Are you seeking a bronzed, glowing complexion for your big day? I attended a spray tan party last week given by my two friends who have an amazing spray tanning business servicing brides. Brides they met at bridal shows were invited to come get “sprayed” and experience their services to see if they wanted to schedule the dynamic tanning duo to “spray” the wedding party a day or two before the big day! I was there to introduce my on-line Bride Fit program and Bride Fit coaching services. As a Bride Fit coach I seek the healthiest choices in all area’s including beauty for my brides, so I did some investigating. I’m going to explain what a spray tan is and what product and technician is best. Let’s get a base line of understanding when it comes to “healthy tanning.” Sun exposure in small doses, twenty to thirty minutes without sunscreen per day, is recommended to get the vitamin D benefits. Basking in the sun for hours is not recommended as it causes wrinkles, early aging (you can picture the wrinkled weathered looking skin I’m referring to) not to mention skin cancer. Trips to the tanning salon aren’t better for you than too much sun exposure either (some believe that)!
What about spray tanning? What actually happens when you get “sprayed?”
The cosmetic bronzer is the color immediately visible during the session and will wash off during the first shower revealing the DHA (dihydroxyacetone) bronze tan beneath. DHA is an ingredient that creates a tanned appearance by developing a brown color on the surface of the skin. This happens as a result of a reaction between DHA and skin proteins and oxygen that produces brown compounds. This process is similar to what occurs when you slice open an apple and the surface of the apple browns when it’s exposed to the oxygen in the air. I don’t know about you but I thought the “tan” was simply a bronzer that was applied, I had no idea it was about a chemical reaction turning the top layer of your skin bronze! The development of color takes anywhere from 2 to 4 hours and the intensity of the color is dependent upon the DHA concentration and the tanner’s individual skin characteristics. The color usually lasts 5 to 7 days and begins to fade as the top layer of the skin naturally exfoliates.
What about looking “orange?”
Having a high pH level in the skin can sometimes give you an undesirable “fake” tan appearance. The product I recommend is formulated to lower the pH levels of the skin giving a more golden brown color.
Are the ingredients safe?
Your skin is your largest organ and what we put on it matters! Dr. Melanie Palm, MD, MBA, is the founding Director of Art of Skin MD, in Solana Beach, CA, and is currently faculty for the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery fellowship in La Jolla, CA, says in an ask the experts article that there is no clear evidence that DHA is harmful to humans if applied topically and used as directed. Dr. Palm stated, “Concentrations used in sunless tanning preparations are considered non-toxic and noncarcinogenic- I personally use these products and recommend them to my patients as a safe alternative to traditional tanning.” She also points out that the primary concern about tanning sprays relates the inhalation and ingestion, which is not suggested. It’s important thing to remember is the DHA is not sunscreen and even though you are “tan” you need to apply a safe and effective sunscreen!
What product to I recommend?
I’m a big believer in high quality in every area; food, sleep, relationships, movement and products I use in my home and on my skin. I love that Norvell ® Sunless Spray Solutions are non-toxic, and utilize only the best DHA which has been vigorously tested before entering any Norvell ® formulation. Each formulation is:
- Paraben Free
- Gluten Free
- Sulfate Free
- Nut-Allergen Free
- Propylene Glycol Free
- Phthalates Free
Fun Fact: It’s the product used to bronze the beautiful bodies on “Dancing With The Stars!”
I was on the fence about getting “sprayed” at the party because I was headed to the Caribbean two days later and I was concerned about the possible “fake” look. My expert tanning technician friends, Jodi and Carolyn, assured me that my skin will be bronzed and fabulous. I was so happy with the results of a sun kissed bronzed glow! Are you considering a spray tan for your big day? Let me know in the comments below, I love to hear from you!
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