These days, even artificial suntans are going all-natural.
Spray-on tans have been growing in popularity as more people shun sun bathing and tanning booths due to concerns about skin damage and skin cancer.
As the number of stores offering spray-on tans increases, some are setting themselves apart by offering an organic alternative to getting an artificial glow.
The Esthetica Salon & Spa in The Plaza in Northfield is one place offering organic spray-on tans.
The salon has been doing artificial tanning for about 13 years now.
It began offering an organic DHA sunless spray tan six months ago. DHA is an ingredient made from sugar cane. It is non toxic and approved by the FDA.
Salon co-owner Cece Yarabinee came across the product while doing research on alternatives to conventional spray-tan methods.
"There had to be something better," Yarabinee said.
The salon charges $40 for full-body treatment or $25 for the upper or lower body only.
It takes about 30 minutes to apply the organic DHA sunless spray tan, which the same amount of time as a non-organic treatment.
It has proved to be a big hit with teens preparing for the prom, brides and people who are aching to add some pre-summer color to their skin, Yarabinee said.
Destiny Wilson, of Cape May, received a spray-on tan during a recent visit to the spa.
The 31-year-old was pleased with the organic treatment applied by spray technician Kim Houser.
"I loved it. She made me feel so comfortable too. I could leave there and go out. I wasn't spotty," said Wilson.
The room used for tanning is ventilated, and the walls are washable.
"We've been getting great feedback because it is an organic-based product. It's a very natural color. It doesn't matter what your skin type is. We also use a PH balancing spray first. If you have dry skin, younger or older skin, we use it on everyone," Houser said.
Contact Vincent Jackson:
609-272-7202
