Fake Tanning

Who doesn't love that wonderful sun-bronzed glow that comes from spending a day at the beach! However, due to more awareness about the dangers of sun exposure, people are choosing spray tanning instead, a great new way to get a fake tan. Read on for more.

Spray tanning

Spray tanning involves the use of chemicals to stain the outer layer of dead skin cells of your body to a desired colour. The 'tan' lasts until the body sheds all the stained skin cells, making the average duration of a good spray tan about 10 days.

Types of spray tans

You can use self-tanning sprays by L'Oreal, Neutrogena and dozens of other brands. You could also go to a spray tanning booth where your body will be misted with spray tanning solution. This is a great option if you want a perfectly uniform tan. If you choose a self-tanning spray, choose the right shade depending on your skin tone (see below) and make sure the product is free from skin irritants and chemical absorbers.

Choosing the right spray tan for your skin tone

It is important to choose your spray tan based on your own skin tone. If you have pale skin, look for light spray tans with 8% DHA. If you have an olive complexion, look for spray tans with higher percentages of DHA. Generally, the darker your skin tone, the more DHA you will need to give you a natural look. Mismatched spray tans will impart an unpleasant orange tan.Spray tan and harmful chemicals

DHA (Dihydroxyacetone) a colourless sugar extract, is the primary chemical in spray tans and it has been approved for external use only by the US FDA. But the dangers of inhaling or ingesting DHA are not fully known. A study that investigated the correlation between spray tanning and cancer found no significant relationship. The US FDA recommends wearing goggles, nose plugs and lip salve when using spray tans. Toxicologists also recommend avoiding spray tans during pregnancy. Check the label of the spray tan container to make sure that it does not contain canthaxanthin which can cause hives, itchiness, nausea and cramps.

Spray tanning tips

• Exfoliate and clean your skin well before applying spray tan.
• Do not moisturise your skin before tanning, but moisturise well afterwards.
• Wait at least five hours before bathing, swimming or exercising.
• Avoid wearing tight clothes for about five hours after tanning.
• Unless your spray tan already contains SPF, remember to wear a good sunscreen before stepping out.

Spray tanning is a great and relatively safer alternative to sun tanning. Experiment with different brands and types of spray tans until you find that perfect sun-kissed glow.