Airbrush Tanning Guide!

In the last decade, airbrush tanning has been elevated to a fine art. Air brush tanning is a precise, thorough and completely modern way of applying a faux tan is very popular with individuals who don't have the time or patience to apply self-tanning lotions or visit a tanning bed.

In its simplest incarnation, airbrush tanning is literally a tan in a can that is propelled through a hose by compressed air.

Color is distributed over the skin using a compressor and an airbrush delivery system that looks very similar to the airbrush tools used by artists to paint on canvases. The air compressor forces air out through the end of an airbrush that is attached to a bottle or can of skin colorant. As the air speeds through the airbrush it collects fine particles of solution that are smoothly and evenly deposited onto the skin.

State of the art salons have taken the process of air brush tanning even further, by adopting that technology that attaches a magnetic polarity to the molecules of tanning solution.

The fine spray that is ejected from the airbrush descends on the skin in even tinier particles giving it a very delicate and believable color and texture.

The active ingredient in air brush tanning solutions is dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a simple non-toxic sugar that is approved by the Federal Drug Administration. This solution is mixed with what is called an "external bronzer." This bronzer that is formulated to enhance your skin tone, is immediately visible once the solution is sprayed on the skin. Once applied, DHA reacts with amino acids in surface dead skin cells.

During the spray tanning process, these dead skin cells link to proteins within the skin to create a darker pigment called melanoidin. The depth and darkness of the tan depends on the concentration of DHA in the airbrushing tanning solution. The more DHA, the darker the tan.

The downside to air brush tanning is that it only affects the very surface layer of the skin, which is called stratum corneum (translates to mean "the outer layer of the skin") and application time is much longer (1-2 hours) versus going in a spray tanning booth.

These skin cells are shed by the human body on a daily basis, so several visits to an airbrush tanning technician may be necessary to maintain a perfect looking tan. As the tanning solution is bonded through dead skin cells, this is not a situation where one is advised to engage in any abrasive kind of personal grooming, such as scrubbing with a loofah.

However airbrush tanning also boasts many advantages including a smooth finish that cannot be mimicked by self-tanning products that are sold for home-use. Individuals ho use creams and sprays at home often find themselves missing a spot or ending up with streaky skin. Airbrush tanning spares users the fuss of home application as well as assures the attractive and even distribution of product over the body -- creating the effect of a natural looking, sun-kissed skin.

Learn more about airbrush tanning and tanning products and services to make you look good and feel good.

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