Archive for July, 2010
Tan Your Way to More Muscle?
Have you ever noticed that all body builders tan—excessively? It’s comical to see them flexing on stage while a radioactive glow is emitted from their body. You may assume that bodybuilders are simply driven by the aesthetics of tanning, which is true, but not necessarily why you think.
Bronzed skin is obviously prized in Western culture, but bodybuilders tan to bring out their muscles. When you skin is tan, it creates a shadow effect on your body which accentuates the striations, making you look more cut. Not only does tanning work to help bring out bulk, it also has a slimming effect for long, lean muscles, which is why you’ll see airbrush tanning systems on the sets of photo shoots. Tanning is a great way to instantly improve your physique, but unlike the body builders, remember to use a little tanning discretion.
Reversing Sun Damage
Most people hit the beach or the tanning salon in an effort to achieve beautiful skin. But the irony in this is that tanning often leads to skin problems later in life: wrinkles, sagging, blotchy skin or even melanoma. If you’ve been subjecting your skin to a glut of UV radiation, it’s not too late to reverse the effects. Of course, the first line of business is to cut down on your exposure to radiation; use a spray on tan if you feel the need for bronzed skin.
Using antioxidants can help slow the oxidation process and preserve the collagen and elastin in your skin. Antioxidants can be found in a variety of foods, including fruits and green tea, as well as in supplements. You can also find lotions and skin care products that can reverse the skin’s signs of aging and aid in the propagation of skin cells. Many of these products contain free radical-thwarting antioxidants as well.
Combating Spray Tanning Skepticism
As a spray tanning professional, I’m used to people expressing skepticism when they first hear about sunless tanning. And I have to admit, it is a little suspicious when someone tells you that you can achieve an indistinguishable, natural looking tan with spray-on products. Of course, combating this cynicism is one of the main hurdles in attracting new customers.
In my experience, the only way to change a person’s preconceived notions about spray tanning is by showing them the results firsthand; this is one of the reasons I am such a big advocate for mobile sunless tanning. Several times a week I will set up my tanning tents in areas with a high amount of foot traffic and apply tans to some of my other spray tan artists. This allows people walking by to see the process and results up-close
The Case for Sunless Tanning
Since the new tanning bed tax has gone into effect, there has been a startling amount of debate and backlash. Some are claiming the tax is racist while others are questioning its legality. Personally, the tax hasn’t affected me much, but my sister and her friends said they’ve already had to cutback at the tanning salon. I’ve been trying to convince them for years to stop inundating their bodies with UV rays multiple times per week, and the new tax seems like the perfect catalyst to convince them.
I know they’re not going to go without being tan—that would be ridiculous of course. But sunless tanning is a viable option, and it doesn’t seem like they’ve even considered it. I’ve seen the results firsthand and I think they’re better than what you get at the tanning beds—plus you don’t have to worry about melanoma
What is DHA?
Have you ever wondered what the secret ingredient is in airbrush tanning solution? The main darkening agent in tanning solutions is DHA, or dihydroxyacetones. Some people may experience some minor skin agitation, but DHA is safe for your skin and the FDA has approved it for cosmetic use.
At the molecular level, DHA is a simple carbohydrate composed of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. The chemical is typically derived from sugar beets and sugar cane, as well as through the fermentation of glycerin. DHA tans you by affecting the amino acids in the outermost layer of your skin. The DHA levels in sunless tanning products range from 3-15 percent; the solution you use will be dependant on your natural skin tone and how dark you want to look.
Tanning for the Masses
One of the hardest aspects of owning and operating a profitable airbrush tanning business is maintaining a constant stream of new customers. With the economy the way it is, fewer people have the time and money to get a tan. And as you can imagine, during the summertime the demand for sunless tanning dwindles. I employ a variety of tactics to promote my company, but one of the most successful is giving live demonstrations.
During the summer I go down the boardwalk, local farmer’s markets and other outdoor events to give spray tanning demonstrations. People are always intrigued when they see the spray tanning tents, as airbrush tanning is still a new concept to most people. Throughout the demonstration I explain the various benefits of spray tanning and give the audience an up-close look at the results.
Which Airbrush Tanning System Should I Use?
When it comes to choosing airbrush tanning supplies, your decision will be based largely on how you intend to use the system. If you and a couple of friends are simply looking for a safe and affordable means of tanning, it makes sense to go with one of the more economical options. If, on the other hand, you are endeavoring to hatch your own fledgling tanning business, it’s better to go with a more high-end model.
While all tanning systems will give you amazing results, the more expensive models come with peripherals to ensure an unsurpassed tanning experience. For example, a top tier airbrush tanning system will run quieter and produce a finer spray, meaning the solution will dry faster, minimizing the risk of flaking. You can even adjust the speed for artists of differing abilities.
Tan and Moisturize at the Same Time
A couple of months ago I decided to stop hitting the tanning beds and switched to airbrush tanning instead. It definitely was the right move to make: my tan looks better, I never get burned or have to worry about long term effects, and with the new tanning tax, it’s proven to be cheap too! After years of prolonged tanning bed use, however, I’ve found that my skin is constantly dry and wrinkles are already beginning to form.
I asked my spray tan artist if she had any suggestions, and she recommended I use a sunless tanning lotion. Not only does the lotion naturally darken my coloring and enhance my spray tan, it also has moisturizers to rejuvenate my skin. The lotion even contains skin-firming agents and is infused with natural essences, eliminating the typical chemical smell of sunless tanning products.
Burnt to a Crisp
Over the weekend my friends and I spent virtually every waking hour in the sunshine, and boy am I paying for it today. On Friday afternoon we went boating on the lake and barbecued; Saturday morning was much of the same, followed by a baseball game in the afternoon; and on Sunday, I relaxed at the beach and played several games on volleyball. When I finally looked at myself in the mirror this morning, I realized just how much sun I had gotten: my skin was the color of a fire hydrant and was already peeling—I was literally burnt to a crisp.
After drenching myself with aloe vera, to little avail, I realized that I have to be more leery with my sun exposure. Usually I forego sunscreen in an effort to achieve bronzed skin more quickly, but not anymore. I’d much rather invest in sunless tanning solution than be subjected to this pain and agony ever again.
Tanning Brings Out Muscle Definition
For the last 13 years I’ve been competing in bodybuilding competitions around the country. Over the course of my career I’ve seen thousands of new products, supplements and training routines come and go, but people are always surprised when I tell them that mobile sunless tanning is the most important innovation for the bodybuilding industry. Most people know that bodybuilders tan incessantly and there is actually a practical reason for this: it makes you look more ripped.
When your skin is tan, it creates a shadow effect around your muscles, making you look more defined. I used to have to go to the tanning beds several times per week, but the results were unpredictable and I didn’t like the amount of UV exposure I was subjecting my body to. With mobile sunless tanning, I can get a tan virtually anywhere and the results are always impeccable.