What Is Sunless Tanning?

Sunless tanning is a process that produces a tan on the skin without exposure to UV rays. CT Spray Tans involve applying a product to the skin or taking an oral agent. The products can be temporary bronzers or skin-reactive agents. It is also referred to as spray tanning.

Spray Tan

Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is the chemical agent used in sunless tanning products. It is an approved food additive by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). DHA reacts with amino groups in the stratum corneum’s proteins to produce a brownish color. This color change occurs about five to seven days after the initial application. The chemical reaction is not permanent and isn’t a health risk.

Sunless tanning products are generally safe, but people with allergies or skin sensitivities should speak with a health care professional before using one. The most important precaution is to ensure that the solution is applied evenly, as the uneven application can result in uneven color. Users are also advised to dab dry after contact with water to avoid rubbing the product off. Sunless tanners can be smelly and are difficult to disguise with perfume or another scent.

Sunless tanning products contain DHA, an ingredient that interacts with amino acids and proteins in the outer layer of the skin. The reaction takes four to six hours and continues for at least 24 hours. It takes five to seven days to develop into a full-bodied tan, but this highly depends on the person’s natural skin color and the concentration of the active ingredient. However, sunless products do not contain an SPF, unlike traditional tanning methods.

Sunless tanners should not be applied to the palms of the hands. It is best to apply them to the back of the hands. Then, use a wet washcloth to wipe off any excess and blend the color along the sides of the palm. You can also use hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and whitening toothpaste to lighten any dark spots.

While it is important to be careful when using sunless tanning products, FDA-approved formulas reduce the health risks of the process. Always use the product according to the manufacturer’s instructions and ensure that you wear the correct sun protection. It is important to remember that the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPA) does not cover professional products, including spray tanning booths.

There are many different types of sunless tanning products. Some contain bronzers or other cosmetics that create a temporary tan easily removed by washing the skin. Most sunless tanning products do not contain sunscreen; any sunscreen contained in them loses its efficacy within a few hours.

The first sunless tanning product was introduced in the 1960s. This product was called QT and produced an orange color when applied to the skin. Since then, sunless tanners have been produced as self-tanners, bronzers, and tanning pills. Today, people can use sunless tanning products to achieve a bronze or dark tan.

There are also several types of sunless tanners that are fast-acting. These products contain DHA, a chemical added to sunless tanning lotion to produce a tan. These products can give you a bronze glow within two to three hours.

The application method is the main difference between airbrush tanning and traditional spray tanning. Airbrush tanning is applied by an expert with special airbrush equipment, while spray tans are performed using a tanning booth with nozzles. Neither type of tanning offers the same level of customization. An airbrush technician can mix different pigments and dyes in the tanning solution to create a more custom-tailored color for you.

Airbrush tanning is not a permanent solution and requires regular maintenance to keep it looking as good as the day it was applied. After a session, the color should last between five and seven days.