Tanning Choices

Run and hide!

You can run in the sun and look like a hide or run and hide and be here for the ride.

The spray on tanning business is in high demand as consumers become more educated about the dangers of sun exposure and UV tanning beds.

Research shows that there are, in fact, two distinct types of aging. Aging caused by the genes we inherit is called intrinsic (internal) aging. The other type of aging is known as extrinsic (external) aging and is caused by environmental factors, such as exposure to the sun’s rays.

Photoaging” is the term dermatologists use to describe this type of aging caused by exposure to the sun’s rays.

Since unprotected sun exposure is a sure way to develop wrinkles, skin damage, and a greater risk for skin cancer, many are curious about sunless tanning products. These products give users a natural-looking simulated tan without any sun damage. All sunless tanners, or self tanners, contain DHA (dihydroxyacetone), which temporarily stains the skin surface and fades like a suntan as skin cells are naturally shed. DHA is considered by experts to be completely safe for skin. DHA gives no protection from the sun, and won't protect you from UV exposure in sunlight. If you're going to be in the sun, you still have to wear sunscreen.

Dihydroxyacetone: (DHA) is a FDA approved simple carbohydrate compound that is derived from plant sources such as beet sugar and causes a natural tanning of the skin when applied at the right concentration.

The most convenient way to get a sunless tan is at a salon. There are a number of options, which all last about the same seven to ten days as at-home products; the one you choose depends on how much you're willing to spend. The least expensive is booth spray tanning in which you stand in a booth and are blasted with tanning solution on front and back from shower jets. A disposable shower cap protects your hair, and you're advised to hold your breath and close your eyes during spraying. Wiping excess solution off with a towel immediately after spraying and using the provided barrier cream should keep certain areas (like elbows, knees, and soles of feet) from getting too dark.

Some salons do airbrush tanning in which a technician uses a hand-held sprayer to apply a fine mist of sunless tanner, varying the amount of tanning agent to match what you'd get from laying in the sun. Some technicians are able to paint-on muscles and abs with airbrush tanning. Although most airbrush tanning solutions are a sugar based product and the coloring comes from fruits and vegetables the taste is somewhat undesirable so don’t try it.

While tanning you have the option of bring your own bathing suit, using the spa underwear and bra provided, or if you desire no lines…yep, in the buff. There are techniques to spray someone with out compromising your or the technicians modesty.     

.

Important Features: Sunless tanning

Experts say the following about sunless tanners:

• All sunless tanners use DHA (dihydroxyacetone) to temporarily color skin. DHA is a safe ingredient for skin. Sunless tanners do not protect from the sun's UV rays, and additional sunscreen should be used. Also beware of SPF claims by sunless tanners. If they don’t list the ingredients of titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, Helioplex or avobenzone, (or Mexoryl SX or Tinosorb outside the U.S.), they don't protect against UVA rays, which are the most damaging to skin.

• All sunless tanners fade like a suntan, and need to be reapplied every five to seven days. 

• Smooth skin provides the best base for an attractive tan. 

• Most sunless tanners can stain clothing. Give the tanner ample time to dry before dressing.

• If you're pregnant or nursing, experts recommend checking with your physician before applying sunless tanners, especially salon sprays. According to the American Pregnancy Association, DHA is considered safe for pregnancy woman. However, editors also say, "The only concern is whether the active ingredient, dihydroxyacetone (DHA), is able to penetrate the skin. Studies do not confirm that it can, but some health care providers encourage women to wait until after the first trimester, just to play it safe."
• Ask for the ingredients in the product or information on the product to assure no carcinogens (cancer causing ingredients). 

These are a few tips to make your tan look better and last longer.

Wax instead of shaving because waxing last longer and shaving removes the skin you have tanned. Before you go in for the spray tan exfoliate thoroughly and do not wear lotions, deodorant, or perfumes. After the spray tan you will need to ware loose clothing and not shower for 8 hours to give the solution time to tan your skin. When you shower be sure to pat not rub dry and use plenty of moisturizers. Do not exfoliate again until the day of your next spray tan.

Life is about choices.

The ultimate choice is yours to look like a piece of old tanned hide and take a chance on cancer, or soft healthy glowing skin.

Lashing Out

Luscious lashes have always been a standard of beauty for women. Men on the other hand are slowly stepping out of their comfort zone and entering into the world of the metro-sexual look.  Eyes are the most expressive feature on our face and the lashes frame them. Who can blame us for our obsession to enhance this feature? We go to great lengths to achieve that perfect eye.

Mascara hasn’t always been the only choice for luxurious lashes. In ancient times, women used to darken their lashes and eyelids using kohl, which could be made from onion water or donkey liver mixed with oil and opium or, worse yet, malachite, copper, iron and lead. According to Riordan’s book, a beauty writer in 1834 suggested using “lampblack,” the residue resulting from holding a saucer over a gas lamp, to color the eyes. There are many choices now and all you need to do is decide the one that fits you best.

Lash and Brow Tinting – Men are finding this is the best kept secret among women. Growing in popularity the men are asking for this service almost as often as women. The tint used is a plant based product that is designed to use on lashes and brows. This process takes about fifteen to twenty minutes with remarkable results. You have the choice to be subtle or …not. Inexpensive enough for everyone’s budget.  Spending time at the lake or on the beach the sun bleaches your eyelashes and brows and your features began to look hard. Tinting can bring back the color that vanished by the rays.

Perms for Lashes- The eyelash perm is the latest beauty treatment designed to accentuate the eyes, following eyelash tinting, eyelash extensions or permanent eyeliner. The perming process takes about an hour. It generally costs $40 or more and is supposed to last for a month and a half.

False Eyelashes- It’s all about glamour with false lashes. There many different shapes colors and lengths of lashes to choose from. The application of strip lashes is easy and you can do this at home or have it done in the salon. Strip lashes can create high drama to your evening out or instant return for lashes that disappeared due to illness. Remove false eyelashes before you go to bed, using a warm cloth or makeup remover. Clean thoroughly before the next use. 

Lash Tabs- These are small clusters of lashes bonded at the base of the lid between the existing lashes to create a longer, thicker lash. You can have a few lashes added to the outside corners of your eyes to create a subtle, sophisticated glamour.  Tabs are less expensive than the lash extensions and takes about 30 minutes to one hour to apply. The price is between $25 and $ 40 and can last up to three weeks.

Lash Extensions- Extensions are becoming a staple in salons. They create more drama than mascara, but still look fresh and natural. The procedure usually takes about two hours. While lying down with your bottom lashes held down with tape 25-30 lashes are dipped one by one in a bonding agent and applied to your existing individual lashes. The procedure is painless and relaxing. It is critical to avoid getting your lashes wet with water, oils, or creams in the first 24-48 hours. Touch ups are recommended every two weeks to replace any strays that have fallen out. Avoid pulling and rubbing lashes when washing your face and toss out your eyelash curler and mascara. Curlers can break or crease your new lashes and since most mascara is petroleum based, it will break down the adhesive and ruin the lashes. Do not use waxy or creamy eyeliner pencils either. To take off your eye makeup, use a non oily makeup remover instead of a cleanser. If you can’t afford extension or don’t have the patience for the care they demand you should consider tabs or strips.

Eyelash enhancements are a fun gift to give yourself, lash out and see how flirty it makes you feel!