A ‘Sun-Kissed’ Look Without the Sun
story by Jordan Pupa | photography provided by COAST
The summer months are approaching and some of us will sparkle in the light like Edward Cullen from Twilight the first time we put on a bathing suit this year! Of course, we will be looking for a golden glow fix to quick-start our summer tan. When sunless tanning comes to mind, many people usually consider spray tans versus tanning beds. The truth is, UV rays emitted by tanning beds are far from being a risk-free option and can be linked to melanoma development. Hundreds of thousands of people are diagnosed with melanoma each year. In fact, Johnna Hall, owner of COAST on Carolina in Hartsville, was one of those people. Not only can you leave her surf shop “summer ready” with new items and apparel, but you can also walk away with a beautiful, safe spray tan!
At COAST, Johnna only uses Norvell solution, which is the leading formula for spray tanning in the U.S. “I’ve made a habit out of showing people the scar on the back of my arm when they tell me they’re going to lay in the tanning bed,” says Johnna. “I’m from Florida, grew up on the water, and it was nothing to come home from school, jump in the boat, and enjoy the rest of the daylight hours out with friends. Laying in the tanning bed was also a way of life. Spray tanning is, hands down, the safe option, and when applied properly, gives you the most beautiful, natural glow.” Spray tanning not only is a safe option compared to a tanning bed but also provides almost instant color with a short appointment time. You also have more control over the color and shade of your tan.
Spray tans can last anywhere from 7-10 days, depending on aftercare. To make the most out of your spray tan, Johnna suggests exfoliating, shaving, and/or waxing at least a day in advance. When showering after a spray tan, is suggested to not use any sort of exfoliating loofa and to air dry or pat yourself dry. “Stay moisturized,” explains Johnna, “Avoid Dove products prior to your tan appointment, which can leave a film on your body that has proven to cause a spray tan to turn out uneven or blotchy.”
Many people still believe spray tans will result in an unnatural, uneven, or orange tan. However, with modern advances in spray tanning today and proper care, it is rare you will run into that issue today. “Spray tan solutions have come a long way since the Mystic booth tan days which was pretty horrific most of the time,” explains Johnna. “I hear it all the time, the fear of the spray tan, and they’re all returning, obsessed spray tan queens!”
COAST offers two different types of solutions, the one-hour solution and regular. One-hour is a rapid formula-based solution that gives you the opportunity to get a same-day spray tan. It is a great option for those who don’t want to wait 8 hours for the regular to set before showering. Spray tan pricing at COAST is $40 for one hour and $25 for regular.
It’s important to remember that a spray tan will offer no protection from the sun. As your spray tan fades, your real tan will develop if you’re out in the sun. This means that if you have been in hibernation during winter and you finally run away on a cruise vacation to the Caribbean, your skin (even though it looks a bronzed and beautiful with your spray tan) is going to react to the sun like it hasn’t seen it in a long time. It is highly recommended to still wear sunblock during sun exposure when you have a spray tan.
COAST on Carolina
124 E. Carolina Ave., Hartsville (843) 951-0005
Mon-Fri: 11am-6pm | Sat: 11am-3pm
Message COAST on Carolina on Instagram (@coastoncarolina) or Facebook (@coastoncarolina2) to schedule a spray tan appointment today!