A safer way to a tan: Jane McIntire's 'Color Choice' spray tan the better choice
Jane McIntire had an outstanding 27-year career with the U.S. Postal Service and for a year and a half after retirement she learned what her husband's McIntire Electric was all about.
"But, instead of having my hair in a ponytail and riding around in a van in jeans, I wanted to have a reason to care about what I look like," says the owner of Du Quoin's newest business, the Clear Choice spray tanning salon.
The shop is in a beautiful converted apartment in the rear of McIntire Electric on North Division Street in Du Quoin. You can't miss the purple awning. Her salon will share the space with Caseton Luthy, who recently received his certification as a deep massage therapist.
Because of Illinois' safe tanning law which now prohibits anyone younger than 18 from using a tanning bed, dozens of sunlamp salons have closed and tanning beds line streets for sale up and down Illinois.
Jane heard about and began reading about spray-on tanning as the safer choice. No skin cancer. No burning. It's a safer choice. "This could be my niche," she said.
Husband David offered to have the apartment converted. "I think this is awesome," she said. She trained for three days in Kansas City, Mo. "You look healthy," she said. You are educated about the tanning process. You sign a waiver. You can contact Jane at 571-1967 to learn more about it.
You pick how deep a tan you want. Full body tan is $25. A partial face, arms or legs tan is $15. Jane and Tracy Brown assist women all the time. If you are a guy wanting a tan, it's boxers or briefs and someone will always be alongside Jane.
What you will notice is that when you shower, a lot of the tanning solution will go down the drain, but that is followed by the start of the bronzing chemical reaction. She already has repeat customers.
Airbrush tanning solutions contain an active ingredient as dihydroxyacetone (DHA) which is an ingredient derived from surge, which reacts with the amino acids in the skin to create the darkening reaction or tan. It works with the amino acids n the top layer of your skin to produce a natural looking tan. The germination of color is reached within four to six hours, so the color will continue to darken after the initial application. DHA is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in externally applied cosmetics intended to add color to the skin. DHA has been used in cosmetic preparations for almost 30 years to date. Airbrush tanning solutions also typically have a normal bronzer that provides an immediate tan affect and helps the technician to distinguish areas of the skin where it has and has not been applied.
As dead skin cells are naturally sloughed off, the color of the tan gradually fades.
How long will my airbrush tan last?
You tan can last between eight and 14 days or more with proper care. Tanning extenders and hydrating your skin are a great way to prolong your tan. When your tan fades, usually the face and hands are the first to fade then the rest of your body. With the exclusive premium solution your tan will fade evenly, not in blotches. It is up to you how to maintain your tan.
Preparation and after-care instructions:
Color Choice is committed to giving you the best tanning experience, however there are steps to ensure the best results. Proper preparation and after care will make your airbrushed spray tan last longer.
Before you tan:
•For best results, shower, shave any unwanted hair and thoroughly exfoliate your skin the night before (if you have a tanning session in the morning) or in the morning (if you have a tanning session in the evening). Exfoliating or shaving right before the tanning session will affect the outcome of the tan. Exfoliate with a non-oil-based product. Exfoliating as much as possible will remove dead skin and promote an even, lasting tan. When exfoliating pay special attention to your knees, legs, ankles, elbows and knuckles. Do not use an overly harsh exfoliater as it can affect your tan.
•Schedule waxing two days prior to your airbrush tanning session and manicures, pedicures, hair appointments and massage appointments before your tanning session.
•Be free of any lotion, deodorant or make-up at your tanning session. These are barriers to the solution and can cause white spots. Spray tanning over deodorant can result in green rings around armpits which are difficult to remove.
•If you choose to wear underwear or a bathing suit during the session, choose a dark color. The solution will not permanently stain clothing. A dark terrycloth wrap is recommended if your are not comfortable wearing a swimsuit.
•It is safe to apply makeup (powder foundation, mascara) or deodorant while your tan is developing.
•If you are pregnant, consult with your physician prior to tanning with any solution containing DHA.
After your tan
•After your sunless tan is finished, your technician will review the proper aftercare and ways to extend your tan so it will last as long as possible.
•Avoid touching your tan and avoid any activities that may cause you to perspire.
•Avoid hot baths. Hot baths will rapidly fade your tan.
•Swimming in the ocean will not fade your tan much. Swimming in chlorinated pool or jacuzzi will cause your tan to fade rapidly and in blotches.
•After your shower, pat your self dry with a towel. Do not rub. Rubbing will cause your tan to streak.
•Minimize shaving. When you do shave, use hair conditioner and a sharp razor.
•It is important to keep your skin hydrated. Apply lotion twice a day and drink plenty of water. Avoid lotions with mineral oils as they will strip your tan. Tanning extenders are a great way to keep a long-lasting tan.
Potential fading and/or lightening of your tan may be caused by:
•Anti-aging, smoothing or skin renewal products
•Alpha Hydroxy Acids
•Beta Hydroxy Acids
•Products containing Retin-A
•Toners containing alcohol
•Acne products
•Antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs
•Bar soap and deodorant soaps
•Hair removal procedures
•Hormonal changes
•Perfumes
•Excessive sweating and/or rubbing
•Oily areas on your body (face, chest, neck and upper back) tan more lightly than the surrounding skin.