Much has been written about the dangers of tanning and yes, lying in the sun for hours on end with a low SPF will damage your skin and eyesight, not that we need to worry about the sun when we tan. No matter what time of year it is, we can still look tanned, healthy, and trim with sunless systems like spray color.

Different from other apps

Sprays are different from other sunless tanning systems like lotions, gels, and mousses because, aside from the solution, there is no rubbing or any other type of skin contact involved. When done right, the result is a beautiful even color across all sprayed body parts.

what is it made of

The coloring substance used is called dihydroxyacetone or DHA. It is a derivative of cane sugar that colors the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin, by interacting with amino acids in dead cells, and is approved by the FDA. Because the tan is created only in the epidermis, it does not last long, our skin renews itself every 5 to 10 days, the skin cells are replaced by a new layer. So a spray tan will last you about a week if you take good care of it.

where to do it

Spray tans can be done at home, but home jobs with orange stains are best avoided. In a salon there will be two different options: a booth or an airbrush tan. Paint booths are an individual experience, while an airbrush involves a technician. The choice is really a personal preference.

Some of the drawbacks are:

• It is rare but does not happen, some people may have an allergic reaction to DHA. If you are not sure, consult a dermatologist.

• Aerosol can cause breathing problems in people with sensitive lungs and/or respiratory disorders. Therefore, it is recommended to hold your breath for part of the session or use a nasal filter.

• It does not last very long and therefore can be expensive.

On the positive side there are the following positives:

• They are easily accessible throughout the year, even when the sun is not shining!

• There is a wide variety of options available when it comes to shades. However, always test before choosing a final color.

• In sunless tanning products, the spray dries quickly.

• They last longer than lotion or other sunless tans when taken care of well.

• Just make sure you’ve exfoliated! Enjoy your tanning experience and your tan!