Posts Tagged ‘spray tan solution’
Choosing Tan Solution the First Time
Dozens of variables contribute to the overall appearance of your sunless tan, but none of them is more crucial than the sunless tan solution. Many people have walked out of a tanning tent looking like an Oompa Loompa because they isn’t on using a solution that was too dark for their complexion.
There are four basic skin types when it comes to complexion, from pale white to deep black. Tanning solutions darken your skin through DHA, and you can find products with varying concentrations of the compound. People with fair skin should start in the 5-6% range, while people on the darker end of the spectrum can go to 8-9% and even add extra DHA. If it’s your first time tanning and you don’t know which solution to choose, ask your tanning artists and remember it’s always better to go too light than too dark.
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.
Skin Tones Across Cultures
In Western culture, bronzed skin is a symbol of beauty and radiance; we tend to associate pale skin with a lack of nutrition and inadequate physical activity. For much of the world, however, light, fair skin is the object. In many Asian countries and the Middle East, people actually use skin-whitening products to get a lighter complexion.
In a society where tanning beds and sunless tan solution are the norm, it may seem odd that light skin is envied. You only have to look at the nature of the upper classes in each society, however, to see why certain skin tones are preferred. For many countries, light skin is an indication that you are wealthy and don’t have to subject your body to the toils of manual labor. People in the lower classes who work in the fields or in markets on the streets obviously have much darker skin. In America, however, most people—even low wage laborers—spend their time indoors, so it’s typically the more affluent strata of society that distinguish themselves by making the concerted effort to go tanning.
Spray Tan Fiasco
The first time I went to get a spray tan, I had the same preconceived notions about tanning that many people have: Darker is better. With my combination of Scandinavian and Irish heritage, my skin tone has always left something to be desired, so I naturally pine to be on the opposite end of the spectrum. When the spray tan artist showed up at my house, they suggested a sunless tanning solution with a DHA percentage of seven—I opted for one with a 10.5% DHA.
As some of you may have guessed, I was left looking like the Syracuse mascot for almost two weeks. Of course, I couldn’t blame the artist; the tan was applied well and they did warn me. Since then, I’ve learned to kowtow to the spray tan professionals, and I look much better because of it.
Sunless Tanning solutions and supplies
Airbrush tanning supplies all in one place. DHA airbrush tanning solution in bronze and clear formulas. Advanced Ipf tan Solution and Show Glow Tan Solutions. Organic tanning solution with no animal test on sunless tanning products. Anti-aging Tan solution with special effects like shimmering tans, glitter drops and scented drops added to our airbrush tanning solutions. Pre prep tan solution, exfoliants, and tan extenders, bronzing drops, and more all with for the spray on tan
Spray Tanning: Type III Skin
The first two skin types that we have discussed are certainly in the minority. While some people go from a milky white complexion to looking like a lobster, most of us are able to achieve some form of tan with sufficient sun exposure. Most Caucasians will fall into the Type III skin category.
People with Type III skin have some sensitivity to the sun and will burn with excessive exposure. However, by taking the proper precautions, people with Type III skin will be able to achieve an adequate tan. When it comes to a sunless tan solution, a product with a DHA percentage of about nine will be optimal.
Spray Tanning: Type I Skin
Over the next few posts, we will be giving in-depth descriptions of the four basic skin types and which sunless tanning solution should be used for each. Usually people base their skin type on how oily or dry their skin is, but when it comes to tanning, the tone of your skin is much more important. The first type of skin that we will be highlighting is Type I.
Type I skin is extremely fair and has a high sensitivity to sun exposure. People with Type I skin burn easily and often have an abundance of freckles. Achieving a tan is difficult for people with Type I skin, even with considerable sun exposure. When it comes to sunless tanning, use an original style tanning solution that has a DHA percentage around seven; this will ensure that you don’t end up looking orange.
Tanning Solution for By Skin Type

As we all know, the natural tone of your skin affects how your body will receive a tan. Those with pale skin have to take certain precautions before being exposed to the sun, and if they are able to achieve a tan, chances are that the tone will still be lighter than someone who started with darker skin. We tend to pay attention to skin differences when it comes to tanning in the sun, but it is important to consider skin type with sunless tanning as well.
Over the next few weeks, we will be giving in-depth descriptions of the four skin types. Being able to identify your skin type is essential to properly caring for your skin and selecting the appropriate tanning solution. Tomorrow we will start at the beginning, with Type I skin.
The Perfect Spray Tan Solution
I have found the perfect spray tan solution! Artesian Tan’s Artesian Blend spray tanning products are absolutely the best. After years of trying some of the top names in the industry, I have found a product that goes on smooth, and doesn’t cause alligatoring on my client’s skin. These products are so rich, and look so good, some of my competitors’ best clients have switched over to me.
The 7.5% DHA Artesian Blend is perfect for my fair clients, whereas the 9.5% DHA spray tan solution is the best all around color. The 11.5% Artesian Blend spray tan solution is perfect for my darker clients who want to add a little bit more richness to their current tan. And if I want to save a little bit of storage I will purchase a gallon of the 7.5% DHA, and a gallon of 11.5% DHA, and mix them 50/50 to make the 9.5% spay tan solution. This product is a must try for any spray tanner!


