By Vicki Mayhew. Copyright © March 11, 2005. All Rights Reserved.

Aerosols: The Miracle Sunless Tanner?

Learn to be an Expert in Aerosol Sunless Tanning Application

Introduction
Finding The Right Product
Getting Ready
Skin Preparation
Application
Maintaining Your Tan
Recommended Aerosol Sunless Tanning Products
Tools Glossary

Introduction

Once a novelty item, aerosol sunless tanning sprays are turning up even in drugstores. They promise easy application and amazing results. But do they deliver?

Aerosol sunless tanning products are frequently advertised as an airbrush tanning equivalent—which they are not. An airbrush tan can be as close to perfect as a sunless tan can get.

But, with practice, aerosol products are superb for speedy touch-ups between airbrush sessions, or as a quick refresher for sunless tanning lotions, gels, and mousses.

Aerosols are wonderful when your time to "tan" is limited. You can cover your entire body in as little as five minutes, and the fast drying time means you can dress within five minutes, too. Most products have little or no DHA development odor, an advantage for daytime use. Another advantage is that the spray formulas feel light on the skin, making them popular during the hot, humid summer months.

Finding The Right Product

Before you buy an aerosol tanner, compare the following: angle of spray, product size, tint, pressure, and percentage of alcohol.

Angle of Spray

Aerosol products that spray from any angle are far easier to use. Try to find one for your first aerosol experience. You need a product that will still spray when you hold the can upside down, or applying the spray to your back and legs will be extremely difficult. Products that can be used from any angle will state it on their packaging.

Product Size

Typically, one ounce of the product weight will be propellant. Most people will require close to an ounce of spray for a full body tan, so a five ounce can will provide roughly four applications.

Aerosol products vary in size from as little as two ounces to as much as ten. Bigger isn't necessarily better. The smaller-sized containers are wonderful for touch-ups on vacation, or for facial and hand spraying only. If the nozzle clogs and stops working after you have used it only a couple of times, leaving you with a can full of spray you can never use, you may not appreciate the large size of the container! Annoyingly, it seems clogs always happen when you are running late and trying to do a last minute touch-up. Always have a back up sunless tanning product handy, such as a mousse, to finish the job if needed.

Tint vs. No Tint

Most aerosol tanners come with an instant tint, or color guide. This is the bronzer you see immediately on your skin while spraying. The water soluble tint will wash away when you shower later, leaving you with the more durable sunless tan underneath.

Tinted products are generally easiest for beginners to use, as you can view the spray on the skin. Because aerosol products dry so quickly, you cannot rely on "feel." Bronze Velvet by Enhance Me has a dark tint that works well on darker skin, or in dimly lit bathrooms.

Pressure

Depending on the nozzle and product pressure, an aerosol sunless tanner should be used from five to twenty-four inches away from the skin. If the product you purchase does not state the optimal distance, try twelve inches to start.

Soft spray, or lower pressure spray products, create much less mess. The soft sprays do require that the can be held closer to the skin, about five inches, but clean up is easier, and application is often smoother and more even, as it is easier to control.

The higher pressure spray products can create fogging and overspray, not to mention "bounce-back" from the skin surface, and more mess on your floor. Some of the messier products require that the can be held up to two feet from your skin, which is nearly impossible in an average shower stall.

Unfortunately, the type of nozzle and the pressure of aerosol products are not easily determined before you buy. Check out word of mouth in the Sunless.com messageboard.

One aerosol product has a unique low pressure "soft spray," Tampa Bay TooCan Tan.

Alcohol vs. Alcohol-free

Nearly all aerosol products contain SD alcohol or denatured alcohol, which is drying to the skin, and may even cause inflammation or irritation. Alcohol is an inexpensive and effective vehicle for aerosol products, so it isn't likely to go away, unfortunately. Check ingredients to find out where alcohol makes its appearance—the lower it is on the list, the better.

