The New Bronze Age

No more orange hues, spray tanning gets a glow-up

Known for beautiful weather and sunny seasons, Florida makes it easy to maintain a sun-kissed glow. Still, sunbathing beach days can often take a backseat to work schedules and responsibilities. And the occasional stormy weather, brief winters and cloudy days are a factor, too.

Enter the spray tan. Not so many years ago, bottled bronzers yielded unnatural and unpleasant results — tangerine hues, streaky skin and residue on clothing. Today, apparent fake tans are a thing of the past. Improved ingredients and blends have given a resurgence to the alternative tanning method.

“There’s a misconception that spray tanning will make you look orange or unnatural or that it will smell, but those are myths,” said Brittany Sigler, owner and operator of Destin 30A Luxe Mobile Tan. “Destin 30A Luxe Tan uses a proprietary blend solution that adjusts to the melanin and pH in your skin to give you an even tone and natural-looking tan. The smell is also very minimal.”

Too, spray tans offer preventative skin care from the health risks presented by traditional sunbathing. Skin cancer poses a long-term threat, and red, peeling skin from sunburns can be painful and ruin a fresh glow.

There’s no need for sunscreen when achieving a bronze tone sans harmful UV rays. Still, Allison Viviano, manager at Destin 30A Luxe Mobile Tan, suggests a skin care regimen to be followed pre and post tan.

“Be sure to shave and exfoliate ahead of your appointment time,” said Viviano. “To avoid unwanted skin reactions, be very cautious about not using oils, lotions or deodorant on your body right before your appointment.”

Similar to the precautions one must take before enjoying natural rays, such as using sunscreen and avoiding direct sun exposure, spray tanning requires precautions of its own.

One of the most important pieces of advice that Viviano shared is to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. The combination of hydration and prevention of abrasive rubbing will facilitate a lovely, lasting glow. Without adequate water intake, your skin becomes duller and more prone to irritations and blemishes. The more water you drink, the more likely your skin’s elasticity will improve.

“Be mindful of your water intake as well as your pre- and post-tanning product choices, which will help or hinder your spray tan bond to your skin,” Viviano warned. “We suggest natural products, such as our exfoliating hydrator with hemp lotion. We absolutely love that one, and our clients do, too.”

To avoid rubbing off on furniture or clothing, Destin 30a Luxe Mobile Tan advises steering clear of tight clothing, water submersion and sweating for about six hours.

“Allow the spray tan to sink into the skin, and once those six hours have passed, take a shower to rid yourself of residue and enjoy your new glow,” said Viviano.

With the days of unnatural orange hues in the rearview, spray tans now offer a safe and quick way to achieve a beautiful Florida glow.

Tips to Make Your Spray Tan Last

Before:

Exfoliate your skin
at least eight hours before your appointment.

Wear loose-
fitting clothing to your appointment and after to avoid rubbing off on furniture or clothing.

After:

Keep your skin hydrated by drinking water and moisturizing your skin.

Use oil-free sunscreen when out in the sun to protect your skin and spray tan.