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