Alcohol creates the "instant dry" effect of aerosol sunless tanners. The alcohol can also cause stinging on recently exfoliated or shaved skin. If your skin is sensitive, shave and exfoliate six to 12 hours before applying aerosol sunless products.

Using an aerosol sunless tanning product as your only sunless tanning product is not recommended—unless you seldom use sunless tanners. But if you use sunless products only occasionally, please keep in mind that aerosols require more practice to achieve even application, when compared to lotions and mousses. In addition, exclusive use of an alcohol-based aerosol could severely dehydrate your skin.

For best results, alternate with moisturizing sunless tanning lotions, and regularly use moisturizing lotions on shower-damp skin. If you are sensitive to alcohol, avoid aerosol sunless tanners completely. If you are not sure, try the product on one area of your body only, such as your legs. This will also help you determine whether or not the fumes cause irritation of your eyes and breathing passages.

Tampa Bay TooCan Tan is an excellent stingless alcohol-free product.

Not all aerosols are created equal. If one brand isn't working for you, try another. You may have a better experience.

Aerosol products use the same ingredients that are common to all sunless tanners—which means they are not radically different from other sunless tanners. They cannot last weeks longer then a standard sunless tanner, regardless of what the marketing material may say.

They often have less DHA development smell, much like an airbrush solution. However, if you are sensitive to DHA odor, don't be surprised if you still notice it with aerosols, even though it may be lighter.

Some people find the color from airbrush and aerosol sunless tanners slightly browner, or more natural-looking, but do not count on this. If sunless tanning lotions, mousses, etc. usually develop into a slightly golden or slightly orange shade on your skin, an aerosol will not turn you a perfect brown, as the product ingredients are the same.

Getting Ready

Have all supplies ready and within reach. Plan to tan just before bedtime, or when you can relax at home for a couple of hours. You should avoid showering and exercise for at least six hours after applying any sunless tanning product.

Tools To Have On Hand
See the Tools Glossary for detailed information.

• Hair band or tie to keep hair off face and neck.
• Shower cap to cover light, bleached, or grey hair to prevent discoloration.
• Thick cream moisturizer or body butter for hands and feet, light moisturizer for knees, elbows.
• Optional tan extending lotion for blending.
• Vinyl medical or rubber dishwashing gloves to protect hands from "over-tanning."
• Snug socks or "footies" to protect feet.
• Snug dark colored tanning outfit—this can be a bathing suit, underclothing, or a T-shirt and shorts.
• Make-up sponge or round velour makeup applicator for blending.
• Back applicator device, or a friend willing to help.
• A spray area with good ventilation, such as a shower stall.
• Mask or nose filter if ventilation is inadequate.
• Baby wipes or a damp washcloth.
• Body powder to avoid stickiness.

Skin Preparation

Shower using a lightly moisturizing shower gel such as African Shea Butter Bath-Shower Gel or Caribbean Aloe Vera Hydrating Bath-Shower Gel from Yves Rocher. Exfoliate skin using an overlapping circular motion, concentrating on thick skin or callused areas. You can exfoliate using a plain rough washcloth, or a washcloth with baking soda, or a pre-made scrub. Avoid salt/oil or sugar/oil scrubs, unless you plan to shower again before tanning to wash oil residue from skin. Avoid loofahs, which exfoliate unevenly. If you normally shave off body hair in the shower, don't do it beforehand unless you are sure you will not experience skin sensitivity. Instead, plan to shave in the morning.

Skin should be free of lotions, moisturizers, makeup, deodorant, etc. Skin should be completely dry, and bathroom clear of humidity, before applying tanner. Arrange all tools within your tanning area. And don't forget your cell phone to avoid those dashes down the hall!

