What to Expect When Getting a Mystic Tan

Mystic tans are a great and healthy new trend. Mystic tanning is a way to get that sexy bronze skin tone without the health risks associated with prolonged sun exposure or tanning beds.

Mystic tanning is offered at many tanning salons and can be a little bit pricier than using a tanning bed. While regular tanning sessions cost $5-$8 per session most places, mystic tans can cost $25 or more per session. Your mystic tan will last two weeks and you only need one session to achieve great color.

You will have the option of using a bronzer along with the mystic tan solution. The bronzer will allow you to see immediate color, while the mystic tan solution tans you gradually over a few hours. I personally recommend the use of a bronzer because, it enables you to see any parts of your body that will need a touch up afterwards.

After purchasing your mystic tan at the front desk, you will be assigned a room number. Once in the room, you will remove all of your clothing to prevent stains from the solution. You will cover your hair using a provided cover, make sure this covers only your hair and not a portion of your forehead (unfortunatly, I learned this the hard way). You will want also cover your feet and apply baby oil to the palms of your hands and around your finger nails. The salon should also provide goggles and nose plugs. The nose plugs are optional and are unnecessary in my opinion.

Once you have yourself prepared, you will enter the tanning booth. The booth is similar to a stand up shower. If you chose to use a bronzer, you will place it in a special holder in the booth. You will be sprayed four times, each time in a different position. For the first position you will face the spray nozzle. Most mystic tanning booths will have painted, numbered, footprints outlining the correct positions. Once you are the the correct position, you will either press a button or wave your hand in front of a motion sensor.

After you have started your first spray, you will have ten-twenty seconds (depending on the booth) to change positions. You will be sprayed on your front, back and each side. Each spray will last about 30-45 seconds (again, depending on the booth). I recommend trying to hold your breath while the machine is spraying, if you must breathe do so through your nose. The solution has a very distinct taste and smell.

Once you have completed the last spray, you will exit the booth and wipe down any excess solution on your body using a towel. Do not take a shower, wax or shave within the first 8 hours of mystic tanning. If you notice imperfections request a touch up spray from the salon.

After the first 8 hours-go to the beach and show off that great tan!