Today, there is an easier way to get a sun-kissed look without spending hours in the sun or under a tanning bed. Also known as the spray tan, airbrush tanning involves the application of tanning solution to the skin in a fine mist. A large number of people are turning to airbrush tanning to give themselves tanned celebrity looks to complete their photos. The popularity of airbrush tanning remains for a reason. It is simply an easier way to get a sun-kissed look without subjecting the skin to the harmful rays of the sun or harsh light from tanning beds. Those who plan to eventually undergo airbrush tanning should know a few things about the process before booking their first appointment.
Airbrush tanning safety and costs
Is airbrush tanning considered a safe cosmetic procedure? Fortunately, airbrush tanning is a safe process for most people to undergo. Airbrush tanning solutions generally contain an active ingredient known as dihydroxyacetone, a type of colorless chemical that is extracted from glycerin. When the DHA chemical interacts with the amino acids of the dead cells of the skin, it causes the dead skin cells to turn brown. DHA is considered safe for external applications since it is not considered toxic and does not have properties that could cause the skin to take the chemical into the body. The usual application of airbrush tanning usually lasts up to seven days for most people. This is because of how dead skin cells shed after a while, particularly after the application of an airbrush tanning solution.
The costs of the average airbrush tanning session are relatively inexpensive. Factors like the actual application process and even the quality of the airbrush tanning solution can influence the price. For example, airbrush tanning professionals known for thorough ‘celebrity-like’ application processes charge a premium fee for their services due to demand.
In most cases, prospective customers can anticipate paying as much as $25 to $50 per session at a tanning salon. Some airbrush tanning professionals provide mobile services, where they visit the homes of their customers to perform their tanning session. These mobile services generally start at $40 per session, depending on the type and demand of the services provided.
What to know before an airbrush tanning session
Although the airbrush tanning process is straightforward, prospective customers are advised to take care of several things before booking their session. Being prepared for an airbrush tanning session not only makes it easier for the professional performing the service, but it is also easier on the customer.
Exfoliating the skin, for example, is one task prospective customers should prepare for their upcoming session. This process simply involves scrubbing off as much dry and dead skin as possible. Skin exfoliation helps the airbrush tanning solution integrate with the top layer of the skin during the session, which makes the solution stay on the skin longer. Another task to do before the airbrush tanning is moisturizing the skin around the knees, ankles, palms, and elbows. This helps protects those areas of the skin where the airbrush tanning solution might cause unnecessary dark spots. Removing excessive body hair is also advised, as it can give a smoother looking appearance if removed. It is recommended to shave or wax up to a day before the session, mainly to allow the pores of the skin to close following the hair removal session.
