Spray Tanning Information
| Sunless spray tanning has been identified as one of the fastest growing trends in the beauty industry. Studies show over 80% of people want a tanned complexion, and now there’s a healthier option to UV tanning.
A rich, bronze-colored tan can not only be cosmetically flattering, it’s perfect for any skin type. A spray tan can evoke a gorgeous, healthy glow at any time of the year. Sunless spray tanning added to your business is a great way to increase your profits. A sunless spray tan applied by a skilled technician cannot be duplicated by lotions, foams, gels or by an aerosol can. |
| The sunless tanning industry recognizes DHA (Dihydroxyacetone) as the colorless sugar that makes the magic happen in the self tanning process. The active “tanning” ingredient DHA is a simple carbohydrate. It’s often derived from plant sources such as sugar beets and sugar cane. DHA reacts chemically with the amino acid groups, which are part of the protein containing keratin layer on the skin surface, forming a brown color to the skin. This process is called the “Maillard Reaction.” It’s very similar to the reaction that you see when you cut a potato or an apple slice and leave it exposed to the air.
DHA was first discovered by the Germans in the late 1920’s when DHA spilled on the skin, temporarily darkened the skin’s appearance. In the 1970’s the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) added DHA permanently to their list of FDA approved cosmetic ingredients. By the 1980’s new sunless tanning formulations appeared on the market; and refinements in the DHA manufacturing process created products that produced a more natural looking color and better fading. Once sprayed, the client will have an instant bronzed look produced by the bronzer in the solution (unless you’re using a clear solution without a bronzer), and the tan will develop over the next 8-24 hours. After showering, it’s normal for the bronzer to wash away leaving the developed tan. The developed tan can last up to 10 days. This all depends on the skin type, DHA concentration, preparation to the skin prior to spray tan, and after care to the skin as well. The tan gradually fades as the dead skin cells slough off, just as in a normal tan. Different concentrations of DHA are offered and can range from 3% to 12%. A lighter percentage of DHA would be recommended for fair skin, a medium percentage for medium skin tones, and a darker percentage for darker skin tones. |
| DHA (Dihydroxyacetone) in spray tanning solutions has been used safely in the cosmetic industry for over 30 years. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers DHA safe when applied to your skin.
DHA (Dihydroxyacetone) is listed in the The Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act regulations as a color additive for use in imparting color to the human body. DHA is approved for external application to the human body. External application excludes lips or any body surface covered by mucous membranes. In addition, no color additives may be used in cosmetics intended for use in the area of the eye unless the color additive is specifically permitted. Despite the long safety record of DHA and its status as a FDA approved ingredient, it’s only approved for external application. Extra care should be taken informing clients to avoid breathing (hold breath when spraying face) the sunless product during the application process. In addition, extra care should be taken to avoid direct application of the product into the eye area (close eyes when spraying face.) It’s recommended to use a lip balm or other barrier product on the lips and in the nostrils to avoid contact with mucous membranes. A well ventilated spray tanning area is very important. You want a safe workplace. The most important step you can take towards safe ventilation is to invest in an effective air cleaner. Your options for protective technician gear are disposable nose plugs and disposable masks that cover your nose and mouth. As a technician, you’re the most exposed since you’re regularly performing the procedure. It’s our belief that a good air cleaner will largely remove the need for client protection. The Sunless Store offers a commercial extraction fan with a built in filter holder and comes with an Arm & Hammer pleated filter with a recommended MERV rating of 8. Contact dermatitis caused by DHA is rarely reported. Most causes of sensitivity are likely due to other ingredients such as preservatives in the formulation. |
