What Goes Behind Sunless Tanning?

Salons today already offer a wide variety of services aside from the usual haircut, mani and pedi. One of the services that are popular among many patrons is spray tanning. It eliminates the need to spend long hours under the sun to get that perfect and even tan. Spray tanning can cover every groove and curve of your body.

But what really goes behind this treatment?
What chemicals are used?
Is it really safe?
How is it better than other tanning measures?

So what really goes behind the procedure?

It is really simple because after the right shade is chosen, the salon assistant will prepare it for you and all you have to do is to undress and stand inside the tanning booth. A machine or an assistant will apply this all over your body. This will just take a couple of minutes, and you are good to go. You just have to let the color set for a couple of hours before getting a shower.

The solution used in spray tanning is includes those that are DHA-based, Tyrosine-based, and temporary bronzers.

DHA-based spray tans are the most commonly used in salons today and this is because the most effective tanning products contain dihydroxyacteone (DHA) as its active ingredient.  DHA is a colorless chemical that actually reacts to the dead skin cells on the surface layer resulting to a brown color. Since our skin normally shed every day, the tan can last about five to seven days.

There are also tyrosine-based spray tans which are more known to be tanning accelerators. Tyrosine is an amino acid that is said to stimulate and increase the formation of melanin on the skin. This results to a darker skin tone.

Temporary bronzers on the other hand come in either gel, spray, powders, mousse, lotions or creams. These can actually create a perfect tanning solution but, just like putting on foundation or make-up, these can simply be removed with soap and water. These are only perfect for tans that you want to keep for a couple of hours. The products today are already formulated to withstand sweat and some water resistance.

A lot of clients are also wary about the safety of the solution. DHA in particular poses no particular threat especially since it approved by the FDA approval.  But it is strongly specified that DHA is only for external use. And according to the Code of Federal Regulations, it means that it should only be used on external parts of the body and not on those that are covered with mucous membranes, and this includes the lips.

So when spray tanning is going on, you can ensure that you avoid this chemical from getting into your body by tightly closing your eyes, mouth and covering your ears.

Spray tans are considered by many to be better than other tanning procedures because it does not involve the exposure of UV rays. Tanning beds and afternoons on the beach not only give your skin that summer glow, but it also exposes it to premature aging. Although it only lasts a few days, the results are certainly worth it because it creates a thorough and even outcome.