Spray tanning is a good alternative to tanning in the sun or in tanning beds. It is especially good for some people who don’t want to or cannot be exposed to the sun. Spray tanning is offered at many tanning salons or other spas/salons. Check around in your area and I’m sure you will be able to find a place that does spray tanning. Here are a few commonly asked questions about spray tanning.

What is DHA?

DHA is the main ingredient that makes your skin the brown color.Dihydroxycetone (DHA) is a derivative of certain plant sources, mainly sugar cane. In other words, it is not a spray paint, dye, or any of the other things that you hear rumors about.

DHA was first discovered in the 1920s after doctors realized that it had the ability to turn patient’s skin brown. It was discovered by accident, because it was routinely spilled on patients and staff who noted that it would turn their skin brown during medical procedures.

Is DHA safe?

The answer is yes. DHA was approved by the FDA as a permanent ingredient on their list of approved cosmetic ingredients in the 1970s. They approved DHA for topical application to the skin, as the research has proven that the coloring effect of DHA is a reaction with the amino acids in the serface layer of the skin. The skin reacts to contact with DHA by producing a brown color that resembles a suntan. The coloring effect of DHA on the skin has not been proven to be harmful in any way, on either a temporary or permanent basis. DHA-based sunless tanners have been recommended by the American Cancer Society, the American Medical Association, and the American Academy of Dermatology.

Will it make my skin orange?

Though DHA got off to a rough start decades ago with the interdiction of certain sunless tanning lotions, which produced strange odors and orange like color results, the technology of sunless tanning has come along way. Today, sunless tanners produce beautiful, natural looking tans that are uniform in color and lack the odor once associated with sunless tanning.

What should I wear during my spray tanning session?

During your tanning session, you should wear dark-colored undergarments, a bikini, or disposables so that the clothing that you are wearing is not stained by the color guard (or bronzer) that is present during the first stage of the tan.

How long will the tan last?

Your tan will last anywhere from 5-10 days. The DHA reation will wear off as the upper layer of suface skin wears off. This happens at varying rates for different people, as everyone has different lifestyles, skin conditions, climates, and products that come in ontact with their skin.