Jan Tana
Even Pros Can Have A Bad Tan
Q. Why do some pros have their tanning spray run down their bodies? Shouldn’t tanning be something these guys and girls would have mastered in the amateur ranks?
A. I am still amazed at pro shows when I see competitors standing onstage with bad colour and their tans are blotchy, streaky, and running down their bodies. Unfortunately, sometimes competitors spend their entire time dialing in their physiques and wait to tan until they get backstage. When tanning is done at the last minute, the competitor doesn’t properly prepare the skin. If tanning product is applied over dead skin cells, it won’t be absorbed and you’ll have dark spots and blotchy-looking skin. A lot of competitors spray Pam cooking oil over their tan or apply petroleum-based oil, which breaks down the colour under the harsh, hot lights onstage. Their tans start running down their bodies, ruining the look of the physiques they’ve worked so hard to achieve. Some competitors may be from other countries where good tanning products may not be available or they don’t know how to tan properly. Competitors who are serious about becoming top pros have to educate themselves on tanning, makeup, hair, and other things that will enhance their look onstage.