The Mystic Tan

What is a Mystic Tan?
The Mystic Tan is a spray-on tan that many tanning salons offer as an alternative to traditional ultraviolet (UV) beds. Instead of lying down in a bed, tanners stand in a booth and tanning chemicals are sprayed onto their bodies.

The Mystic Tan was created in response to evidence that UV tanning increases the risk of skin cancer. Additionally, the Mystic Tan requires only one session, as opposed to the 5-10 required for traditional UV tanning.

How Long Does The Tan Last?
The Mystic Tan lasts for approximately two weeks. I decided to get a Mystic Tan because I wanted to be tan for a particular event, so tan didn't necessarily need to last long. The Mystic Tan is ideal for people who don't have the time to go to a tanning both several times a week, but want to be tan for a particular occasion, such as a wedding, party, or summer outing. Another benefit of the Mystic Tan is that one session lasts less than a minute, as opposed to 5-20 for UV tanning.

How Much Does It Cost?
The Mystic Tan costs approximately $15-$25 per session, depending on the salon and the packages that they offer. The Mystic Tan is more expensive than traditional tanning because fewer sessions are required to achieve a tan.

What To Expect
When you go for your Mystic Tan, you will take off all of your clothing and enter a large booth-- similar to a stall shower. You'll cover your hair with a shower cap to prevent the chemicals from touching your hair. The tanning salon staff should tell you how to work the machine and should answer any questions you may have. You have the option of using bronzer, which will make the tan appear immediately. If you do not use bronzer, you will still get a tan.

When you are ready, you press a button to start the machine. You then close your eyes and your mouth (holding your breath will help you avoid inhaling the fumes) and the spray starts a few seconds after you press the button.

If it's your first time, the spray will startle you. It certainly startled me and gave me an incredible urge to urinate. Be prepared for this sensation.