When you look at the photos of different politicians and celebrities, you probably wonder how they got a suntan in December. In the past, that beautiful bronze glow was only achievable after spending considerable time in the sun. These days, you get it in a beauty spa in less than 30 minutes. This is the wonder of spray tanning.

What is it?

Spray tanning is simply achieving a tanned look by spraying a compound on the skin. The commonly used compound is Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) which reacts with the skin to achieve a tan or bronze look. This is a temporary effect that lasts 3-7 days.

Spraying is commonly done in 3 ways. There are beauty spas where you walk into a booth and get the tan sprayed on by several nozzles which can spray the entire body. You can also have the spraying done with an air gun (airbrush) which works just like a paint air gun. There are also spray tan bottles that can be used for quick spraying on a small area of the skin.

How safe is it?

DHA has been studied for over 20 years without any findings of harm to human health. However, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that steps should be taken not to inhale the mist.

It should be kept away from mucous membranes in the mouth, nose, and eyes. You should use nose plugs and protective eyewear and shut your mouth very tightly when spraying the face. There are a lot of negative stigmas associated with tanning, but there are a number spray tan benefits that people enjoy year round.

How is it different from other self-tanning methods?

The biggest advantage is obviously the faster time it takes to achieve a tanned look on the whole body as compared to using gels and lotions. Simply step into the booth, and the technician will achieve do the spraying in less than 10 minutes.

Spray tanning dries quicker than gels and creams. You can apply it in a hurry before heading off, and it will not stick to your clothes or other fabrics. Be prepared to pay a little bit extra for spray tanning, as compared to tanning gels and creams.

Where is it done?

If you are starting out in spray tanning, it is best to have it done at a beauty spa with qualified personnel such as the pro’s at California Tan. Different people have different skin tones. These professionals will gauge your skin tone and determine the level of spray tanning needed to achieve the perfect results for you.