How to Get a Great DIY Spray Tan at Home

Remember laying out in the sun all day long to turn a golden color? Maybe you’re of that age where you slathered yourself in baby oil to get a quicker tan. Oh boy, those were the days.

If we only knew then what we know now. Nowadays, we’re all about the spray tans, tanning lotions, and well, being pale. In recent years, traditional tanning methods have become less popular, due to major health risks. Because of this, a plethora of companies have created sunless tanning creams, lotions and sprays. These items help you get tanned without tanning beds or the sun. Most people prefer this type of fake tanning, since there isn’t a significant health risk. The only serious cause for concern is sensitive skin and the possibility of an allergic reaction.

The self-tanning innovation that is gaining the most popularity is the self-tanning spray. This easy to use product is sprayed evenly on the skin and then you wait for it to dry. Self-tanning products contain a chemical called dihydroxyacetone (DHA). This chemical triggers the amino acids in the skin to produce a great tan. Self-tanners have been recognized by many as safe and effective; and they don’t come with the same risks as traditional tanning and tanning beds have. A DIY spray tan is pretty easy, but there are some things that you need to know to achieve that perfect, even tan. Here are six things that you should remember when you apply one.

How to Get a Perfect DIY Spray Tan at Home

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Prepare Your Skin

Before you get a spray tan, make sure that your skin can handle the formulation, and you won’t have an allergic reaction. Read the instructions carefully and then do a test patch. Apply a small amount of the spray to your body and wait for any allergic reactions or weird discoloration. As a bonus, this also allows you to check the color and quality of the tanning spray.

You’ll also want to exfoliate your body before your spray tan and get rid of all the dead skin cells. Tanning sprays usually “stick” to the outer layer of your skin. So, if your dead skin cells are still there, they’ll be ones that gets tanned, and your tan won’t last long. Healthy skin cells are very receptive to the tanning sprays, and they’re not ready to be sloughed off yet. This makes your tan last longer. Scrub your whole body using a loofah or a sugar scrub and make sure that you exfoliate your whole body.

After exfoliating, you’ll want to apply a moisturizer. Do this a few hours before your spray tan. This softens your skin and it becomes more receptive, giving you much better results.

How to Apply a Spray Tan

If you’re doing your own at home spray tan, there’s a few precautions you’ll want to take. Much like dyeing your hair at home, you’ll want to wear old, junky clothing. Sometimes the spray stains. You’ll also want a pair of gloves that you can use to avoid staining your hands. If you prefer to use your hands to apply the spray, be sure that you wash your hands right away to avoid further discoloration.

When you start spraying your body, be sure to apply the spray tan evenly. Have an old towel or even paper towels nearby to catch the drips. Don’t forget to apply the spray in areas like the back of your ears and your neck for an even color.

Get a friend to help you. A friend of mine that has an at home spray tan system stands in a kiddie pool in her garage with a spray booth while her husband or another friend sprays her.  She then returns the favor and spray tans that person.

Great Tips

Make sure that your spray tan is even and make the necessary adjustments if you find any discoloration. Stand still for a minute or two to avoid dripping and uneven application. It’s crucial that you don’t move; especially your joints since these areas can easily ruin your spray tan. Be sure to follow the instructions given in your kit and don’t forget to apply a sunscreen when you go out. Most tanning sprays have sunscreen, but you can never be too careful.

These easy steps will give you that perfect spray tan you’ve been dreaming about. Just be sure to follow these tips.  Now to find that ideal outfit that goes with your new tanned look.

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