Everything You Need to Know About Safe At-Home Spray Tans

Understanding Spray Tans and At-Home Tanning

With warmer weather approaching, many people look to get a sun-kissed glow without exposing their skin to harmful UV rays. This has led to an increase in popularity of self-tanning products that can provide color while being safer than tanning beds or laying out in the sun. One of the most popular methods is through spray tanning, which can now even be done in the comfort of your own home.

How Do Spray Tans Work?

Spray tans provide color through an active ingredient called dihydroxyacetone (DHA). When DHA is applied to the skin, it interacts with dead skin cells on the surface and causes a color change that resembles a tan. The color tends to develop over 4-8 hours after application and lasts around 5-10 days as the skin naturally sheds dead cells.

Most professional spray tans are done at salons with specialized equipment and trained technicians. However, there are now convenient at-home kits that allow you to get a spray tan in your own bathroom. At-home kits contain DHA bronzers that can be sprayed directly on the skin with an airbrush device or mousse formula that is manually applied with a mitt.

Are Spray Tans Safe?

The American Academy of Dermatology considers DHA safe and approves of spray tans when done properly. Because DHA interacts only with dead skin cells, it does not penetrate deep into living skin tissue like UV rays can.

However, there are some precautions to take with spray tanning:

• Protect mucous membranes around eyes, nose, and mouth to avoid irritation
• Exfoliate skin and shave/wax before spray tanning for an even application
• Go to a reputable salon with trained technicians if getting a professional spray tan
• Carefully follow all instructions if using an at-home spray kit
• Avoid inhaling or ingesting DHA formulas

While rare, some people may experience allergic reactions to DHA or other ingredients commonly found in spray tan solutions. Do a patch test before full application.

At-Home Spray Tanning Tips

If you choose to go the DIY route, you can absolutely get a great bronze glow with at-home spray tans. Here are some tips:

Prepare Your Skin

Exfoliate skin at least 24 hours prior to your tan to remove any dry skin or residue. Shaving and waxing should also be done 24 hours before. On the day of, cleanse skin so its free of oils, perfumes, and buildup that can create a barrier.

Protect Sensitive Areas

Use petroleum jelly around eyebrows, hairline, nails, cuticles, and dry areas like knees, elbows and knuckles to prevent uneven absorption. Also wear gloves and nose filters when applying.

Apply in Layers

Mist spray tan solution over your entire body in layers, allowing each light coat to dry between applications. This will prevent drips while building customizable color. Get those hard to reach spots by spraying the solution on your mitt first.

Even It Out

Use polishing paper or an exfoliating wipe 6-12 hours after initial application to gently buff away any potential streaks or uneven tone for a seamless glow.

Moisturize Daily

Hydrating daily maintains your tan by encouraging exfoliation from the inside out. Choose moisturizers with antioxidants and glycolic or lactic acids to further prolong your tan.

Let It Fade Naturally

Allow your self-tan to fade naturally rather than trying to scrub it away prematurely which can cause patchiness. Gradual exfoliation over 10-14 days will guide the tans fade.

Other Self-Tanning Options

While spray tans are incredibly popular for their instant gratification, seamless application and customizable results, they arent the only sunless tanning option. Here are a few others to consider:

Self-Tanning Lotions and Creams

Self-tanners allow you to manually apply DHA bronzers evenly over the skin. Available in a range of shades and undertones, lotions and creams tend to require more effort to apply but last longer than many spray options.

Tanning Wipes

Single use tanning wipes offer targeted application for areas like your face, hands and body. Some contain instant bronzers that wash off after one use while others providelonger-term, deeper color development akin to other self-tanners.

Tanning Drops

Ingestible tanning drops allow you to tan from the inside out by delivering a color additive derived from sugar beets to be dispersed throughout the skin. They require consistent use for about a week but provide long-lasting color that fades evenly.

Tinted Self-Tanners

Instant self-tanning lotions utilize tint technology to provide immediate color payoff that develops deeper over 24-48 hours. These are great last minute options before events.

Achieving a Healthy-Looking Glow

Spray tans and self-tanners allow you to build customized color while avoiding UV damage from the sun. As long as you follow safety precautions and application directions, these products offer a safe, effective glow.

When administered properly in a professional salon or carefully applied yourself at home, you can enjoy sun-kissed color just in time for your next vacation or big event.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.