Are Spray Tans Bad for Your Skin?

Are Spray Tans Bad for Your Skin?

Spray tans are an easy way to get a sun-kissed shade without exposing yourself to harmful UV rays. Promoters praise their ability to provide a quick tint with little effort. However, concerns remain about the possible negative effects on the skin. We look at both sides of the discussion and go over the disadvantages and advantages of tanning for your skin.

Positive young woman applying sunscreen lotion

5 Reasons Why Spray Tanning Is Bad For Your Skin

  1. DHA Exposure: Most spray tans contain dihydroxyacetone (DHA), as it reacts with acids in the dead skin cells to create a darker shade. Though DHA is seen to be safe to apply, inhaling and consuming this can be harmful.
  • Allergic Reactions: Some people can be allergic or sensitive to certain products in spray tan solutions, causing skin irritation, redness, and rashes. This is why it is advised to test a part of your skin to see if you may be sensitive.
  • Dryness: Liquid tans can sometimes dry out the skin, mostly the products that have alcohol or other drying ingredients. This can cause already dry skin to worsen, resulting in flakiness and irritation.
  • UV Radiation: Spray tans do provide a darker skin tone without any exposure to UV rays, but some people mistakenly believe that these tans also protect from UV radiation. This is completely untrue, and it causes people to leave without sunscreen, damaging their skin.
  • Uneven Application: Improper application of this solution can cause uneven color balances. Streaks or unusual patterns. This causes dissatisfaction and a potential chance of skin irritation.
Beautiful young woman in black bikini applying sun block cream on the tanned body.

4 Benefits of Spray Tanning for your skin

  1. Zero Sun Damage: Using a spray tan can help you gain a darker skin color without actually being exposed to harmful UV rays. These rays cause multiple skin problems like sunburn, wrinkles, and the risk of skin cancer

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  • Moisturizing: Most liquid tans contain ingredients like aloe vera and glycerin that promote skin health and nourish the skin. This is helpful for those with sensitive skin
  • Hides Flaws: These tans can be like temporary concealers, hiding blemishes, scars, and uneven skin tones. This solution darkens the skin, making the scars and blemishes all fade away.
  • Reduces Fine Lines/ Wrinkles: A tan can make your skin seem smoother but evening out the shade and decreasing fine lines and wrinkles. This may be temporary, but it makes your skin look more young and glowy.
Woman sitting on chair front view

In the end, the decision is totally up to the customer or user. In our opinion, spray tanning should be seen as a threat to skincare, but everyone has their own opinion. This tan causes multiple possible chances of irritating the skin, but on the other hand, it can also moisturize. This leaves multiple people confused on which to choose so that is why we hope this article was some help to you!

Vertical shot of a blonde woman in a swimsuit
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