- The color of your skin is determined by the appearance of your skin cells. Spray tanning products contain a chemical that changes the color, staining the dead skin cells that exist in the outer layer of skin and making them appear tanned. The color lasts until all the dead cells are shed from yor body, which typically takes between a few days and a full week. Exfoliating or washing your skin vigorously may cause the skin cells to shed faster, shortening the life of the spray tan.
- Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is the chemical most commonly used in spray tanning solutions. Dihydroxyacetone is approved for external application to the body for the purpose of "coloring" the body. Color addititives, including dihydroxyacetone, may contain one to three dihydroxy additives and two propanone additives or color mixtures.
- The chemical addictive, DHA, is regulated by the FDA and has been approved for use as a spray tanning solution since 1977. Certain state cosmetology boards also regulate the use of DHA.
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The FDA cautions that the side effects and risks of ingesting or inhaling DHA are unknown. The FDA also cautions that neither the eye nor any mucous membranes should be exposed to DHA.
A study by the National Toxicology Program suggests that information on the risks of dihydroxyacetone is, as yet, unclear. The study points out that DHA may be a mutagen that could induce breaks in DNA strands, but that it is also a carbohydrate metabolized by plants and animals. The same report also stated that DHA, when applied to the skin of mice, had no carcinogenic effect. - When using spray tanners, the FDA suggests taking certain precautions. These precautions are intended to avoid exposure of DHA to mucus membranes and the eyes, and to avoid inhaling DHA. Specific suggested precautions include wearing goggles, a nose plug, an air plug, and lip balm.
