her wedding day. And, to ensure the glow on her big day, Coffman said she “double-dipped,” relying on indoor rays and the natural rays of the sun to secure the desired golden tan.

At age 25, a decade after Coffman began her love affair with tanning beds, her family physician noticed a mole on Coffman’s right shoulder during a routine physical exam and referred her to a dermatologist. The mole, which had grown, was skin cancer.  “I remember going to my car, calling my husband and sobbing,” said Coffman, now 27.  Although the surgery has left her cancer free, Coffman said, the 26 stitches required to remove the cancer have left a telltale scar. She said it is so unsightly that she refuses to wear tank tops.
Coffman is one of a growing number of young women who have developed melanoma and attribute it in large part to use of indoor tanning beds.

Once considered an old person’s disease, melanoma has a particular grip on young women. Since 1992, rates of the disease have risen 3 percent a year in white women ages 15 to 39, according to the American Cancer Society.  Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. The chance of getting it increases as you get older, but people of any age can get the disease. Melanoma is one of the most common cancers in young adults ages 25 to 29. Each year, more than 50,000 people in the U.S. learn that they have melanoma.

In April, Susan Anderson, 25, underwent surgery for skin cancer on her abdomen. Anderson, a registered nurse in Billings, said she believes it was due primarily to genetics but said using an indoor tanning bed was a factor, too.  “As I aged I could tell I developed more moles,” Anderson said. “I will never go in a tanning bed again. Spray tanning is a good alternative.”

Coffman, an occupational therapist, and Anderson discourage the use of indoor tanning beds and encourage regular appointments with a dermatologist, use of sunscreen and regular self-checks for changes in moles.
About 35 percent of 17-year-old girls use indoor tanning devices, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. According to a 2010 study by the Melanoma Research Foundation, there is a definitive correlation between indoor tanning and skin cancer. People who have used tanning beds are 74 percent more likely than others to develop melanoma, according to the study.

Dr. Roberta Hawk of Yellowstone Dermatology and Skin Cancer Clinic said she has seen an increase in the number of melanoma cases and not just among young white women.  “It’s a very real problem,” Hawk said.
She said she sees five to 10 people each day with flat moles, and each person has upward of 50 moles. Not all are cancerous, of course. She said her biggest challenge is that most people don’t understand the potential risk of cancer — or don’t want to hear it — until a friend has been diagnosed with it.  Her mission is to educate people about the need to use sunscreen 365 days a year, indoors and outdoors. Hawk said sunlight can penetrate car windows, even office windows, taking a toll on a person’s skin.

A bill in the 2009 Montana Legislature would have prohibited the use of tanning facilities by anyone under 16 without written consent from parent or legal guardian, according to the Department of Public Health and Human Services. The bill failed. There was no attempt to pass similar legislation this year, according to DPPHS.  Coffman said the money she spent for her golden glow ultimately cost thousands of dollars in medical expenses.  “The golden tan is not worth the damage you’re doing to your body,” Coffman said.

The Remarkable Revolution of the “Spray Tan”

It can most definitely be stated as such - Revolutionary.

Take the topic at hand. Sunless Tanning. It is more commonly known as “Spray Tanning”, and it has come such a long way since the days of being associated with looking “orange” or “streaky”. This is now an activity that celebrities partake in as a part of their lifestyle, as well as before walking the red carpet. Heck - We all know Ryan Seacrest gets his “spray tan on” before his weekly bout of American Idol. He probably has his own personal “Sunless Tanning Technician”. Now a days, you really don’t even have to leave your home to get a great tan. It really is the smart, convenient, healthy alternative to over exposure of UV rays.

Now I know everyone’s first question when going to get a spray tan for the first time is “Am I going to be orange, or streaky?” The answer is NO. That is a faux paux of Y2K. Let’s get with the times folks. Current formulations have been tweaked, and tested, and then tweaked, and tested again, to make sure that it is just right. Just think of the way we as people have evolved and the technological advances we have made since the 90’s. Well, the sunless tanning industry has evolved just as rapidly and in a very promising direction; with the way our society is, it really had no choice. Everyone has to look good - hair, gym, and a great tan. To get that great tan, one needs to have the right level of color applied to their skin, according to their skin tone. With today’s technology, most tanning solutions have more than one option. With the options at hand, who wouldn’t choose to have instant color when getting a professional spray tan? Most sunless tanning guns have multiple levels of color, ranging from a barely there sun-kissed glow, to a look of the islands, if you so desire. And no - orange is not one of the colors to choose from.

The second question that is always asked is “How long is this going to last?” Well, how long does a tan last when you come back from a nice week long vacation in Cabo? The tan from your vacation is going to fade, and may even peel off over the course of a few weeks. A sunless tan will typically last 7-10 days, depending on the way you care for it.  It is not going to peel like a real suntan might. I don’t know about you, but seeing someone with a peeling tan is definitely not attractive by any means. 

Besides giving you an amazing “just off the beach” look and lasting a week or more, sunless tanning is also a dose of goodness for your skin. Most formulations contain some type of antioxidants, along with vitamins and aloe. Last time I checked, the only thing you got from over exposing yourself to UV rays, besides an amazing dose of Vitamin D, was wrinkles. We have all seen Something About Mary right?

There are a wide range of options out there to choose from when considering who to get your tan from. Over the past few years there has been a dramatic increase in the number of spray tan businesses pop up.  Many such businesses use low cost equipment and solutions, and of course have limited spray tanning experience.  As a result the quality of their service will be noticeable.........and unfortunately that will be on YOU!  Be sure to choose a reputable company, that has experience, professional staff, real reviews from customers, and quality service.  If someone walks into your house with a machine that looks like they're about to paint your room, and it sounds and smells like an auto shop, then maybe you should think twice.  To get the most bang for your buck, you will want to find a spray tan technician who is using the top of the line equipment on the market right now. But remember the age old saying, “You get what you pay for!”

The real key here is that achieving tanned skin has become so much easier to obtain. IT’S MOBILE!!!! How awesome is that?! Tanning can come to you. Of course this has been around for a little while, but it is just really starting to come to surface with everything else that is now so easily accessible from home. Just think about it...when was the last time you went into a blockbuster to rent a movie? Why would you? We all have access to On Demand or something similar through our cable TV provider. We all also have the option for Netflix or something along those lines. Heck - you can even order groceries to be delivered to your home from major supermarkets (well maybe not here in Montana, but trust me you can). Everything is just becoming so much more convenient for us as a society. This is one of the biggest steps for the beauty industry and I have a feeling that Sunless tanning is going to be a house hold name, before long. Some may call it lazy, but frankly it’s brilliant - Revolutionary if you will. Welcome to the future of Sunless Tanning.

                                                  www.wctan.com


**from Sunless Revolution in San Diego, CA**