|
Skin
Deep
Spray-On That Golden Glow!
by Amy Baue
|
Summer is just around the corner and most of us are ready to closet our sweaters and slip into our swimsuits. Unfortunately for many, the first public swimsuit appearance is sometimes a scary prospect. That extra winter weight coupled with body parts that haven’t seen the sun since last season does not a bathing beauty make. Many are turning to the wonders of spray-on tanning to get an instant golden glow. Now you can look sun-kissed and swimsuit-ready in under 60 seconds—without harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Mystic Tan is a very popular spray-on tanning option. Mystic Tan is UV free and contains dihydroxacetone (DHA) as its main ingredient. This is a simple molecule that has been used in cosmetics and food for decades. When applied to the skin, DHA reacts with proteins in its outer layer giving it a golden-brown sheen. Spray-on tanning allows applications on both the front and back of the body, with each side taking less than 60 seconds. This type of tanning typically lasts from 4 to 10 days. One Austin location offering Mystic Tan is Urban Tan, located at 124000 Highway 71. Urban Tan’s owner, Kelly Smith, says the length of time Mystic tan remains on the body can vary. “It all depends on the way a person stands in the machine and how well they put on the barrier cream.”
Though this option was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (F.D.A.) for external use, internal consumption should be avoided. As a result, tanning salons recommend wearing eye goggles and nose plugs to protect yourself.
Another location that offers Mystic Tan is Asolari Tanning and Boutique, located at 3801 Capital of Texas Highway. Asolari co-owner, Tara Durham, says most first-timers come with many of the same questions: Will it turn me orange? Can pregnant women use it? Should fair-skinned people avoid it? The answer to all of these questions is no.
While it is safe to be in the sun afterwards, a spray-on tan will not protect you from burning. So it is important to take dark-colored, loose-fitting clothing to wear after your session. If not blended properly, the color can rub off on lighter clothing as well, but not to worry: it comes out in the wash. The cost for first-time users ranges from $20 to $25.
Austin Locations that offer Mystic Tan:
Urban Tan: 263-2813
Asolari: 328-4444
Palm Beach Tan: 418-8497
Way Too Tan: 873-8267
The Sun Salon: 459-TANS
Darque Tan also offers an alternative form of spray-on tanning called Instant Tan. Instant Tan delivers DHA, bronzers and nourishing vitamins to the epidermis. This tan, unlike Mystic Tan, does not require barrier creams.
You simply step into the booth, and nine separate spray nozzles target your entire body in a mere six seconds. The cost is $10 for the first session and can go as low as $7 if you become a member. According to Darque Tan’s General Manager Drew Gillespie, Instant Tan only lasts about five days.
“Remember that UV-free tanning is a completely cosmetic tan. As your skin naturally exfoliates every three to five days, the tan will fade as well. I recommend spacing the sessions apart about 24 hours,” he says.
Overall the most important thing to remember with either spray-on method is to prepare your skin in advance. Make sure to exfoliate and shave the day of and prior to your tan. Also, moisturize with a water-based lotion to hydrate the skin before tanning. After your tanning session, towel your body off to blend the tan into the skin. Rub vigorously on the hands and feet, as they tend to come out darker. Finally, try to avoid chlorine and harsh exfoliants following your tanning session.
|