Application

• For best results, apply products to freshly washed and exfoliated skin. Pre-moisturize hands, feet, and dry areas. Put on hair, hand, and foot covers, if using.
• Shake aerosol can thoroughly and vigorously, then spray first few sprays away from body onto a paper towel or tissue. Then begin spraying body. Most people prefer to start from the bottom of legs and work up. Placing foot on the side of the tub or toilet seat makes it easier to spray lower legs. Do not spray feet directly. Enough overspray will drift onto the feet to color them.
• Mist product lightly onto knees and elbows. Bend joints while spraying to pull skin folds tight. Do not spray product directly into armpits and back of knee, as those areas may absorb too much. Instead, let overspray from surrounding skin color those areas.
• Hold can five to 24 inches away from skin, depending on product instructions. If the specified distance seems too close, move it back a couple of inches. If you are getting "bounceback" from your skin, the nozzle needs to be farther from your skin. Use large and overlapping sweeping motions. Gently blot any drips or runs with a sponge.
• Continue shaking can every minute or two. Turn can upside down periodically during spray session to distribute can contents fully and evenly. Plan to spray two or three thin applications, instead of one heavy coat. This produces more even results, with fewer runs or drips. Allow skin to dry briefly between coats; a few minutes are usually sufficient.
• If you prefer not to spray product directly onto your face, spray product on a makeup sponge and apply to skin. If you do spray your face, you can blend with a makeup sponge, or use a blow dryer on warm heat to remove spray droplets from peach fuzz facial hair.
• Remember to spray the back of your neck, behind your ears, and under your jaw line.
• Spray droplets on body hair can be removed by gently blending areas with a sponge, or a craft foam paint brush, or by using a blow dryer set on warm.
• When applying aerosol to back, spray product onto a back applicator, and smear onto back. A large mirror is essential to make sure you have covered all pale areas. If application is uneven, it will generally still dry with an even tan, assuming all pale areas are coated with spray. You can also recruit a friend to spray your back for you—remember to offer gloves!
• A less effective method, but good in a pinch, is to bend forward at the waist until your back is parallel to the floor, then spray over your shoulder, allowing the mist to settle on your back.
• After finishing, remove hand and foot covers. Take a baby wipe or damp washcloth and gently blend spray line on wrists and ankles. Holding can about 12 to 20 inches from skin, gently mist a light coating of product down onto hands and feet. Hands and feet will absorb more spray then surrounding skin, so it is not necessary to cover them as heavily as other body areas. Note: If you applied the product without wearing gloves or foot covers, you will not need to spray any additional product on them at this point—they will have picked up plenty.
• When spraying hands, clench them in a claw shape with fingers slightly spread—this allows product to get between fingers and into skin folds. You can clutch a tennis ball with fingers spread for the same effect. Turn hands over and lightly mist a quick spritz over wrist area.
• Using a baby wipe, wipe excess color off of knuckles, fingernails, and toenails. Finish hands and feet with a final coat of hand lotion; rub in well over entire hand including palms. On feet, rub lotion down to the soles. Wipe palms and soles one last time with a baby wipe or damp wash cloth.
• An optional step to help blend tanner all over is to moisturize skin head to toe with a tan extending product. This has an added benefit, evening out the tint in the product. Wear gloves to prevent color buildup on palms and fingernails. Tanning extenders can also be applied to hands and feet to lightly blend color. If you blend product on hands, remember to wipe palms once more.
• No matter how careful you are, there will be sunless tanning spray on the floor, countertop, toilet seat lid, edge of bathtub, etc. Put gloves back on and clean up the mess, protecting skin from water splashing or spray. If you do splash skin, gently dab a bit of spray on splashed area with a sponge—or wait two hours for your "tan" to dry before cleaning up!
• Clorox™ household cleaning wipes remove any sunless product overspray on counters. Tilex™ bathroom spray works great to remove sunless tanner spills from grout.
• If needed, powder skin to eliminate sticky feel.

Maintaining Your Tan

Dress in lightweight, loose, dark clothing to allow tan development.

Avoid sweating, tight undergarments, or tight clothing for at least an hour. No exercising for three to four hours. Wait six to eight hours before showering. Tan will continue to darken over the next 24 hours. Many people prefer to tan just before bed, waking up with a fresh, sun-kissed glow.

