Spray tans vs sun baking: making the healthy choice

A hallmark of the summer season is the emergence of olive-tones and sun-kissed complexions which tell a tale of a bali holiday or lazy days on our pristine Fremantle beaches.

As many rush out to catch the rays in an attempt to transform pasty white into golden-toned skin, they may not realise the dangers and risks they are facing in the name of beauty.

Luckily, there is a much safer alternative: the salon spray tan.

What are the dangers of sun baking and solariums/tanning beds?

Brief sun exposure can have positive health benefits, such as helping the body to produce melanin (the pigment which results in a tanned appearance) and vitamin D.

However, when you lie in the sun or in a tanning bed, you are exposing your skin to ultraviolet radiation. Not only is this damaging to your skin cells, excessive exposure to UV radiation is the leading cause of skin cancer.

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, with 90% of cases directly related to UV exposure.

Aside from the serious health effects UV rays can have on your skin, it is also important to know 80% of premature skin ageing is caused by the sun.  

Prolonged exposure to UV rays damages the collagen in your skin, which is the protein that keeps your skin firm and smooth. It can also lead to sunspots and uneven skin tone.  

Are spray tans the answer?

We can respond with an emphatic YES! The main ingredient in our spray tan formulas is dihydroxyacetone, better known as DHA.

This is a colour additive which temporarily darkens skin, which is not toxic or carcinogenic (cancer causing).

DHA can only become dangerous if inhaled or ingested, but is completely safe when applied in low concentration, such as in a spray tan. Our beauty therapists always take the utmost care when applying our formula to ensure each client is in safe hands.

A self-tan is always the much safer alternative to spending the day in the sun or under a UV lamp.

Always remember to slip-slop-slap

Although your skin may appear to be darker after a spray tan, this does not mean you are immune to damaging ultraviolet radiation which penetrates the skin, damaging the cells below and increasing your risk of melanoma and other skin cancers.

When showing off your glowing skin at the beach, by the pool or anywhere in the sunshine, remember to seek out shade, slip on protective clothing, lather on 30 SPF or higher sunscreen and protect your face and eyes with trendy sunglasses (polarized, of course) and a chic hat.  

How do you make your spray tan last?

There are a number of steps you can take to prolong your gorgeous new tan, with some preparation required before your appointment even begins.

Remove any unwanted hair 24 hours before your tan, to give your pores enough time to close. The next step is to exfoliate at least 12 hours before your appointment, to remove excess skin cells particularly around your knees and elbows.

Forgo any moisturiser or lotions on the day and wear loose fitting clothes with thongs/slides to your appointment.

Don’t shower until the waiting period advised by your beauty therapist is up, and keep the shower temperature cool and session short.

Moisturise from head to toe with Naked Tan’s Body Moisturiser, which you will find available at out South Fremantle beauty salon.

Attain the perfect glow at Kinks Hair and Beauty Fremantle

At Kinks Fremantle, we use Naked Tan natural spray tanning products for the perfect, streak-free tan.

Our spray tanning products come in a range of natural shades, offering a gorgeous summer glow for clients of any complexion.

Naked Spray Tan are the pioneers of the original two hour wash & wear philosophy, providing fast and flawless results without the damaging UV rays.

Free from parabens, sulphates, alcohol and odour, the ten-minute salon treatment will rapidly develop into a gorgeous tan, transforming you into a bronzed goddess ready to take on the town, show off your new bikini by pool or leaving you picture perfect for your special occasion.

Achieve your perfect summer glow by booking an appointment at our South Fremantle beauty salon.

For an overall summer makeover, chat with our fremantle hairdressers about the colour and styles trending this season.