Spray Tan Safety Information and Tips

Spray tans have become increasingly popular because of concerns with tanning beds, and harmful effects of natural sun. With spray tans the risk of skin cancer is eliminated, as a person is not required to bake in the harmful rays for hours. Even though spray tans are safe most consumers are not sure when or how they can be used. Can you use spray tans every day? Are spray tan applications safe for everyone? Can you spray tan while pregnant? All of those are valid questions and the answer is that spray tans are safe, and are not made out of harmful chemicals.

A good tan can be achieved in a professional salon or at home, with so many product choices available. Spray tans are all the rage with celebrities, especially before big premiers and red carpet events. Lucky for us common folks, we can have sexy, celebrity inspired spray tans even if we live thousands of miles away from Hollywood. What exactly is in a spray tan and how can you achieve a sexy tan?

What exactly is in a spray tan?
Spray tanners are made from a chemical called dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which is a simple carbohydrate. DHA is a non-toxic sugar substance that has been FDA (Federal Drug Administration) approved since 1977. Bronzers and moisturizers are added into the solution. The coloring initially comes from bronzers, until DHA has time to react with skin and gradually darkens dead skin cells. Showering right after a spray session is not recommended, it takes eight hours for a spray tan to fully set in and for DHA to finish it's chemical reaction with skin cells. Some users find DHA chemical reaction to have a strong odor, which is considered normal. Newer spray tan solutions, and those available for home purchase, come with fragrances added to help mask the unpleasant tan smell. During the application, DHA tanning solution is sprayed on the skin and allowed to set in. It is best done in layers, to avoid streaks and any mistakes. Streaks can easily be wiped off with water and a washcloth, then a layer of spray can be applied to cover up the spot.

Professional spray tan application
At a professional spray tan salon a customer may be asked to wear clothing, specifically a bikini. Men will always be asked to wear underwear or boxer briefs during their sessions. Some tanning salons are okay with women getting a spray tan completely nude. Women can wear strapless bathing suit tops to avoid visible tan lines. It is recommended to wear loose fitting clothing during a professional session, and no jeans. This way the tanning solution DHA will not rub off while it is attaching itself to the dead skin cells and taking effect. Professional spray tan applications dry quicker than home solutions, therefore it allows customers to dress much quickly after sessions. To get the most out of your professional session keep your arms and legs spread, so the salon staff can apply DHA solution in all the spots including armpits and skin folds. At home, you can be completely naked while applying a spray tan solution. This makes home applications very popular, especially when you can avoid embarrassing tan lines.

Spray tan safety concerns
While the FDA allows DHA to be "externally applied" for skin coloring, the agency warns against inhalation or ingestion of the chemical. The reason for this warning is due to lack of research and studies, and unknown health risks that the chemical can pose if used internally. DHA should not be inhaled, ingested, or exposed to areas covered by mucous membranes including the lips, nose, and areas in and around the eye (from the top of the cheek to above the eyebrow), warns the Food and Drug Administration. To prevent this from happening, professional tanning salons offer nose and ears plugs, and goggles to be worn during the application process. Customers are also asked to keep their mouths closed. The FDA recommends looking for another tanning salon if you are not offered safety equipment. You are also welcome to bring your own goggles, which need to fit rightly around your eyes and not be cracked. The safety equipment can be taken off once the machine has stopped spraying, and the air has settled.

Does a spray tan make you look orange?
A big customer concern with spray tan applications is that they will look orange or that the tan will look completely fake. The good news is that the technology of DHA and spray tan solutions has improved, and that new products have less tinting that causes skin to resemble a carrot. Bronzing and coloring is necessary, therefore it cannot be completely removed from tan products. However, the excess color washes off after DHA has taken full effect. Also, professional spray tan salons have varying degrees or tan levels to choose from. For the first session you can choose the lowest tan level available to see how skin will react and how the tan will appear. The tanning solution is also applied in layers, so you can choose to stop once a desired color is achieved. Home product quality has also improved. The newer home tanning solutions cause less streaking, and appear more even. They too are able to look natural and tan like, and not so "orange" in appearance.

Spray tanning while pregnant
DHA interacts only with the first layer of skin, therefore it does not penetrate into the bloodstream. This makes spray tans safe to use during pregnancy, as long as it is applied to the skin only. Indoor tanning, specifically tanning in a bed, is not recommended for pregnant women due to the risk of overheating. Spray tan and self-tanners are a great alternative to indoor tanning, especially for expecting mothers looking for a self-esteem booster during the summer season. Spray tans however contain no sunscreen, making it necessary for pregnant women to apply a coat of sunscreen to all exposed skin at least 30 minutes before going outdoors. Skin cancer is still a risk if you do not use sunscreen when going outdoors. Melanoma, a deadly type of skin cancer, is the only type of cancer that spreads to the placenta, which could be disastrous for both you and your baby. Pregnant women choosing to have a spray tan done professionally should follow the same guidelines to protect themselves against inhaling the tanning spray through nose or mouth.

Spray tanning at home or a professional salon?
The biggest disadvantage of a professional spray tan is the cost. However, due to the popularity of spray tans, more competition is available as well as reasonable and affordable rates. The home application is popular because you pay for one product that can be used several times. The spray tan or canned solutions for home use can be purchased at any store, including super markets. Quality of these products is not compromised, and they can be applied in the privacy of your own home. The convenience of home spray tans is that it can be done when you have time, without the need to setup appointments. However, certain areas of the body are not easily reached, such as the back. This makes professional applications quicker and hassle free, as all areas of the body can be covered without having to miss spots.

A spray tan can last up to a week, although this figure is affected by activities and skin condition. Sweating will wear off DHA, as well as frequent showering or rubbing skin with a washcloth. The DHA is attached to dead skin cells which fall off on their own, or are removed as a result of washing or rubbing of the skin. Chlorine and hot water also affect tanning solutions, it is not recommended to be exposed to pool water often if you wish for the tan to last. It is recommended to prepare your skin for the tanning solution by exfoliating and showering. Purchase an inexpensive exfoliating body scrub or a body wash with microbeads. Rub all areas of the skin that will have a spray tan applied, and fully dry skin after showering. Do not apply lotions or makeup, these products will prevent DHA from accessing the skin cells. A spray tan is easily removed with warm water in case of streaking or if you would like to remove any remaining traces of it. Simply run a washcloth through warm water and rub your skin until all of the solution is removed. You can use a body wash during this removal process.

Sources:
Is It Safe to Use Self-Tanning Lotions or Tanning Beds During Pregnancy?
How to Get a Fabulous Summer Spray Tan
Sunless Tanning Sprays and Lotions