How Well Does Spray-on Tan Work

A Safe Tan

Spray-on tanning works well as a safe alternative to tanning beds or outdoor suntanning. The first sunless tanning lotions introduced in the 1960s produced a streaky, orange effect. But modern spray-on tanning technology is vastly improved. Today's spray-on tans provide superior application control and a realistic-looking tan color on many skin tones.

What Is in Spray-on Tan

The active ingredient in spray-on tans is dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which is a carbohydrate derived from fruit acids. DHA also occurs naturally in the body as a part of basic metabolic processes, so it is safe to apply to the skin surface, according to the Food and Drug Administration. DHA is the same chemical used in the first sunless tanning lotions, but better understanding of how DHA interacts with skin proteins and how pH affects the resulting color has made it possible for modern spray-tan formulations to produce a golden brown color rather than orange.

How DHA Works

DHA reacts with amino acids in dead skin cells of the corneum stratum, the topmost surface of the epidermis, staining the skin cells a golden brown hue over a period of four to eight hours. The living cells deeper in the epidermis are not affected by spray-on tan. So as surface skin cells naturally slough off, a spray-on tan will fade within three to seven days after application. Exfoliating your skin prior to spray-on tan application will help your tan fade evenly instead of becoming splotchy and may make your tan last a couple of days longer. Avoid exfoliating again until you are ready to have your spray-on tan reapplied.

Application

Spray-on tan works best when it is applied artfully for a realistic look. Spray-on tan will tan all skin surfaces, including those that would not tan naturally. So do not apply spray-on tan to areas like the palms of your hands or soles of your feet. Use spray-on tan sparingly on your armpits and on the undersides of your arms, which are not normally exposed to the sun, and also on knees, elbow and ankles, which tan more darkly than other skin. Nail cuticles will also tan darkly if spray-on tanning solution is not washed off immediately and thoroughly.

Color

The color produced by spray-on tan most closely resembles the natural suntan hue of medium-toned skin. People with very fair skin or very dark skin may find that spray-on tan is too yellow for their skin tone. Different brands of spray-on tan produce slightly different hues, so some experimentation may be needed to find the right product for you. Concentrations of DHA in spray-on tan solutions range from 2 to 5 percent. Higher concentrations yield a darker spray-on tan, but people with fair skin will achieve a more even tan by using several applications of low-concentration spray-on tan.

Where to Get Your Spray-on Tan

You can apply spray-on tan at home with aerosol spray tan products or an airbrush spray tan system. You'll achieve best results with practice. Many spray-on tan enthusiasts swear by salon tanning. At a salon you are either automatically sprayed in a booth, or your spray-on tan may be personally sprayed on by a tan technician. Personal application is more expensive but can provide superior results. Whether applying your spray-on tan at home or having it applied in a salon, avoid inhaling the spray tan solution. While DHA is nontoxic on the skin, its effect when consumed or inhaled has not been thoroughly studied.

How Well Does Spray-on Tan Work by blogforbeauty.com