The secret success to maintaining a summer tan all year long

By Nikki Schachtel, Editor-in-Chief

In the West Essex area, we are no stranger to fake tans. They have become such a popular trend over the last few years, whether it be for a special event or just day to day life. There are many different types of tanning and everyone has their own preferred method: spray tan, tanning bed, self tanner, the options are endless. 

Many turn to spray tans if they want a quick tan for roughly one to two weeks. Typically, for special events such as a school prom or a wedding, spray tans are the most popular. Prior to receiving a spray tan, the most important thing to do is exfoliate. In addition, leading up to the appointment one should avoid lotion and makeup, and remember to remove all jewelry. Getting a spray requires lots of little tasks for people to remember both before the tan and afterwards. The goal of a spray tan is a natural glow, but for some it doesn’t always turn out as expected. Some complain they may look orange or too tan. The downside to a spray tan is one isn’t completely guaranteed it will turn out how they would like it.

“Being someone who is kind of pale I really like to get spray tans,” sophomore Carly Iacullo said. “I had a bad experience at one place but now that I go somewhere new I always love how it turns out.” 

Sizzle Tans is a familiar name to those who enjoy tanning beds. Indoor tanning gives people a tan without outdoor sun exposure. Tanning equipment includes tanning booths and beds that emit UV rays. Too much exposure to the ultraviolet rays can be harmful to your skin. New customers often start with a five minute session and increase to 12 minutes or more as time goes on. The love for indoor tanning is that it allows people to maintain their tan even during the winter.

“I use my friends account and go every week,” sophomore Nella Melillo said. “I normally go in the bed, but not for too long.”

Those who don’t want to leave the house but still want to get tan turn to self tanner. One major appeal to self tanner is the fact that one’s skin can look tanned without exposing it to the sun’s UV radiation. The popularity of sunless tanning has risen over the years because more and more don’t want to be exposed to UV light. Similar to spray tans, one must exfoliate prior to tanning themselves. Applying to sections of your body and blending it all over is crucial to get a natural tan. Afterwards, one needs to give their tanned skin time to dry.

Staying tan all year long is important to many and fake tanning allows them to do just that. Whether it’s a spray tan, a tanning bed or simply self tanner the different types of tanning is countless.