Shower before dressing for work or going out in public. Aerosol spray tints are usually not attractive! You will see a lot of tint wash away in the shower. This is only the tint used to make the spray visible on your skin. You are not washing all the tan away. After showering, you will see the actual sunless tan on your skin.

If you would like a darker tan, you can lightly exfoliate with a washcloth, or a mild commercial exfoliator. Then reapply a fresh coat of tanning product of your choice. Wait 12 to 24 hours between coats to avoid orange tones caused by over application.

Your sunless tan will fade gradually over the next four to seven days. Fading usually becomes visible in three to five days. You will need to exfoliate and start over in roughly seven to ten days.

To maintain your color, shower with mild moisturizing gel soap. Avoid bar soaps which may fade a tan, and leave residue behind on the skin.

Do not scrub skin with rough exfoliators, such as nylon mesh balls. "Pat" skin dry after showering. Apply moisturizer regularly onto shower-damp skin. Most people who use sunless tanners apply moisturizers daily.

Swimming, long soaks in the tub, or any prolonged water immersion may cause faster fading.

Applying a tan extending product can slow your tan's fade rate. You can apply daily, every other day, or every third day. In approximately seven to ten days, you should exfoliate your skin and reapply your sunless tanner of choice.

If you do not use a tan extender, you can lightly exfoliate in three to four days, and apply a light sunless tanning product all over to refresh color.

Recommended Aerosol Sunless Tanning Products

Tampa Bay TooCan Tan
Stingless and alcohol-free. Has a unique soft spray which lessens overspray and mess.
Diomedics Airbrush Tan
Easy to use, and has a luscious Beach Coconut scent. This is a dark sunless tanning product, so use lightly on hands and feet.
Bronze Velvet by Enhance Me
Sprays from any angle, and has an easy to see tint. Excellent for first time aerosol users.
Magic Tan
A great clear (without instant color) product. Nice for facial touchups, with a pleasant light scent.

Tools Glossary

Moisturizers
A thick cream moisturizer or body butter should be applied to hands, wrists, feet and ankles before you apply sunless tanners. This will minimize heavy coloration. A light moisturizer can also be applied to callused or dry skin, such as knees and elbows. If lower legs seem especially dry, apply a light coat of Jojoba oil to legs about 5 minutes before applying tanning product. Jojoba oil is available at most health food stores, and online.

Any moisturizers applied to skin can cause tan to develop lightly or unevenly, so it is not recommended that you moisturize your entire body prior to tanning. But if you feel that pre-moisturizing is necessary, let 2 to 12 hours elapse before applying a tanning product. A light coating of Jojoba oil is also a great full body pre-tan moisturizer—you can usually apply a sunless tanner about 5 minutes after Jojoba oil application.

If your facial skin has fine lines or is dry, face and neck can be lightly moisturized with a lightweight lotion before sunless tanning to give a smoother finish. A moisturizer will also give a softer finish to the final tan, which often looks more natural on the face.

Tan Extending Lotions
Also called Tan Maintainers, these are simply body lotions with a small amount of DHA or Dihydroxyacetone, the tanning ingredient in sunless tanners. While sunless tanning lotions usually contain 5 - 8% DHA, tan extenders are in the 2 - 3% range. They add a small amount of coloration to your skin with each use, and are very effective for maintaining the look of your sunless tan. Recommended products: Norvell PRO-LONG Tan Extending Lotion, and Revive Plus and Revive Ultra from Biddiscombe.

If you can't find a tan extender (they are available in most UV-tanning salons), Neutrogena Build-A-Tan Lotion is one drugstore option. You can also mix your favorite sunless tanning lotion with a lightweight moisturizing lotion using a rough ratio of 1/3 sunless tanner to 2/3 regular moisturizing lotion. Remember to clean your palms after use.

