THREATING yourself to a luxurious tan is one way to make sure you look your best this Christmas. We all feel good; look better and slimmer with a little bit of a golden glow. What better way to get a healthy natural look than by getting a spray tan? Yet when it comes to getting a spray tan before a big event the last thing you want is for it to go wrong. So in order to avoid a nasty tanning experience, let’s have a look at some fast and easy tips to ensure you are looking your finest.
First of all, if the event is really important and you have little experience in giving yourself a spray tan or applying fake tan, you should probably look at getting a spray tan with a professional tanning salon. Make sure you have either been to them before or have a good referral from someone who has. However, if you are confident in your own self-tanning abilities go for it on your own!
Before you get your spray tan you need to prepare your skin. The first thing to do is to take a shower and exfoliate your skin. Make sure you do not use an oil based exfoliant as the oil will act as a barrier to the spray tanning solution. Similarly, ensure you don’t put any lotions, creams, deodorants or perfumes on as they will alter the tanning process and make your tan look uneven.
Another important pre-tanning tip is to choose your clothes carefully when going for your tan. As your skin might lose colour directly after the spraying, it is best to dress casually and wear loose-fitting clothes. If you are doing it yourself remember to use gloves in order to keep your hands clean and Vaseline to protect from staining in key areas.
After getting a spray tan you need to ensure you do not shower or bathe for at least 8 hours. This will help you skin absorb the tanning solution remember the longer you keep it on, the deeper your tan will become. Once you have showered, the most important thing to do is keep your skin hydrated. Hydrating your skin will influence how long your tan will last. This involves not only moisturising it regularly but also drinking a lot of water to keep your body from dehydrating. It is also important to avoid long showers or baths as this will wash your colour off faster. You can also use a special tan extender to help lengthen the life of your tan.
Getting a spray tan doesn’t protect from UV rays. Please remember, that it is still important to put on sun screen, wear a hat and cover up in the sun.
Finally, timing is another crucial factor. Getting a spray tan on the same day as the celebration could end in a horrible disaster. So make sure you allow yourself at least a day before your big event to tone down and for any last minute fixes should anything go wrong. Following these little tips you should get great tanning results and have a wonderful glow for that special Christmas party.
Mary Ferry is the proprietor of the Genesis Skin Care & Laser Clinic in Upper Dore, Bunbeg, Tel 07495 32575, www.genesissalon.ie. If you have a query you would like answered in Mary’s column confidentially, e-mail healthandbeauty@donegalnews.com
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