Spray tanning has gained popularity for those who desire to have a sun-kissed glow without risking the damage that comes from UV exposure. When starting your spray tan business journey, you will likely find that there are several prevailing myths and opinions surrounding the sunless industry as a whole. There will be people in your community who question the expectations they may receive from a spray tan transformation. These hesitations typically come from the early years of spray tanning where celebrities were often seen sporting less-than-natural results. Fortunately, advancements in the sunless industry have paved the way for spray tan artists to educate their communities on the natural results and skin health benefits that are now achievable through spray tanning.

Throughout the rest of this post we will debunk some common misunderstandings surrounding spray tanning:

Myth 1: Spray Tans Turn You Orange

Fear of an unnatural orange hue is a common myth that many first time sunless clients have. Modern spray tanning solutions, when applied correctly, are formulated with skin-loving ingredients that help to produce a natural-looking tan. However, despite the leaps and bounds that sunless tanning products have made, spray tan artists also need to ensure that their technique is up to par in order to avoid an orange tint. When choosing an artist, it’s important to look for someone that is an educated and certified spray tan technician who understands the way sunless solutions interact with different skin types. With the proper knowledge, spray tan solution can be tailored to the client's natural skin tone to ensure the outcome is always a golden glow, without pulling orange.

Myth 2: Spray Tanning is Unsafe for Your Skin

Some people are concerned about the safety of spray tan solutions because of the way the service applies product directly to the body. However, DHA, the active ingredient in spray tan solution, is found to be FDA approved and safe to apply to the top layer of the skin. DHA, which is derived from sugar and fermented glycerin, reacts with the amino acids on the outer skin layer in order to create a tan-like effect. This is why spray tans only tend to last around 7-10 days. Due to the natural shedding process of the skin, the tanning solution is slowly sloughed off and therefore the tan fades within a week or two. In order to increase the safety of spray tanning during application, it’s advised that client’s wear protection on areas that have mucous membranes, such as the eyes and lips. 

Myth 3: Spray Tans Don't Last Long

Contrary to the misconception that spray tans are a short-lived beauty treatment, the longevity of a spray tan depends on factors such as skin type, aftercare, and solution quality. With proper care and moisturizing, a spray tan can last up to a week or more. Offering add-on options, aftercare products and ensuring that clients have proper knowledge on skin prep can extend the duration of a tan to nearly two weeks.

Myth 4: Spray Tanning Doesn't Work on Fair Skin

Fair-skinned individuals often worry that their skin tone will not be able to achieve natural looking results from a fake tan. The clients who fall in this area on the Fitzpatrick Scale usually do not tan naturally in the sun, therefore are concerned about looking unnatural or too dark from a sunless session. In reality, spray tanning can be customized for various skin tones, including fair skin. A knowledgeable technician can adjust the solution to achieve a subtle, natural tan that complements lighter complexions, just as much as they can offer a deep dark bronze for clients with naturally darker skin tones. The variety of sunless solutions on the market today allows for versatility and inclusion within the industry for all people. 

Myth 5: Spray Tanning Offers No Health Benefits

Beyond aesthetics, spray tanning reduces the need for sun exposure to get a flawless glow, lowering the risk of skin damage and premature aging. It's a safe alternative to achieve a  bronzed look without UV exposure that can lead to life-threatening risks, such as skin cancer. Although many people may not feel they have to worry about the risks that come from UV rays until they reach their older years, it's not uncommon for individuals who are only in their 20’s and 30’s to experience the damaging effects of skin cancer. Not to mention, spray tanning can be seen as part of an overall skincare routine. Many spray tan solutions include skin-nourishing ingredients that add extra hydration and revitalize skin to reduce signs of aging.

While misconceptions about spray tanning persist, proper education allows spray tan artists to consistently deliver beautiful sunless tanning results to their clients. As a spray tan artist, understanding client preferences, recommending appropriate pre and post-tan care practices, and delivering a top-notch technique will ensure a flawless and enjoyable sun-kissed experience each and every time. Bust the myths surrounding sunless tanning and provide a luxurious spray tanning application by exploring premium quality sunless solution and products from X-Tan Sunless. Your journey to becoming a renowned spray tan artist and business owner starts here!

Xo,

Kelly