Is Spray Tanning Safe?

I still remember the excitement I felt when I first discovered spray tanning. Finally, no need to worry about harmful UV rays – I could achieve a beautiful tan right from a bottle. In my early twenties, I was a bit reckless, but as time went on, I learned to thoroughly research trends before diving in.

Honestly, I stopped using spray tans for purely cosmetic reasons. One day, I saw a picture of myself with that dreaded orange tint – I looked more like a piece of citrus than the glowing beauty I thought I’d become. Now, I prefer getting sun in a healthier way and embracing the natural benefits of it. But is spray tanning truly safe? What triggers the color change in our skin?

The Mayo Clinic states that the primary ingredient in most sunless tanning products, including sprays and lotions, is dihydroxyacetone (DHA). DHA interacts with the top layer of your skin, producing a darker hue. Once this skin layer sheds, usually within a week to ten days, the tan fades away.

As reported by MedicineNet, DHA has been recognized by the FDA since 1973 and has been a staple in cosmetics for over three decades. However, it’s important to note that DHA is only for external use. This means it should never be ingested. When using spray tanning booths, be sure to close your eyes, mouth, and ears to avoid inhaling it. For a more controlled application, it's best to have a professional spray it on you. If you're feeling cautious, you can always apply it yourself with one of these completely safe tanning lotions. Remember, sunless tanning products do not provide protection from UV rays.

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