Spray tanning is one of the many ways to achieve such results for anyone who wishes to make their skin less pale and more tan. This article will show the benefits and risks of spray tanning and see whether or not this is for you.
What is spray tanning?
For those who are unaware, spray tanning involves coating yourself with tanning spray. It is a form of self-tanning that does not require going outside and lying under the sun. Spray tan prices vary from product to product, and their effects on the skin also vary.
Why do people prefer it?
There are a couple of reasons why people prefer spray tanning over sun tanning.
Not bound by peak hours
The downside to sun tanning is that you need to be attentive to the sun’s peak hours. To protect yourself from harsh UV light, you must stay out of the sun from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. These are the hours when the sun’s rays emit the strongest UV light.
The issue could lie in the possibility that you might not be free to tan early in the morning or late in the afternoon. You might be busy doing something else during that time. Either that or your only free time happens to be peak hours.
Another issue is the chances of rain on that particular day. There’s no chance of being able to tan with cloudy skies and rain pouring down.
With indoor tanning, well, you’re indoors. There’s no need to worry about peak hours or the offset chance of rain since you’ll be tanning under the roof of the tanning salon.
This makes the option all the more flexible for people, making it possible to work around their schedule and not on the sun’s rays.
Fits all skin types
Another complication with tanning is that it’s not so much of a one-size-fits-all approach. What does this mean? Well, everyone has different skin types and tones. This will have different effects depending on your tone and type.
For example, people with darker skin tones will have an easier time tanning than those with lighter skin tones. People with lighter skin tones may need more sessions to get their base tan before wanting to deepen the base tan. That’s not even mentioning skin types. There might be people who are more prone to skin burning than others. One perk to spray tanning is that they come in different tanning sprays for different skin tones.
Quick and effective
Spray tanning does not take that much time to dry. Your tan is all set and good to go in just a few minutes after a session.
Note: Don’t go showering immediately or do any activity that will make you sweat.
But also, isn’t it fake? Yep, but it won’t look fake at all when done right. Spray tans are made to pass up as the real thing. With enough preparation and care, your tan will be glowing and smooth as if you went sun tanning.
Risks
Such a convenient and effective tanning method should be foolproof, right? Well, not really. Even with the benefits it brings to many people, it also has its risks. The act of tanning already has risks, and indoor spray tanning is no different.
Streaks and stains
This is the first risk to come to mind since it’s the least harmful. This is more of a troublesome disadvantage that might bug you. Tanning spray can be sticky at times and may land on the palm of your hands and the bottom of your feet. Not only will this break the illusion of your tan looking real, but it can also leave a big mess.
DHA and skin effects
Now we’ll move into the more negative effects of spray tanning. Spray tans are chemically made. The main ingredient of tanning sprays is dihydroxyacetone or DHA.
DHA triggers amino acids that, in turn, create melanin. Melanin is what protects our skin from the harsh effects of the sun. The result of melanin production is the darkening of the skin.
DHA is considered a safe ingredient in tanning spray. However, it is important to consider that everyone’s skin is different.
DHA can lead to skin dehydration, irritation, and inflammation, especially for those with sensitive skin. Conducting a patch test before using a tanning spray is always ideal. See the effects on a small area of the skin. Determine the safety and effectiveness of the spray from there.
Inhalation
This is where DHA brings health problems. Inhaling DHA can lead to breathing problems and can be detrimental to those with asthma. Prolonged exposure to tanning sprays can cause you to inhale some DHA, making it more likely for the chemical to reach your lungs.
If you suffer from asthma, it is best to avoid tanning sprays. If not, you should be more aware of this risk and minimize the chance of it entering your lungs as much as possible. The best way to mitigate inhalation of DHA is to wear tanning goggles and a face mask to protect your face from the mist entering your body.
Ventilation is another good solution to prevent DHA from being trapped inside the tanning salon, making it less likely for you to inhale the chemical.
So who is this for?
Despite all the risks present, who is this for? If you are someone who doesn’t have time to go tanning before or after the sun’s peak hours, then this method is for you. If you don’t have asthma or are more prepared to protect yourself from inhaling DHA, this is for you.
This is also for people who don’t have much of an issue regarding skin irritation. Even so, conduct a patch test to see if the tanning spray you use won’t cause complications to your skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should you do after the tanning session?
It will take some time for the tanning spray to take effect. Wear loose clothing and wait for a few hours before showering.
What should you not do after the tanning session?
Avoid any activity that will lead to perspiration. Do not wear make-up or deodorant since those can block the absorption process.
How many days does a tanning spray last?
Tanning spray effects last for around seven to ten days. Lighter tans fade out quicker, so keep that in mind.
Conclusion
Tanning sprays have become a hit with many people who wish for a more convenient tanning method. It offers both benefits and risks that you should be aware of.
Hope this informs you to see whether or not this form of tanning is for you.