Men look so good with a tan, and spray tan for men is the easiest way to get that look.
This great effect must have something to do with the ability of the tan to accentuate muscles, especially the abdominals. This is why body builders will not go into a competition without a great tan (usually the instant spray tan variety, as it is more even than the natural one).
Body builders aside, spray tans are great if you are looking to get a healthy glow before you head off on holiday. When getting a spray tan for men, there are a few things to watch out for. Keep reading.
What is a spray tan?
Professional spray tanning is a more convenient option for the contemporary man who wants that youthful, glowing bronze complexion. Spray tanning booths are very common nowadays. All you have to do is step inside the booth and wait for the spray mist to be applied evenly throughout your body.
Until now, no research proves risks associated to spray tanning. But it’s important to protect your eyes, mouth and nose when spray tanning and avoid inhaling the product.
Be sure to wear goggles, nose plugs, and hold your breath while the spray is being applied. If you would like to use spray tan on your face, please check with the salon professional.
Spray tanning tips: BEFORE
• Make sure your skin is prepared
Preparing the skin for a spray tanning session involves showering and exfoliating beforehand. Since it is not recommended to shower for a few hours, you have to get cleaned up prior to the session. Exfoliating, meanwhile, removes dead skin cells from the top layer of the skin; this makes the tanning spray more absorbable, and results in a more even tan.
• Shave
Another thing you may have to do is to shave a few hours before your spray tanning session. Men are generally hairier than women, and too much body hair can result in streaks or blotches after tanning. Shaving too soon after a spray tan session can interfere with the darkening process, so make sure you do it before your session.
SEE ALSO: The grooming guide to becoming Superman: HAIR REMOVAL
• Know what to wear
Many tanning salons provide you with disposable underwear, which you can wear during the spray tanning session. The DHA (dihydroxyacetone) content in spray tan solutions has been known to react with wool, linen and silk, so avoid clothing made from those fabrics. Wear something light (swimwear is usually a good choice), and make sure you wear dark coloured clothing afterwards.
• Don’t shower or swim right away
If the spray tan is exposed to water too soon, it can cause ugly streaks and uneven spots. Wait at least 8 hours before you shower or swim. You should not hit the gym or be involved in physical activities that can cause sweating either.
How long do spray tans typically last?
This depends heavily on your skin type. Most tans will last 7-10 days after the first few tanning sessions. However, with more tanning sessions, your skin adapts and retains its beautiful tan for a longer period of time, extending up to two weeks.
TIP: if you apply moisturiser to your skin every day, it will keep your skin from drying out and your tan will last longer.
RECOMMENDED: Organic Whipped Shea Butter (very nourishing!) from GerlindeNaturals
Is spray tanning safe?
Spray tanning uses FDA approved dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which has been approved since the 1970s and has no known toxicity. The FDA does recommend protecting your eyes, lips and nasal passage while in spray tanning booths as inhaling or tasting the mist is dangerous.
Spray tanning is considered to be one of the most effective sunless tanning tools, and possibly the best part about spray tanning is that you don’t have to expose yourself to damaging UV rays to get your desired tan.
Is spray tanning for me?
Whether you are looking to make your muscles show more or if you just want a bit of colour before your holiday; spray tanning is great as a short-term option for getting a bronzed look in the safest way possible.