The Bristol Beauty Vine

As we are now aware of the harmful effects and damage that the natural sun UV rays have upon the human skin and the use of a sunbed once a month or more could put you at risk by more than half, more and more people are opting for UV free sunless tanning. In just 15 minutes you can have a safe and beautiful tan, achieving the same results as 10 days in the sun, without the ageing/damaging effects.

Spray tanning is the safe alternative to sunbathing or sun-beds as it is UV free. You can have fantastic radiant skin with a sun-kissed glow without leaving home.

The tanning products contain various ingredients. They contain a guide colour to help the Technician apply the tan evenly; this is only an indication of how the tan will look, as the tan is developing underneath. The guide colour will be washed off after a minimum of 8 hours when the tan is fully developed, and when you are able to shower or bathe.

  The ingredients include plant extracts, alcohol, moisturising agents and preservatives. The important one is DHA, or Dihydroxyacetone, the colourless sugar in the tanning solution.

How does it work? DHA reacts with skin proteins, including amino acids, in the outermost layer of the skin. The reaction develops brown skin colouring. The higher the DHA, the higher the tan. The spray tan works with your natural pigments.

How long will it last? The tan can last between 5-7 days, depending on how well you prepare for the tan and how well you moisturise afterwards. However, this can be extended by using a tan extender as it contains 3% DHA, which will prolong the tan. The face and hands will be the first to fade, as you will wash these more often. A facial mist spray will top up the face, and can also be used on hands.

Preparation 24 hours before your spray tan - If you want great results then this guidance should be followed

- Exfoliation is one of the most important factors in preparing your skin for a spray tan, try and spend a little extra time on knees, elbows, hands and feet. This promotes and even coverage
- Thoroughly moisturise the day before your tan is to be applied. Do not use oil or oil based products.
- Shave 24 hours before your tan and wax at least 48 hours prior to your tan (this allows pores to close in time).
- Refrain from eyelash tinting 12 hours before as it may react with the DHA.
- Remove contact lenses during your spray tanning session.
- Remove make-up, moisturiser, perfume and deodorant before your application as
these can act as a barrier.
- Do not use highly moisturised soap.
- Do not have a spray tan if you are pregnant due to varying skin pigment that occurs at this time.
- It is recommended that you wear dark loose fitting clothing. Solution washes out of most clothing very easily but may stain nylon and lycra materials; therefore dark coloured underwear is recommended.

Aftercare -

- Be careful after your tanning appointment of wearing long boots, as these can make your tan patchy on your legs, and avoid any tight fitting clothing.
- Try not to touch yourself during development time as this can lead to patchy results and staining of your hands. (I will show you your hands are clear of tan after treatment, any marks on your hands after this is due to touching the developing tan)
- Leave your tan for at least 8 hours and overnight if possible, before showering or taking a bath. This allows your tan to develop
- Avoid wearing socks or shoes after your tanning session as sweating can inhibit the development of your tan. Sandals are a good choice.
- Avoid applying moisturisers or deodorants until after your first shower or bath
- Avoid wearing tight clothing for at least 5 hours, as these will cause the tan to rub off during the developing stage
- All swimming, showering and vigorous exercise must be avoided for at least 5 hours as this can inhibit the development of your tan
- Do not shave until 12 hours after your treatment
- Do not sit on light coloured fabrics until you have showered or taken a bath as the
colour guide can cause discolouration

Remember. When you take a shower or a bath you will see some colour wash off. Don’t worry.
This is quite normal as it is only the colour guide that I use when the tan is applied.

Maintaining Your Tan
It is recommended you follow these general guidelines to maintain your tan:

- Moisturise daily to extend the tan but only after your fist shower or bath.
- Avoid long hot baths and showers as these speed up exfoliation, which will fade the tan
- Avoid using high street soaps, shower gels or bubbles baths that contain parabens or
sodium lauryl sulphates, as these will fade your tan more quickly
- It is advisable to wear washing up gloves as the hands are one of the first parts of the
body where your tan will fade
- Pat your skin dry after a bath or shower. Rubbing your skin may rub off your tan
- Avoid swimming pools or sea water, as these can reduce your tan

Remember that the tan does not have any SPF factor, so wear sun protection as usual.

What's in it?

- Treatment times vary from 15 minutes to 1/2 hours

- Spray Tanning treatment prices start from £10.00, for additional information please visit my prices page. 
From the 8th April 2011 full body spray tans for under 18 are only £10. Under 16's will require parental consent