Gloves
You can use any variety of waterproof glove: vinyl, rubber, latex. They are simply to protect your hands from "over-tanning" while applying your tanning product. Available at drugstores in the medication areas, or near household cleaning supplies in grocery stores. If you prefer to work bare-handed, wash hands every five minutes during application, using a nail brush and soap to scrub palms, nails, and cuticles.

Foot Protection
Spray volume is heavy with aerosol cans, so considerable product drifts onto the floor and your feet. This can create dark "dirty" feet. Covering feet with socks will help protect them from heavy coloration. To protect fingernails and toe nails, apply clear nail polish before tanning, or coat nails with Vaseline. If you prefer to leave feet uncovered, stand on wet towels while spraying to protect soles.

Tanning Outfit
This can be any dark snug fitting garment—bathing suit, underwear, a tank top and shorts—which you want to use for your tan lines. Avoid light colored fabrics which may become discolored from the bronzer in the tanning spray. Nylon, wool, silk, lycra, spandex, leather, and blends of these fabrics can stain and are not recommended.

Don't wear your expensive Victoria's Secret swimsuit to spray yourself in. Save the suit until AFTER your tan has developed, and you have showered.

If you prefer to tan nude, that is fine, but do wear a sticker, or leave an area un-tanned, so you can adequately gauge your tan development and fading.

Blending Sponges
You can use common makeup sponges available at any drugstore. They come in various shapes and sizes: round, square, and wedge. All will work, though the soft velour rounds that resemble a powder compact applicator are the easiest to use. Get the medium to large size if available. Use these to blend spray on skin and to blot drips or spills.

Back Applicator
This can be any long handled device made for applying soaps or lotions to the back. Drugstores often carry them near bubblebath products. They look like a stick or paddle with a pad attached to one end. A sponge paintbrush (look for the three inch size), available in hardware or craft stores, with a handle of three inches or longer can also be used.

Spray onto pad, then smear onto back. Don't panic if it's not perfectly even, just make sure all pale skin is covered—it generally develops evenly. If no applicator is available, find a friend willing to help spray your back. You can also bend forward at the waist, until your back is parallel to the floor, and spray over your shoulder. The two previous methods work much better, however!

Floor Cover
Because aerosols disperse product rapidly, they create more mess. A large blanket "throw" or sheet will protect the floor well—and is easier to wash than your carpet! Alternatively, you can use a shower curtain or plastic table cloth. Others prefer to stand in a dry shower stall or large bathtub. Spraying in an enclosed shower creates more fogging, however, so be sure you have adequate ventilation.

Masks
If your bathroom is small, poorly ventilated, or you are in an enclosed shower stall, you may experience fogging. This will make it difficult to see and unpleasant to breath. Use a lightweight paper mask, often sold near drugstore medical product sections, or in painting and craft stores.

An ingenious new product, nose filters which fit inside the nostrils are available through cleanbreathe.com. The smallest size works best for most women.

If no mask or filter is available, spray small sections of your body at a time, letting the surrounding air clear before continuing. Turning on bathroom fans, or bringing a portable fan into the room while spraying, will help with ventilation.

If you have asthma or any breathing difficulties, please speak to your doctor before using any aerosol product, and always use a mask or nose filter.

Baby Wipe or Damp Washcloth
Helpful for cleaning fingernails, toenails, cuticles, and palms after spraying. Effective for light cleaning of palms or blending demarcation lines between gloved and non-gloved skin.

Body Powder
Apply lightly with a large powder puff or powder brush to any sticky skin. This will help your personal comfort and assist drying. Make sure there is no "wet" spray on your skin before applying powder, or your sunless tan may blotch. Powder can be applied head-to-toe, or only on body-fold areas (back of knees, arm bend, neck, chest, etc.) Look for talc-free powders (usually corn starch based) as talc has been linked to uterine cancer. Available in baby care product aisles. In a pinch, you can use ordinary corn starch from your kitchen.