Are Spray Tans Safe? Everything You Need to Know

Spray tanning is an easy way to maintain a beautiful, glowing tan. Sunless tanning products are generally considered safe alternatives to sun tanning. But with so many sunless tanning options out there, how do you know what’s best for your skin?

 Are spray tans really safe to use? Here’s what you should know about how a spray tan works, the differences between a spray tan vs. a tanning bed, and the benefits of using a spray tan as your safe alternative to sun tanning.

How Does a Spray Tan Work?

The most effective spray tanning products contain dihydroxyacetone, or DHA, a carbohydrate derived from glycerin or other plant sources such as sugar cane. Although it’s colorless, DHA has a way of interacting with the amino acids naturally found in your skin cells to make your skin become darker. The more DHA that you apply to your skin when you spray tan, the darker your skin becomes. Approved by the FDA, DHA is a common ingredient in spray tan formulas and is safe for external use on your skin.

Spray Tans vs. Tanning Beds

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New studies have shown that tanning beds do offer some benefits vs. sunless tanning. In addition to giving you a nice bronze, modest exposure UV rays from tanning beds may improve blood flow, reduce depression, and produce vitamin D that supports bone strength.

When choosing between spray tans vs. tanning beds, keep in mind the risks of UV exposure. Although there are a few advantages to using a tanning bed, spray tanning is a much safer alternative that removes the risks. While spray tanning has no known side effects, studies have found that tanning beds can lead to health issues by exposure to harmful UV rays, which can cause premature aging, wrinkles, and skin cancer.

Spray Tans vs. Real Tans

Spray tanning is a much safer option to achieve a natural-looking glow. Laying out in the sun can only be harmful, with excessive exposure to UV rays that can damage your skin cells and severe burns, which increases your risk for skin cancer. The Skin Cancer Foundation and the American Cancer Society both recommend spray tanning as the safer alternative to sun tanning.

With customize tanning solutions, you can get the tan you want without exposing your skin to UV rays that can damage your skin. Many tanning salons offer customized spray tanning solutions with skin-enhancing ingredients that will make your skin healthier too. 

What Are the Benefits of Spray Tans?

Spray tans are a quick and safe way to add instant, natural-looking color to your skin. With custom spray tans formulated for your unique skin tone, you can achieve that exact glow you desire with these top benefits:

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1. Healthier for your skin

Your safe alternative to sun tanning, spray tans give you that instant glow without any dangerous sun exposure. Tanning beds and sun tanning expose you to harmful UV rays, causing premature aging, sunspots, and even skin cancer. The spray tan ingredients are FDA-approved, with customized formulas that make your skin look and feel great.

2. Customizable formulas

The best spray tanning salons offer custom-crafted solutions for your skin tone to create that perfect glow.  With one-of-a-kind formulas infused with skin-enhancing ingredients, such as antioxidants and herbal extracts, you can leave the salon with a custom tan that works beautifully with your skin. 

3. Quick and simple

The quickest way to achieve a healthy glow, spray tans give you a customized tan with instant results. With a spray tan, you can get long-lasting color in minutes versus the hours that you would spend in the sun or at a tanning bed. You can save time and achieve safe tan by using a spray tan instead.

4. Flawless even tan

A customized spray tan gives you an even application over your entire body. You won’t have to worry about streaks or an uneven tan, with personalized results that give you an instant, full-body tan. Knowing tips for removing a spray tan before reapplying can ensure an even tan every time.

5. Makes you feel great

With flawless-looking skin, you’ll look and feel amazing. The bronzing powers of spray tanning can enhance your skin’s appearance, help you look more toned, and hide cellulite and other blemishes, so you feel more radiant from head to toe.

6. Long-lasting results

With proper spray tan care, your color can last for up to 12 days. Whether you have upcoming event or just what to maintain that year-round tan, you’ll be able to achieve a healthy glow that works with your lifestyle.

Are Spray Tans Bad for You?

The ingredients in most spray tan formulas are FDA-approved and do not have any known adverse side effects. When used appropriately, the DHA in a spray tan solution is considered safe. While the FDA allows DHA to be externally applied for spray tans, improper use may have unknown risks. The FDA advises that you avoid inhaling DHA and cover areas around your eyes or lips when spray tanning.

Most sunless tanning sprays and lotions do not contain sunscreen and won’t protect you from exposure to UV rays when you go outdoors. Follow these spray-tan tips and make sure you apply sunscreen 30 minutes before you go outside.

Can You Spray Tan While You Are Pregnant?

Before getting a spray tan while pregnant, you should always consult your doctor first especially in your first trimester. Even with a doctor’s approval, you should do a small test patch on your skin, which may become more sensitive during pregnancy. Seek medical guidance about what products are safer for use on your skin during your pregnancy.

Although the ingredients in spray tans are FDA-approved, you should cover your mouth and eye areas if you are pregnant since the risks of inhaling DHA are unknown. Make sure you ask your salon what ingredients are in their spray-tanning formulas to minimize any risks.

Ready for That Healthy Glow?

At Be Bronze Studio, we believe that beautiful skin starts with exceptional skincare. Your safe alternative to sun tanning, our custom spray tans help you achieve a healthy glow without the risks. Sourced exclusively from FDA-approved facilities, our custom formulas are infused with pure-grade, French-imported EcoCert DHA, loaded with skin-perfecting ingredients, to support and nourish your skin.

Ready to Get Glowing?