Spray Tanning Machines: Airbrushed Beauty

Even if you can't walk under the sun without sizzling like a vampire, you can get a great tan, or at least the appearance of one. Spray tanning machines can airbrush a great tan onto your body, dying the outer layer of your skin and jump-starting the tanning process by stimulating melanin-producing skin cells in the same way ultraviolet light does.

You can find equipment for spray-on tans that look like air-compressor paint sprayers, or you can find a booth that produce a fine tanning mist to coat your entire body at once. But regardless of your method of application, a sunless tan is the safest way to get some summer color into your skin.

Before getting an airbrushed tan, remember to exfoliate your skin and moisturize. Don't wear any makeup during your airbrush session; it prevents the dyes from properly adhering to your skin, and you end up with streaky results. And at least for your first session or two, go to a professional. Many home airbrush tans result in an orangey fake appearance.

If you want to use a misting spray tan and have any respiratory problems, like serious allergies or asthma, check with your physician first. Although the chemicals used in these tanning solutions are safe, they can still irritate sensitive air passages.

When you get your spray tan, find out whether you have the option of using a dye that's impregnated with a self-tanning solution. These spray tans not only dye your skin, but also stimulate your skin to produce melanin, the darkening agent produced by an ordinary tan. Once you have sufficient melanin in your skin, you can stop using spray tan solutions and start to using a tanning bed or even tanning outside.

Spray tanning booths are a great solution for very light-skinned people and can even be a great way to start tanning at the beginning of the season. Consider using these booths to begin your summer tanning season.